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Dick Slater

Richard Van Slater (May 19, 1951 – October 18, 2018), better known by the ring name "Dirty" Dick Slater, was an American professional wrestler renowned for his rugged, unpredictable style in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territories during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Albany, New York, Slater was raised in Tampa, Florida, where he grew up in a wrestling hotbed alongside future superstar Hulk Hogan and initially pursued amateur wrestling and college football at the University of Tampa, where he played alongside Paul Orndorff and John Matuszak. After transitioning to professional wrestling, he trained under Hiro Matsuda, Jack Brisco, and Eddie Graham, making his debut on May 8, 1972, in Florida Championship Wrestling. Throughout his career, Slater competed across more than 30 promotions, including Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and All Japan Pro Wrestling, earning the moniker "Mr. Unpredictable" from promoter Jim Barnett for his wild persona and real-life toughness. Slater's achievements included winning the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship four times starting in 1972, the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, and the WCW World Tag Team Championship with Bunkhouse Buck in 1995, amassing over 40 titles in total. He formed notable tag teams with partners like Bob Orton Jr., Dusty Rhodes, and Johnny Weaver, and engaged in high-profile feuds, including rivalries with Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Sting, and Ric Flair as part of the J-Tex Corporation stable managed by Gary Hart. In the WWF from 1986 to 1987, he wrestled as a midcarder and jobber under the nickname "The Rebel," while his WCW tenure in the early 1990s featured the "Hardliners" team with Dick Murdoch. His career ended in 1996 due to a severe back injury at age 45, after which he made cameo appearances in films like Rocky V and Baywatch. Beyond the ring, Slater's life was marked by personal challenges, including struggles with painkiller addiction stemming from his physically demanding career and a 1983 incident where he was accidentally shot in the leg by fellow wrestler but returned to action in three weeks. He was previously married to wrestler and faced legal troubles, notably a 2003 arrest for stabbing his ex-girlfriend Theresa Halbert, leading to a 2004 conviction for with a sentence of and . Slater passed away on October 18, 2018, at age 67, with the cause of death not publicly disclosed; he was remembered as a symbol of the gritty, territorial era of .

Early years

Early life

Richard Van Slater, known professionally as Dick Slater, was born on May 19, 1951, in Albany, New York. He was one of seven children in his family. At the age of nine, Slater moved with his mother from Ravena, New York, to Tampa, Florida, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. Growing up in Tampa, Slater was immersed in Florida's vibrant local sports culture but showed little initial interest in professional wrestling. Instead, his early experiences revolved around the athletic environment of the region, which emphasized competitive activities like and . Slater attended Robinson High School in Tampa, , graduating from the institution. He later enrolled at the , where he continued his involvement in sports.

Amateur background

Richard Van Slater, professionally known as Dick Slater, began his athletic journey at Robinson High School in , where he actively participated in both and . These sports provided an early foundation for his physical prowess, with wrestling emphasizing techniques and endurance while football developed his strength and competitive drive. Alongside classmate Mike Graham, who later became a professional wrestler, Slater trained rigorously, building the toughness that characterized his later endeavors. Slater continued his dual-sport pursuits at the , balancing football practices in the afternoons with wrestling sessions at night. As a football player, he shared the field with future professional wrestlers and standout , fostering a highly competitive atmosphere that honed his resilience and physical conditioning. A notable off-field incident during this time involved a bar confrontation with the much larger Matuszak, whom Slater reportedly subdued, reinforcing his confidence in facing physically imposing opponents and underscoring the discipline gained from his amateur experiences.

Professional wrestling career

Early territorial career (1972–1983)

Slater made his professional wrestling debut on May 8, 1972, in , following training under , , and at the Tampa Sportatorium. His early matches in the promotion showcased a blend of technical prowess derived from his background and a rugged brawling style that quickly earned him regional attention. During this period, Slater adopted the "" persona, characterized by gritty, hard-hitting tactics that emphasized his no-holds-barred approach in the ring. In late 1972, Slater transitioned to Georgia Championship Wrestling, where he became a mainstay through 1983, engaging in high-profile storylines that highlighted the territory's intense regional style. One of his most notable rivalries unfolded in 1977 against Mr. Wrestling II, featuring brutal, bloody encounters that drew significant crowds to venues like the Omni in Atlanta and solidified Slater's reputation for violent, unyielding performances. He also participated in prominent tag team runs, notably partnering with Bob Orton Jr. under booker Gary Hart, which allowed him to explore dynamic singles and team-based narratives within the promotion. Slater's character evolved during his Georgia tenure from an initial babyface role to a dominant , incorporating heel tactics such as the use of foreign objects like chains and eye pokes to provoke audiences and escalate feuds. This shift amplified his brawling persona, making him a polarizing figure known for drawing "hardway" blood in matches and adapting seamlessly between alignments while maintaining a consistent aggressive . His work in these territories established him as a versatile performer, contributing to his growing popularity in the system through singles pushes and collaborative angles that emphasized territorial storytelling.

Mid-Atlantic and Mid-South career (1983–1986)

In 1983, Dick Slater transitioned to Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, where he established himself as a prominent through intense rivalries with established stars. He frequently clashed with in high-stakes bouts, including a steel cage match with Bob Orton Jr. against and McDaniel that highlighted Slater's aggressive brawling style and penchant for disqualification tactics. Partnering with Bob Orton Jr., Slater engaged in warfare against popular babyfaces like and McDaniel, most notably at Starrcade 1983, where their victory underscored his role in elevating territorial storylines during the event's early iterations. These encounters built on his earlier territorial toughness, positioning him as a cunning capable of drawing strong crowd reactions through psychological and physical confrontations. By 1984 and into 1985, Slater's feuds expanded to include challenges against top talents like and , refining his in-ring approach with greater emphasis on match psychology and anti-hero charisma. He repeatedly tested Flair in non-title World Heavyweight Championship matches, such as bouts in and Asheville, where disqualifications and near-falls emphasized his relentless pursuit and ability to extend contests into chaotic brawls. Aligning temporarily with babyface elements, including a six-man alliance with and against heel groups like , Slater showcased versatility in storyline dynamics during events like the 1984 show. Teaming with , he further developed his roughhouse style in tag division skirmishes against the Anderson brothers at , incorporating hardcore elements like no-disqualification stipulations that amplified his reputation for territorial defenses. In late 1985, Slater moved to the Mid-South Wrestling Association under promoter , where he integrated into the promotion's gritty, Southern wrestling ethos through alliances and hardcore-leaning narratives. He formed a notable partnership with Sawyer, targeting factions like the and the Andersons in bouts across the region, such as their victory in Steubenville and subsequent rematches that featured intense, disqualification-heavy action. A heated rivalry with Kevin Sullivan dominated his early run, marked by multiple no-holds-barred encounters in venues like Atlanta's and Saginaw, where Slater's brawling prowess and storyline betrayals contributed to his push toward main event contention. Slater's Mid-South tenure peaked in 1986 with escalating storylines involving territorial defenses and personal grudges, solidifying his anti-hero appeal amid the promotion's transition toward the Universal Wrestling Federation. He engaged in a fierce feud with , culminating in a television taping confrontation that spotlighted his unpredictable aggression and drew significant regional attention. Further matches against figures like at the Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup reinforced his main event status, with brawls emphasizing psychological taunts and physical endurance in line with Watts' vision for authentic, hard-hitting wrestling. Throughout this period, Slater's style evolved to blend calculated tactics with crowd-engaging intensity, enhancing his role in the territory's expansion era without overshadowing ensemble narratives.

WWF and international stints (1986–1990)

In 1986, Dick Slater joined the as a mid-card babyface, adopting a Southern "Rebel" gimmick that emphasized his territorial roots and tough persona. He debuted on the July 26 episode of by defeating The Gladiator and went on to face undercard opponents, including a victory over Iron Mike Sharpe at on August 28, 1986, in . His run was characterized by straightforward brawling matches against jobbers and enhancement talent, but creative differences and the promotion's shift toward more theatrical elements clashed with his hard-edged style. Slater's WWF tenure lasted approximately one year, ending in mid-1987 after a grueling schedule of over 100 consecutive days on the road, which led him to quit and return to independent wrestling in . Shortly thereafter, in late 1987, he made a brief crossover appearance in the (AWA), portraying the bodyguard for World Heavyweight Champion to bolster the champion's faction amid ongoing feuds. This short stint highlighted Slater's role, tying into his established "Dirty Dick" rebel image, though it involved limited in-ring action beyond occasional tag matches and angles. Following his WWF departure, Slater embarked on extended tours with (AJPW) from 1987 to 1990, participating in major events like the Summer Action Series and Real World Tag League. He frequently teamed with American partners such as Joel Deaton and , competing against prominent Japanese competitors including Shinichi Nakano, Yoshiaki Yatsu, and Masa Fuchi in stiff, high-impact tag bouts that showcased AJPW's strong style. Slater adapted effectively to the promotion's emphasis on realistic strikes and endurance, drawing on his Mid-South background to handle the physicality, and earned appreciation from Japanese audiences for his resilient, no-frills performances during these international excursions. These years represented a pivotal shift for Slater from regional territories to broader national and global platforms, exposing him to diverse crowds and refining his in-ring versatility amid the challenges of adapting territorial grit to larger-scale productions.

WCW career (1989–1996)

Slater returned to World Championship Wrestling in August 1989, debuting on an episode of WCW Saturday Night as a member of the J-Tex Corporation, a heel faction managed by Gary Hart that positioned itself as an anti-establishment group challenging the Four Horsemen and top babyfaces like Sting. The stable included Terry Funk, The Great Muta, Buzz Sawyer, and The Dragon Master, with Slater quickly integrating into brawling angles that emphasized rough, no-holds-barred confrontations; for instance, on September 12, 1989, at Clash of the Champions VIII: Fall Brawl, Slater teamed with Muta to face Ric Flair and Sting, losing by disqualification after interference from other J-Tex members, including Funk. This partnership highlighted Slater's role in escalating faction warfare, as J-Tex targeted established stars through ambushes and multi-man brawls throughout late 1989 and into 1990, before the group gradually disbanded amid internal shifts and injuries to key members like Funk. In mid-1991, Slater reformed as one half of the Hardliners tag team alongside Dick Murdoch, portraying grizzled veterans who invoked a "collection agency" gimmick to feud with younger talents like the Steiner Brothers and The Enforcers. Their run featured hard-hitting matches that showcased their brawling style, such as a June 1991 bout on WCW Worldwide where they defeated jobbers Rikki Nelson and Joey Maggs, and a September 8, 1991, clash on WCW Main Event against Arn Anderson and Larry Zbyszko. The Hardliners briefly elevated Slater's mid-card presence through anti-youth angles, including an attack that sidelined Scott Steiner, but the team dissolved by late 1991 without major title success, allowing Slater to pivot to singles and tag pursuits. Slater captured the WCW United States Tag Team Championship on June 25, 1992, partnering with The Barbarian to defeat The Fabulous Freebirds ( and Michael Hayes) on an episode of , marking his first gold in WCW since returning. The duo defended the titles in several mid-card bouts, including a over and on July 11, 1992, aired on , which solidified Slater's status as a reliable anchor in the division amid the belts' deactivation on July 31, 1992, due to WCW's restructuring of the tag landscape. This short reign, lasting just over a month, boosted Slater's visibility but transitioned him back to tag experimentation with partners like later in 1992, maintaining his mid-card momentum without long-term elevation. By December 3, 1994, on , Slater joined the , replacing the departing under manager Col. Robert Parker's guidance, forming a Southern-themed group that included , Meng, and later . The faction engaged in heated feuds, notably targeting in multi-man matches and clashing with over tag supremacy, with internal dynamics strained by Parker's manipulative tactics and betrayals, such as Anderson's eventual exit. Slater and Buck's tag pairing within the stable led to their win over on June 21, 1995, and brutal encounters, including a March 1995 Bunkhouse Match loss to , highlighting the group's chaotic loyalty; the Stable persisted through 1996 with sporadic betrayals, like Parker's shifting alliances with Sister Sherri, before fracturing amid roster changes. In early 1996, following the Stud Stable's decline, Slater teamed with as Rough 'n' Ready under Parker's management, debuting on with a loss to The American Males (Marcus Bagwell and ) on April 1. The brief partnership focused on gritty tag matches, culminating in an August 11, 1996, defeat to on , where Booker T and retained the World Tag Team Championships. This run marked Slater's final in-ring , as accumulating injuries, particularly a severe back issue from years of high-impact wrestling, forced his retirement later that year after blowing out two vertebrae in a televised match in .

Personal life

Family and relationships

Dick Slater's most notable personal relationship in wrestling circles was with fellow wrestler , whom he began dating in the mid-1980s during their overlapping careers in regional promotions. They met through shared professional environments, where Vachon's emerging tough persona aligned with Slater's established "Dirty" style, though their partnership remained outside the . The relationship, however, proved volatile and abusive, with Slater's behavior reportedly contributing to its end in the late 1980s; Vachon later described it as deeply damaging, influencing her personal struggles. Through his association with Vachon, Slater became connected to the prominent Vachon wrestling family; was the adopted daughter of "Butcher" Vachon and niece of Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon, creating indirect familial ties within the industry during their time together. No children resulted from Slater's relationship with Vachon, and there are no documented instances of his pursuing wrestling careers. Slater himself had two marriages outside this period—to Charlotte Ann Nipper and Montieth—with records indicating he fathered one daughter, though details about her life remain private. In 2003, Slater was arrested for stabbing his ex-girlfriend Theresa Halbert multiple times with a knife during an altercation at her home, claiming . He was convicted of in 2004 and sentenced to one year of and five years of . Beyond romantic ties, Slater maintained close friendships with veteran wrestlers, notably , whom he idolized and emulated in his brawling style and ring psychology. Their bond extended to personal travels, including a joint trip to and visits to Funk's home in , fostering a mentorship-like dynamic without formal family overlap. Following his split from Vachon, Slater kept his family dynamics largely out of the public eye, prioritizing privacy amid the demands of his traveling profession and avoiding further disclosures about personal partnerships.

Health issues and death

Following his retirement from professional wrestling in 1996 due to a severe back sustained during a WCW event—where he broke two vertebrae in a backstage fight—Slater developed an to painkillers, including and OxyContin, which exacerbated his health decline. Earlier in his career, in 1983, Slater was accidentally shot in the leg by wrestler during an off-ring altercation but remarkably returned to action after just three weeks. The cumulative effects of decades of high-impact brawling matches led to chronic joint issues and mobility limitations, confining him to a in his later years. In his final years, Slater resided in a in , where he made few public appearances and depended on occasional support from fellow wrestlers amid his ongoing health struggles. On October 18, 2018, he died at the age of 67; the cause was reported as heart complications but not officially disclosed, a condition likely linked to his long-term physical toll from the ring. Following his death, WWE issued a statement mourning the loss of the prolific 1970s and 1980s competitor, noting his impactful runs in territories like Mid-South and . Peers paid tribute, with calling him "one of the legit toughest guys of all time" in a video message, while Terry Allen described him as "one of a kind" and praised his in-ring skill and toughness.

Championships and accomplishments

Championships

Dick Slater was a prolific champion in the (NWA) territories during the 1970s and 1980s, amassing multiple title reigns that highlighted his versatility as a singles and competitor. His championships spanned promotions like , , Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, and Mid-South Wrestling Association, before transitioning to national promotions such as (WCW). In total, Slater secured over 30 championship reigns across more than a dozen titles, often defending them against top territorial stars in high-stakes matches.

NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship

Slater won the once, defeating on January 2, 1979, in ; he held the title for 7 days before losing it to on January 9, 1979, amid defenses against regional challengers like Mike Graham. He is also credited with five reigns as the closely related NWA Southern Heavyweight Champion (Florida version) between 1978 and 1981, beginning with a victory over in 1978, followed by wins against (March 1978), (November 12, 1978), an unnamed opponent (August 3, 1980), and others; these reigns typically lasted 2-6 months each, featuring brutal defenses that solidified his "Dirty Dick" moniker through hardcore-style bouts. Losses came via pinfall or disqualification to opponents including Brisco and Mike Graham, with notable defenses emphasizing his aggressive brawling style.

NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship

Slater captured the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship four times, starting with a win over The Spoiler on August 20, 1976, in ; this initial reign lasted approximately three months before a loss to . He regained it by defeating on November 25, 1976, holding it into early 1977 with defenses against local heels like . His third reign came against Paul Jones in June 1977, ending shortly after via upset; the fourth followed a victory over in September 1977, spanning several months with key matches against and highlighting Slater's territorial dominance. Reign durations varied from 2-5 months, often lost in controversial finishes involving interference from factions like the Andersons.

WCW United States Tag Team Championship (1992)

On June 25, 1992, at a WCW in , Slater teamed with The Barbarian to defeat The Fabulous Freebirds ( and Michael Hayes) for the WCW United States Championship; this marked Slater's sole WCW tag title at the time, with the duo holding the belts for about five weeks. Key defenses included victories over teams like Z-Man and on July 11, 1992, and and , showcasing Slater's veteran tactics alongside The Barbarian's . The titles were deactivated on July 31, 1992, without a formal loss, as WCW shifted focus to other divisions.

WCW World Tag Team Championship (1995)

Slater won the once, on June 21, 1995, at a taping in , , teaming with as part of the to defeat (Booker T and ); the reign lasted 64 days until September 17, 1995, when they lost the titles to The American Males (Marcus Bagwell and ). This victory highlighted Slater's late-career tag team success, with defenses against teams like and .

IWA Japan World Heavyweight Championship (1994)

Slater won the IWA Japan World Heavyweight Championship once, defeating Nobutaka Moribe on July 20, 1994; he held the title for approximately 7 months, defending it in international matches before losing it to Miguel Perez Jr. in February 1995. This reign marked one of Slater's international singles accomplishments in the independent circuit.

Other Territorial Titles

In , Slater won the twice—first defeating on January 1, 1986 (reign ending via loss to on February 23, 1986, after roughly two months of defenses), and a second shorter reign later that year; he also captured the Mid-South Television Championship by beating on February 28, 1986, holding it for several weeks with weekly TV defenses emphasizing quick, dirty wins. Earlier, in Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, he secured the on December 3, 1983, by defeating (11-day reign vacated on December 14, 1983, after winning the U.S. title and awarding it to ), the on December 14, 1983, against (129-day reign ending April 21, 1984, with notable defenses in cage matches), and the twice in 1983—first over on February 22 (held 33 days, lost to on March 27), and second on April 3 (held 27 days, lost to on April 30). Additional territorial successes included the (defeating on August 12, 1977; 184-day reign lost to on February 13, 1978) and the NWA Macon Heavyweight Championship (January 1978 win; 285-day reign as the longest in title history). These victories, often in promotions under the umbrella, underscored Slater's adaptability across the southeastern U.S. wrestling landscape from 1972 to 1986.
TitlePromotionReignsNotable Details
NWA Florida Heavyweight ChampionshipNWA Florida1 (1979)Defeated Jos LeDuc on Jan 2; 7-day reign lost to Dusty Rhodes on Jan 9; integrated with Southern title defenses.
NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida)NWA Florida5 (1978–1981)Multiple wins over Rhodes, Morales, McDaniel; hardcore defenses.
NWA Georgia Heavyweight ChampionshipNWA Georgia4 (1976–1977)Wins over Spoiler, Mr. Wrestling II (twice), Jones; 2-5 month reigns.
WCW United States Tag Team ChampionshipWCW1 (1992, w/ The Barbarian)5-week reign; defenses vs. Pillman/Z-Man; deactivated July 31.
WCW World Tag Team ChampionshipWCW1 (1995, w/ Bunkhouse Buck)Won June 21 vs. Harlem Heat; 64-day reign lost to American Males on Sep 17.
IWA Japan World Heavyweight ChampionshipIWA Japan1 (1994)Defeated Nobutaka Moribe on July 20; held ~7 months.
Mid-South North American Heavyweight ChampionshipMid-South2 (1986)Defeated Reed, lost to Roberts; short, intense reigns.
Mid-South Television ChampionshipMid-South1 (1986)Beat Roberts; weekly TV defenses.
NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight ChampionshipMid-Atlantic1 (1983)Over Jones; 11-day reign vacated Dec 14 for U.S. title, awarded to Ivan Koloff.
NWA United States Heavyweight ChampionshipMid-Atlantic1 (1983–1984)129 days vs. Valentine; cage defenses.
NWA World Television ChampionshipMid-Atlantic2 (1983)First win over Rotunda Feb 22 (33 days, lost to Piper Mar 27); second Apr 3 (27 days, lost to Great Kabuki Apr 30).
NWA Missouri Heavyweight ChampionshipNWA Central States1 (1977)184 days vs. Brisco, lost to Harley Race Feb 13, 1978.
NWA Macon Heavyweight ChampionshipNWA Georgia1 (1978)285 days; longest reign.

Other accomplishments

Slater was renowned for his finishing moves, the Figure-Four Leglock—a submission hold that targeted the opponent's legs by twisting them in a figure-eight configuration—and the , a high-impact maneuver where he would swing the opponent by the head before dropping them across his knee or shoulder to hyperextend the neck. He frequently employed the as a signature finisher in territorial matches during the 1970s and 1980s, using it to cap off intense brawls and often setting it up with strikes or Irish whips to emphasize his aggressive, opportunistic style. Throughout his career, Slater's in-ring as "Mr. Unpredictable" defined his contributions to , earning him the moniker from promoter Jim Barnett for his erratic, hard-nosed brawling approach that blended redneck bravado with dirty tactics like eye gouges and low blows. This unpredictable character influenced the development of elements in the southeastern territories, where his wildman intensity and willingness to engage in no-holds-barred fights inspired later generations of rugged competitors. Slater also mentored younger talents informally through his territorial runs, sharing insights on working stiff and building heat with opponents during stints in and . Among his notable awards, Slater received the All Japan Pro Wrestling Champion Carnival Technical Award in 1979 for his standout technical performances during international tours, and he shared the World's Strongest Tag Determination League Outstanding Performance Award in 1980 with tag partner , recognizing their cohesive teamwork and match quality in the grueling tournament format. These honors highlighted his versatility beyond domestic promotions, affirming his peer recognition as a reliable midcard performer capable of elevating bouts with veterans and rookies alike. In 2018, following his retirement, Slater was honored through multiple industry tributes that celebrated his legacy as a territorial mainstay and tough-as-nails competitor, with WWE issuing a statement acknowledging his prolific contributions across decades in promotions like Georgia Championship Wrestling and Mid-South Wrestling. These recognitions, including features in wrestling media retrospectives, underscored his enduring impact on the heel archetype and his role in shaping the unpredictable, gritty style of 1980s Southern wrestling.

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    Dec 11, 2018 · Dick Slater was a main event level star in almost every territory that he ever wrestled in (except in the WWF, where he was forced into the " ...Missing: background | Show results with:background