WWE Hall of Fame inductee, Sgt. Slaughter, has recently stated that he will cease all mentions of his supposed combat years in Vietnam, given the revelation that he did not actually partake in those events.
Despite the absence of military service on his records, Slaughter has notoriously shared tales throughout his wrestling and subsequent years regarding his alleged tenure as a U.S. Marine, with specific reference to his role as a drill instructor.
WWE itself has previously incorporated Slaughter in their list of wrestling superstars who have genuine background of service in the military. This list includes known veterans such as ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James and Perry Saturn.
While featuring in the “A&E Biography”, Slaughter confessed to not having served in the military and justified his previous false claims as actions taken to safeguard his public persona. He quoted,
“I was told by Vince McMahon, Sr. that when I became a Marine that I should act like a Marine, be a Marine. That’s the only way that people are gonna believe you… When I did that show in New York City, I wasn’t Bob Remus. That was Sgt. Slaughter talking.”
Iraq war veteran and fellow WWE star, Road Dogg, shared his thoughts stating that despite the lack of military service, Slaughter remains a national hero. His opinion was,
“Look, Sgt. Slaughter came from a different time and a different era. He was so committed to that character.”
Slaughter later expressed his apologies to anyone who might have felt hurt or deceived and vowed to stop spreading his fabricated background. His statement was,
“If someone got offended by that, I apologize. You’ll never hear it out of my mouth again. I don’t mention Vietnam anymore. I was told that was part of my character so I portrayed that character. I can’t tell you how many men and women come up to me and tell me that they served in the military because of me. Sgt. Slaughter is America. People come up and want my autograph? That’s an honor.”