WWE: 10 Times Real Life Political Troubles Fuelled Top Heels
1. Sgt. Slaughter, Iraqi Sympathizer
When people think of real life politics turning into crass professional wrestling angles, this is the one to which they point. Sgt. Slaughter, pride of Americas armed forces and former member of G.I. Joe turned his back on the United States after George H.W. Bushs invasion of Iraq dubbed Operation: Desert Shield.
Paired with General Adnan (the former Sheik Adnan al-Kassie), Slaughter began wearing Iraqi style military uniforms, regional headdress, and telling America that Saddam Hussein didnt invade Kuwait, that he conquered it. Slaughter required increased protective measures due to the number of death threats resulting from the turn.
Slaughters heel heat reached its apex when he won the WWF title at the Royal Rumble in 1991, setting up a truly patriotic moment when Hulk Hogan won the title back at Wrestlemania. The Iron Sheik was brought in under the name Colonel Mustafa to be another member of the stable, thus forming the Triangle of Terror and the three were vanquished by the team of Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior at SummerSlam.