Ron Slinker

Early life 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. He joined the United States Marine Corps at age 17 before attending the University of Tampa. He worked as a police officer for the Tampa Police Department for ten years. Slinker also taught Yoshukai Karate under Mike Foster, coaching his fighters in the Battle of Atlanta (1976) among others. He competed in 29 karate tournaments, of which he won 27. In 1971, he was named to the United States judo team.

Career Slinker wrestled for International World Class Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling (later Universal Wrestling Federation), World Wrestling Council, 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. 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.

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.

Personal life Slinker had two children, David, Jr. and Dina. He also had a twin brother named Don, another brother named Bill, and a sister named Mary Jo.

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