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RIP 'DIRTY' DICK WWE legend Dick Slater dies aged 67 as wrestling world pays tribute to late star

Posted: Oct 18th 2018 By: Gary Stonehouse - TheSun.co.uk

American, born in Tampa, Florida, teamed with Hall of Famer Bob Orton and embarked on a fierce rivalry with Jake 'The Snake' Roberts

WRESTLING legend Dick Slater has died aged 67.

US promotions World Wrestling Entertainment and National Wrestling Alliance both confirmed the sad news today.

No cause of death has yet been revealed.

Announcing the ex-WCW star’s passing, a tweet from NWA said: “The National Wrestling Alliance sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends and fans of Dick Slater.

“As tough as they come. A decorated champion of the @NWA across every territory he wrestled including being United States, Mid-Atlantic and TV champion.”

In a statement released by WWE, Vince McMahon’s company also paid tribute to “Dirty” Dick – real name Richard Van Slater.

It read: “WWE is saddened to learn that Dick Slater has passed away at age 67.

“Slater was a prolific competitor during the 1970s and 1980s in Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling and Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, where he teamed with WWE Hall of Famer Bob Orton and had a memorable rivalry with WWE Hall of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts.

“Slater competed in WWE from 1986 to 1987 before moving to Japan and finishing his in-ring career in WCW.

“WWE extends its condolences to Slater’s family, friends and fans.”

Slater was one of the most famous faces within the wrestling world throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

He worked for WWE (then known as WWF), WCW and numerous NWA territories likes Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling and Georgia Championship Wrestling.

"Dirty" held numerous championships such as the US, tag-team and TV titles.

And a host of names from the business have paid tribute to him after learning of his passing.

ECW icon and ex-WWE ace Tommy Dreamer said on Twitter: "'Dirty' Dick Slater was an awesome wrestler.

"Champion in many territories. I wrestled him for 22 minutes and he never said one word to me except 'good job kid'. Rest in peace."

Wrestling promoter Les Thatcher wrote: "Sad to hear that Dick Slater passed away this morning at age 67.

"One hell of a worker, and promo man. Go with God my friend."

While another old ECW and WWE performer hailed the icon as The Blue Meanie said: "Rest in peace wrestling legend 'Dirty' Dick Slater".