Former WCW & WWF Star ‘Dirty’ Dick Slater Passes Away At 67

Some sad news to report this morning as PWInsider is reporting via multiple sources that former WCW and WWF star ‘Dirty’ Dick Slater has passed away this morning at the age of 67.

Dick Slater (who goes by his middle name Van) got started in the territories with Championship Wrestling from Florida in the early 1970’s, making a name for himself under the leadership of the legendary Eddie Graham on his way to three NWA Florida Tag Title reigns, one of which alongside WWE Hall Of Famer Dusty Rhodes. Slater would continue building a reputation for himself when he moved onto Georgia Championship Wrestling in 1972, then Jim Crockett’s Mid-Atlantic followed by Bill Watts’ Mid-South before heading to New York and the WWF in 1986.

While Slater’s run with the WWF was nothing notable as he quickly began being used as an enhancement performer, he would venture on to All Japan Pro Wrestling before returning south to WCW. Most fans who grew up watching during the 90’s will be most familiar with Slater during this time as he became a United States Tag Team Champion in 1992 with The Barbarian, the last duo to hold the titles before they were retired. As the company hit the mid-90’s and introduced Monday Nitro, Slater would be paired up with Mike Enos (formerly known as Blake Beverly in the WWF) to form the tandem of Rough & Ready. If you don’t remember the team, you may remember their attire as Mike Enos was the man in the ring wearing leather chaps when Scott Hall famously came down through the crown in his Nitro debut in 1996.

At this time, there are no details on Slater’s passing, however the entire team at The Chairshot would like to wish the family and friends of ‘Dirty’ Dick Slater its deepest condolences.

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