#3. Sgt. Slaughter and the American Flag
The political situation in the Middle East was growing increasingly tense in the early 90s, the decision was made to have Slaughter support the Iraqi cause claiming that Americans have become “soft” and “weak” for accepting Russian Nikolai Volkoff, while appreciating the Iraqi system for being more “strong” and “brutal”.
WWE went all-out with this one, making Sgt. Slaughter wear Arab headdresses to the ring, taking pictures with Hussein, and being accompanied by General Adnan, who was (kayfabe) a high school friend of Saddam Hussein and a member of the Iraqi Armed Forces…
Slaughter defeated the Ultimate Warrior for the World Wrestling Federation Championship at the 1991 Royal Rumble, desecrating the American flag during his off-screen victory celebration with General Adnan. He was then challenged by Hulk Hogan who won the Rumble that year.
This was claimed to have been one of the most disgusting promotional tactics made by the WWE.
