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I just received the sad news that Sensational Sherri Martel has passed away at the age of 49.
I had the pleasure of seeing Sherri and numerous occassions and the thrill of hanging out with her a few times. She was a genuine sweetheart and one of the most down to earth people I ever met.
The last time I saw Sherri was at the Legends Convention in Baltimore last year. It was Saturday night, the damn bar had closed early and Sherri, Kathy Fitzpatrick (her best friend), Amy Lee, Frank, Rockin Robin, and I were hanging outside the hotel entrance. Just thinking of standing there with Sherri and her rival, Rockin Robin gave me goosebumps. Sherri was one of the greatest inside the ring and out. She will never be forgotten and I am honored that I had the chance to spend some moments with her over the past several years.
Sherri was inducted into the WrestlingClothesline.com Independent Wrestling Hall of Fame last year, due to her incredibly body of work. She will be sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Sherri.
Any donations to help the family with the funeral are to be sent to Sherri's sister, Vicki Abernaphy, 21760 Eastern Valley Road, Mccalla, AL 35111.
You can send cards to her husband Robert Schruel - 22310 Eastern Valley Road, McCalla, AL. 35111-2504
Also if anyone wants to send Kathy Fitzpatrick a card,
her address is: Kathy Fitzpatrick - 136 Wade Avenue, Lindenwold, NJ 08021
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Below are some of the comments I have received on the passing of Sherri Martel. If you would like to share your thoughts please send them to me at WresClothesline@aol.com
It is with extreme sadness that I have
to write this article. Due to the fact that so many of you have called
me and asked me to write a statement, I feel like I should.
Sherri Martel has passed away, but the memories of Sherri Martel will
live on. I was fortunate enough to have been her agent for a couple of
years, but also a very good friend. I remember Sherri for so many things,
however, it was her heart that will always stick out to me.
Back in the mid 90's, Sherri and I worked together on many events....some
wrestling related, some non wrestling related. She was always a hard worker,
gave it her all, and did the above and beyond type things that most people
don't do today. She was tough in the ring, but gentle on the outside.
Sherri took a very strong liking to my grandparents...especially, my grandfather,
who was sick and dying at the time. She went to visit him on a few occasions,
and took pictures with him, kissed him, and brought a lot of joy into
his life. She laughed at his jokes, she took pride in his old Italian
ways, and called him "Daddy". She ate my grandmothers homemade
food, and even did a photo shoot with my Uncle.
Sherri and I did numerous road trips together. A business woman she was...wanting
everything "just so" financially, but it was her love of the
sport that is most noted. She literally would give you everything...even
if it meant her sacrificing her comfort level for the fans. She was "over
the top", "larger than life", and always ready to "be
a lady". Even when circumstances weren't good on the indy scene,
she would rise above and GIVE to the paying public. She was a trooper,
and honestly, did not have to do what she did on many occasions as she
was LEGEND in the sport, and should of been treated that way at all times.
Yet, when it was her moment to shine...she did!
I remember being with her the night Louie Spicolli died (Rad Radford).
His death took us by surprise (as well as, Marty Jannetty who we were
with too). She shed some tears, and became the counselor for us the remainder
of the night. I'll never forget going to the grocery store with her and
Marty one night. It was after midnight and we were in some 24 hour food
market looking to make a very late dinner to cheer us all up. Sherri bought
what we needed and she made an awesome chicken dish for all of us...however,
she didn't lose her sense of humor. When I was looking for Marty and Sherri
in the store at one point, I find Marty holding a stick of pepperoni and
Sherri holding bags of cheese-doodles...well, what was to follow was a
spur of the moment game of baseball with me playing catcher. Sherri would
"pitch" the bags over to me, as MJ would swing and break the
bags watching the cheese doodles fly all over the place. You see, even
then she was trying to lighten the mood.
Another time was when Sherri slept over my house (which was often). This
particular time, she told me to invite some of my friends over so we can
eat popcorn and watch movies....well, it was her call, so that's what
we did. I had a couple of my friends over, and we sat up on the sofa in
the TV room just eating, playing board games, and watching movies. She
never showed like she was above it all, or a "diva". She called
my parents "Sir and Ma'am" (which they hated), and loved on
my sister as well.
There are far too many stories I can tell you, but one thing she always
taught me...and I have it written down on a letter she wrote me..."Have
faith in me. Always remember that. Don't you ever change". Well,
with that...Sherri and I did plenty of adventures together....did a lot
of charity events, did appearances at Gold's Gym, and did a couple of
TV shows as well. Once that camera was on...she always was a pro. She
always gave the proper credit to those that aided her, and became what
her moniker was..."Sensational"!!!
It was about 2 years ago when I was with her last, and we spent a lot
of time discussing the good ole days, the highs, lows, and even the scary
times. We jokingly talked about some awkward moments we had, and then
lavished in what we had as friends. She had given me one of her outfits
years ago as a token of her appreciation, and always reminded me to have
"trust".
One thing that I cannot forget to mention is the fact that Sherri Martel
was as tough as nails. Her epic battles with not only the women, but the
men, will always be remembered. Guys like: Ted DiBiase, Ric Flair, Randy
Savage, Brutus Beefcake, Shawn Michaels, and a host of others have always
commented on how great she was. One thing for sure...Sherri can hang with
the guys. Ask Tom Pritchard. Ask Buddy Rose. Ask Harlem Heat. She knew
her place in wrestling, the boys loved her and respected her, and she
was a "National Treasure" in our industry. Ted DiBiase, Gangrel,
and Brutus Beefcake were just some of the men who I have received calls
from today who have expressed there grief. I will never forget how much
she meant to me personally, and what she did to further my education and
knowledge in this sport.
Thanks to my "Sister"....My prayers and thoughts go out to Robert
and family. Thank you.
Bobby Riedel
Wrestling Agent
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The woman better known to wrestling fans as "Sensational" Sherri Martel has passed away. The sad news was announced via WWE.com earlier this afternoon. Sherri passed away at her mother's residence this morning but no other details have been released.
Sherri captured the AWA Women's Championship on four different occasions. Two times in 1985, once in 1986 and once in 1999. She captured the WWE Women's Championship in 1987. In 1991 she was awarded the Manager of the Year award by Wrestling Observer. It was just one year ago that Sherri went into immortality as she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Ted DiBiase.
I had the opportunity to interview Sherri for WU Online in 2002. We spoke a few more times afterward and unfortunately lost track of each other. However, when I was in Chicago for WrestleMania 22 and I saw the induction of Sherri into the WWE Hall of Fame, it was almost like seeing my own child be inducted. I was so proud and so happy for her.
Rest In Peace, Sherri. Rest in peace.
Love Always,
Michael Weaver, Jr.
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"Sherri was tougher than a $2 steak, but had a heart of gold. Her genuine enthusiasm and love of the business was so evident when she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame last year.
Sherri could out-cuss, out-drink, and could whip most men’s backsides, as she came up the hard way in the business during the male-dominated days of the old wrestling territories. I have personally never seen a woman as physically tough and fearless as Sherri Martel. She enhanced the career of so many Superstars, including her “Boy Toy” Shawn Michaels, among others.
The Good Lord broke the mold when He created Sherri, and now He has the lady back. I hope Sherri takes it easy on the men folk up in Heaven. We are all going to miss her."
From WWE's Jim Ross
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"Like so many individuals in the wrestling industry who have called me over the past several hours, and countless wrestling fans around the world who have read the news online, I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of 'Sensational' Sherri Martel today.
Sherri was the first star performer in pro wrestling that I actually met as a fan prior to getting involved in the business myself. I was introduced to Sherri through mutual friend Marianne Ryan backstage at a live event in Chicago at the Rosemont Horizon (now the Allstate Arena). I was a big fan of Sherri's work from just watching her do her thing on WWF television, and was quite excited to get to actually meet her in person.
Several years later, I would cross paths with Sherri once again, as Ian Rotten brought her in for some appearances in IWA Mid-South, including a bloody dog collar match against Debbie Combs back in the days when IWA ran the old K-Mart building in Louisville. I was just growing my hair long for the first time around that period of time, and, silly as it may sound, I still have the girly silver hair tie Sherri gave me that night in a drawer full of many of my wrestling mementos.
Sherri was the first 'name' that I got the opportunity to feud with as a manager, and the first woman wrestler that I ever competed against in mixed tag matches. Both of those opportunities came through Carmine DeSpirito's Mid American Wrestling promotion in Milwaukee.
As CM Punk, Jason Kronan, and I were laying out Dino and Bobby Bambino one night, Sherri hit the ring and pulled off my pants to reveal smiley faced boxer shorts to the cheering approval of the drunken fans in attendance at the Knights of Columbus in West Allis.
We'd later to go on to wrestle in a big intergender six person tables, ladders, and chairs match, which saw us crazily battle atop ladders, and put one another through tables. We wrestled against one another about a year or so later, once again at an MAW show promoted by Carmine, this time held at Kelly's Bleachers in Wind Lake. Those matches were far from wrestling classics on my part, but they were nonetheless very fun times, and landmarks in my wrestling career which I look back upon quite fondly.
I always credit my increased interest in women's pro wrestling to having worked with so many women on the independent scene during my time as a manager, and feeling that they were under appreciated and under utilized. A huge part of what made me go back and watch more old American women's wrestling tapes and ultimately start promoting women's events myself was the influence Sherri had on me over the years.
Not many people know it, because it never came to fruition, but Sherri was the only woman wrestler who I ever offered, or even really considered, to perform in the role of the SHIMMER Commissioner. She had to turn the offer down in early 2006, due to a combination of her constant back problems at the time which required very limited travel (she had been seeing a chiropractor regularly and was in pain on a daily basis), and she was just about to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and received a legends contract, which could have posed some issues with appearing on our DVD series in retail.
The last time I spoke with Sherri I let her know that if she was ever up to it in the future, the SHIMMER Commissioner spot was hers, as I truly valued her contributions to pro wrestling over the years and felt she would be an excellent authority figure to "govern" the top women wrestlers that are active today. It's a shame that it never came to be.
Sherri was an unbelievable heel, both as a wrestler as well as in her role as a manager. I remember watching television on Saturday mornings growing up and seeing Sherri with her crazy facepaint cutting the most intense interviews. She was a true pro wrestling manager, willing to get physical when need be, and got great heat from the ringside fans, all thanks to her history as a wrestler.
Our event in Inverness on 7/1 will be dedicated to Sherri's memory, as her inspiration is a huge reason why the company exists in the first place. Thankfully, we have our old videotapes, as well as our memories over the years, to be reminded of Sherri's tremendous contributions to our sport. Thanks for the everything, Sherri! You will be greatly missed.
Dave Prazak
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"The wrestling world has lost what I consider the 'all around' woman in pro wrestling, Sherri Martel.
She recently made an appearance at PWP last month managing Helter Skelter against Marty Janetty.
Sherri was one of those women who could wrestle, cut promos, manage...had looks and personality. Her impact on all women wrestlers was like no other.
LONG LIVE A LEGEND, ICON AND TRUE LADY OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING.
Amy Lee
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We have talked to one of Sherri's best friends about helping out the family. She will be coming to the show in Joliet. She is heading down to be with Sherri's family and we figured this way they will get the money quickly.
We are going to be having raffles tomorrow night in Joliet to try to raise as much money as we can.
Some of you may remember that Sherri couldn't be at the "Rule the School" show. Her husband had lost his job in Florida and they had to move back to Alabama.
I'm not sure what all we have as far as raffles, but please bring what you can spare. We will also take donations if you just want to do that. thanks,Patti
*******************************************************
I can not express the pain in my heart right now. I was 23 years old and in ECW when I met Sherri. Later on, when axl and I were doing Funk's "Few Good Men", I got to work with Sherri and learned from her. I came to realize what a incredible talent this woman was.
We became friends and when I started IWA, I brought Sherri in to manage me and also to feud with Debbie Combs in what turned out to be a competition between the two to see who would "out work"` the other. These matches were some of the best brawls ever in IWA (men or women). We should all be greatful for women like Sherri who paved the way for girls in the wrestling business.
As a matter of fact, I patterned the way I trained Mickie after Sherri
and I'm so glad they got to meet. I have always said Sherri was the best
U.S. Women's wrestler ever. She did not take shit off of any one (well,
except
Miss Moolah, and that was funny stuff in its own part.)
When Chris Candido passed away, they said Heaven needed a champion, well heaven now has it's queen. Long live the queen, in our hearts and memories. We will miss her. Please remember her family in your prayers through this rough time.
Ian
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One of my idols and wwf originals passed away today.. i dont understand how wrestlers drop like flies or why they die so young. Or maybe i do and its just way too sad.. RIP Sensational Sherri.
Miss Deville
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I'm hoping that i wake up from a very bad dream, as now I lose a very close friend a special one to me and Shawn..Sheri Martel was found in her home dead today..I say I lost, but we all in the wrestling industry lost a great one...everyone loved Sheri...I am soo sorry ....cant think, gotta go....I love you Sheri..very much baby...RIP!
Marty Jannetty
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I want to send out my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Sherri Martel. I just saw her a little over a month ago and she looked great. Which is why this came as a BIG shock to me when I got the news yesterday.
She was a great person and an awesome performer who gave her all. She would take falls that some of the guys wouldn't even take. The one that sticks out the most is when she took a huge bump off the top of the WWF's old monstrous blue cage. Man, she was tough!! Tough, but every bit a women whose work ethic commanded respect from all who knew her, and all who paid to see her.
So young and so sad. Godspeed Sherri!! You ARE missed!!
Meanie
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On Friday June 15th. I got one of those phone calls
that no one ever wants to get and trust me I have gotten to many in the
past years.
I got a call from Sherri Martel's husband that she had passed. I am still
in shock. But I have to be strong for her son, mom, sister and husband.
I have lost my best friend and that is what I keep telling everyone. I
met Sherri through Brett Hart in Philadelphia. Being a wrestling fan I
was used to watching her on TV and here she was working out in my gym
that I helped out at. Well she and I chatted and it started a wonderful
and crazy 20 yr. friendship.
We have had crazy trips and even more crazier times. I know so many people
are going to say I am bragging, I am not.
She was an everyday wonderful person and a true friend. I have never known
such a generous and sweet person.
When she contacted me about being inducted into the Hall Of Fame and wanted
me there, I was so honored. As her husband and myself were waiting to
go in I saw Ric Flair, he saw me and said "I knew you would be here
for "Queenie". Many times we went over her speech and when she
said she had to say something about me I was NO. This is your night to
shine. She said you have been with me and this is your night also.
I am very honored that I knew Sherri and could call her my BEST FRIEND.
As Jim Ross wrote "God broke the mold when he made her". Yes
he did because perfection is a one time thing.
I love you Sherri and always will. A piece of my heart died 13 yrs. ago
with Joey Marella and an even bigger one did on June 15th.
Please always remember what a great lady and a wonderful friend she was
she touched so many people.
Thank you for being my friend Sherri
I love you
Kathy Fitzpatrick
-----
Maryland Championship Wrestling is saddened to hear of the passing Friday of "Sensational" Sherri Martell. Sherri was one of the most famous female performers in the late 80's and the 1990's. Sherri got her start in 1982 as valet to "Playboy" Buddy Rose in the old WWWF. Moving on to the AWA, Sherri not only managed Buddy Rose and Doug Somers to the AWA Tag Team Championship, but herself held the AWA Women's Championship, where she had memorable bouts with Madusa Micelli and Wendi Richter.
In 1986, Sherri moved on to the WWE, where she captured the WWE Women's Championship from The Fabulous Moolah. However, it would be managing where Sherri would make her biggest mark in WWE. She first managed Randy Savage and had a memorable match at Wrestlemania 6, where she and Savage faced Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire in a mixed tag match. Sherri's performance in that match is memorable for her ability to make the all but untrained Sapphire look passable in the match. Sherri was also involved in the famous "Career Match" between Savage and The Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania 7, turning on Savage at the end and setting up Savage and Elizabeth reuniting in the ring in a very emotional moment.
After Wrestlemania 7, Sherri began to acompany Ted DiBiase to the ring. Within a year though, with DiBiase's "blessing", she began to manage a newly heel Shawn Michaels, solidifying his "Heartbreak Kid" persona. Sherri was accidently injured in 1993 when a returning Marty Jannetty struck Sherri with a mirror after Michaels moved out of the way. She left WWE in 1993.
In autumn of 1993, Sherri joined ECW and soon managed Shane Douglas
to the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. ECW began promoting a feud
between Martel and Madusa and scheduled a match between them at November
to Remember on November 13, 1993. At ECW Ultraclash '93, Martel wrestled
in a battle royal against Tigra, Angel, Don E. Allen, Jay "Six Pack"
Sulli, Freddie Gilbert, and Hunter Q. Robbins, III.
In February 1994, Martel was going to join WCW to feud with Missy Hyatt,
but Hyatt left the company. She later made appearances in WCW aiding Kevin
Sullivan and Dave Sullivan in spring 1994. On February 5, 1994 Martel
accompanied Shane Douglas for the famous One Hour Draw at "The Night
the Line Was Crossed" against Sabu and Terry Funk. Paul E. Dangerously
(Paul Heyman) attacked Martel before the match, but she recovered and
was active throughout the match. Martel made a brief appearance in the
Mexican AAA promotion and accompanied Jake "The Snake" Roberts
against Konnan, fighting some dark matches with Mexican ladies Vicky Carranza,
Sexi Boom and Martha Villalobos. She returned to ECW to accompany Shane
Douglas in matches against Pat Tanaka and Paul Diamond and then officially
joined WCW in May 1994.
Sherri's first big moment in WCW was assisting Ric Flair in defeating Sting to unify the WCW World and WCW "International" Title. Sherri managed Flair during his feud with Hogan throughout 1994. After Ric Flair lost a retirement match, Sherri began to manage Harlem Heat, where she became known as "Sister Sherri". She also was involved, storyline wise, with Col. Robert Parker. The couple's on air wedding was interrupted by Madusa, setting up the first women's match on WCW Nitro. Sherri left WCW in 1997.
Sherri was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by Ted Dibiase. Last November, Sherri made a memorable appearance in MCW, as the referee for a women's match and involving herself in the main event as well as she was still a licensed referee that night.
Sherri Russell was 49 years of age. MCW sends its condolences to the friends and family of "Sensational" Sherri
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We loss something SENSATIONAL..........
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Sheri Martel leaves us with heartful memories no could forget....
I am so angry and hurt by the loss of my friend and mentor, Sheri
Martel. Why does this happen so much in our business.. I am sick and tired
of losing so many co-workers to this business. I wish I could change a
lot of things especially the death of Sheri. She was a very Jovial person
and if you were her friend you were for life!! We the people of this business
need to step up to the plate and make change for a better future, or should
I say a longer future in this business. There are so many of us that makes
Pro wrestling our life, I have and have seen good and bad.. I choose to
move on and not get caught up in the riff raff of shit and was also blessed
to not be easily influenced by the drugs and steroids.
I get so saddened by the constant demand of physical attributes needed
for this business and it goes on by the neglect of the higher anarchy
of employment not to do better for our talent, young or seasoned.
Before we lose another I really hope to see a division addressed to the
veterans and a support system to a better life and help them out of the
life of pro wrestling when retired.... what I am saying if the NFL can
have a programs for all the guys after their career we can too....
Vince McMahon is the leader in this industry, and he could also be a great
influence to every one after the retirement
Madusa
http://www.madusa.com/commerce/inthenews/inthenews.asp?id_passed=95
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Autopsy In For WWE's Sherri Martel
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Tuscaloosa homicide investigators say WWE Hall
of Famer Sherri Martel had multiple drugs in her system when she died,
including a high amount of oxycodone.
A homicide spokesperson said her June death in McCalla was ruled an accident.
Martel, who was 49, was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame last year and won championship titles in the American Wrestling Association and World Wrestling Federation.
At the time of her death, Captain Loyd Baker of the Tuscaloosa County
Metro Homicide Unit had said foul play isn't suspected, but that Martel
didn't die of natural causes.
