Slaughter returned to wrestling in 1985 and even rejoined the WWF, but this time he left the patriot persona behind and became an Iraqi sympathizer while America was in conflict with that country.

Going Ringside Ep. 111: Sgt. Slaughter The wrestling legend on becoming the face of GI Joe and threats for becoming an ‘Iraqi sympathizer’ during Gulf War ...

The WWE exec admits he was surprised by the hostility Slaughter received, not realizing how big a deal the Gulf War was becoming. "They wanted Sarge wearing bulletproof vests," Prichard said.