Ron Slinker

Career

He joined the United States Marine Corps at age 17 before attending the University of Tampa. He worked as a police officer for ten years. In 1971, he was named to the United States judo team

Slinker wrestled for International World Class Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling (later Universal Wrestling Federation), Florida Championship Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance.

At various times, he was managed by Woman or competed as part of Kevin Sullivan"s Army of Darkness. While competing in Tennessee, he challenged Jerry Lawler for the Memphis version of the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship on April 10, 1978 but was unsuccessful.

Slinker also competed as a tag team wrestler, teaming with Kendall Windham, Edward Leslie and Ron Bass. On December 25, 1978 at the NWA Mid-South Superdome Extravaganza, Slinker and Bass competed in a tournament to determine the new holders of the NWA United States Tag Team Championship.

They faced André the Giant and Dusty Rhodes but were defeated.

After retiring as a professional wrestler in the early 1990s, Slinker managed Ron Bass and Robert Fuller before becoming a promoter and booking agent in Florida. Meeting Rob Szatkowski, Slinker suggested he change his ring name to Rob Van Dam, a name he has used ever since. He also introduced Szatkowski to Japanese promoter Giant Baba and helped him find work in World Championship Wrestling.

While working for the United States Wrestling Association, Slinker also helped train such wrestlers as Flex Kavana, who later gained fame as The Rock.

Managers

Woman

Kevin Sullivan

Wrestlers managed

Ron Bass

Robert Fuller

Championship Wrestling from Florida

NWA Florida Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Sergeant Rock

Southeastern Championship Wrestling

NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Southern Division) (1 time).

Achievements

• Slinker began studying martial arts at a young age and attained the rank of second dan black belt in judo and sixth dan in Yōshūkai. Slinker also coached martial arts and competed in 29 karate tournaments, of which he won 27. That year, he also won the Amateur Athletic Union Southeast heavyweight championship in judo. On May 4, 1979, he won his first championship belt by defeating David Schultz for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship, a title Schultz soon regained in a rematch. Competing in a tag team with Sergeant Rock in 1990, Slinker also won the NWA Florida Tag Team Championship. They won the title on November 12, 1990 and held the belts until the title was abandoned.