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Sherri Martel
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Sherry Lynn Schrull (née Russell; February 8, 1958 – June 15, 2007)[2][6][7] was an American professional wrestler and manager, better known by her ring names, Sherri Martel and Sensational Sherri.

Key Information

Martel began her professional wrestling career in the Mid South after training in Columbia, South Carolina. She joined the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in the mid-1980s and held its AWA World Women's Championship three times. In the late 1980s, she joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where she held the WWF Women's Championship. Also in the WWF, Martel continued to act as a manager to wrestlers such as Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, and Shawn Michaels. She appeared in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s. In the latter, Martel acted as the manager for the tag team Harlem Heat. After leaving WCW, she made few wrestling related appearances until her death in 2007. She also appeared in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in September 2006 as a manager for Bobby Roode which ended up being her last televised wrestling appearance. Her titular ring name, "Sensational Sherri", was used as the episode title in the fifth season of Viceland's docuseries, Dark Side of the Ring, aired on April 23, 2024.

Early life

[edit]

Sherry Lynn Russell was born on February 8, 1958, in Birmingham, Alabama, and grew up playing basketball and participating in track and field.[8]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career (1980–1985)

[edit]

Martel was first introduced to professional wrestling as a child, when her mother took her and her sister to shows in Mississippi.[3] Their mother initially asked them whether they wanted to attend a wrestling show or go ice skating. In 1974, Martel approached Grizzly Smith for advice on becoming a wrestler; as she was 16, he questioned her conviction and then told her to come back to him when she was an adult.[6] She met her first husband, Leroy Gonzalez, while working as an exotic dancer. They married in 1976. She gave birth to a son named Jared but soon divorced and left her family to continue her pursuit of a wrestling career..[3][6] She enrolled in a wrestling school run by "Mr. Personality" Butch Moore in Memphis, Tennessee.[6] She started wrestling as Sherri Martine, but Moore told her shed needed more training and suggested she contract the Fabulous Moolah, the long-time women's wresting champ, who booked most of the female wrestlers at the time.[3] She began training at The Fabulous Moolah's school, where Moolah changed her name to Sherri Martel and sent her to wrestle in Japan in 1981.[3] Moolah claims that Martel frequented night clubs and liked to party, which resulted in Moolah kicking her out of the school.[9]

After leaving the school, she traveled back to Tennessee.[3] In Memphis, she was managed by Jim Cornette.[6] During a mixed battle royal, Martel suffered an injury that removed her from wrestling temporarily.[6] She then worked as both a wrestler and manager for Pat Rose and Tom Prichard.[6]

American Wrestling Association (1985–1987)

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After Martel recovered, Larry Zbyszko helped her join the American Wrestling Association (AWA).[3] She eventually debuted in the AWA and, on September 28, 1985, at SuperClash in Chicago, she defeated Candi Devine for the AWA World Women's Championship.[4][10] She traded the belt with Devine, and on June 28, 1986, at "Battle by the Bay," Martel defeated Devine to win the AWA World Women's Championship for a third and final time.[10] Martel, however, only held the title briefly before vacating it.[4]

During this time, in addition to wrestling, Martel acted as the manager for the team of "Playboy" Buddy Rose and "Pretty Boy" Doug Somers, whom she managed to win the AWA World Tag Team Championship.[10] Rose and Somers then engaged in a lengthy feud with The Midnight Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty),[11] who defeated Rose and Somers for the tag team title on January 27, 1987, in St. Paul, Minnesota.[12]

World Wrestling Federation (1987–1993)

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Debut & Women's Champion (1987–1988)

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Sherri with the WWF Women's Championship, 1987

After former AWA wrestler Jesse Ventura referred her to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF),[3] she debuted on July 24, 1987, defeating The Fabulous Moolah for the WWF Women's Championship.[9][10] Renaming herself Sensational Sherri, she reigned as WWF Women's Champion for fifteen months before losing it to Rockin' Robin on October 8, 1988, in Paris.[4][9][10] At the Survivor Series in 1987, Martel's team consisting of Martel, Women's World Tag Team Champions The Glamour Girls (Leilani Kai and Judy Martin), Dawn Marie, and Donna Christanello lost to The Fabulous Moolah's team consisting of Moolah, Velvet McIntyre, Rockin' Robin, and the Jumping Bomb Angels (Noriyo Tateno and Itsuki Yamazaki).[13] When the WWF phased out its women's division in 1990, Martel remained with the company and turned her attention to managing male wrestlers.[10]

Concurrent with her reign as WWF Women's Champion, Martel made several appearances in costume as "Peggy Sue," the girlfriend of The Honky Tonk Man, who was in the midst of a run as Intercontinental Champion. Her primary role was to irritate Honky's opponents—namely, Randy "Macho Man" Savage and Brutus "the Barber" Beefcake—and interfere in his matches.

Managing Randy Savage and Ted DiBiase (1989–1992)

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Sherri managed several wrestlers in WWF, including Ted DiBiase during his time as Million Dollar Champion

After WrestleMania V, Martel confronted Miss Elizabeth, manager of newly dethroned former WWF World champion Randy Savage, during an interview, leading to a confrontation between the two in which Savage fired Miss Elizabeth and repeatedly threatened to hit her.[14] Martel then attacked Hulk Hogan from behind as he came to Miss Elizabeth's rescue, leaving him open to a chair attack from Savage,[15] Throughout the remainder of 1989, Martel and Savage feuded with Hogan and Miss Elizabeth.[10] At SummerSlam, Hogan and Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake defeated the team of Savage and Zeus.[16] After the match, Miss Elizabeth knocked out Martel with Martel's purse, and she, Hogan, and Beefcake cut Martel's hair.[6]

At WrestleMania VI in 1990, Martel and Savage lost a mixed tag-team match against Sapphire and Dusty Rhodes after Miss Elizabeth, who was in the corner of Sapphire and Rhodes, interfered and shoved Martel.[17] During that same year, Martel and Savage appeared on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous with Robin Leach.[4] During a steel cage match at Madison Square Garden, The Ultimate Warrior pulled off an escaping Martel's miniskirt to reveal matching black garter belts and lace underpants. Practically in tears, Martel raced back to the locker room. At WrestleMania VII, Savage lost a "retirement match" against The Ultimate Warrior, in which the loser would be forced (Kayfabe) to retire.[4][18] After Savage lost the match, an irate Martel attacked Savage but was thrown from the ring by Miss Elizabeth, who had been watching from the audience.[4][18]

Later on the WrestleMania VII card after she and Savage parted ways following the career match, Martel came to the ring to help "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase in his assault on an injured Rowdy Roddy Piper, following which she managed DiBiase until 1992.[3][10]

Pairing and feuding with Shawn Michaels (1992–1993)

[edit]

Subsequently, Martel began managing Shawn Michaels after Pat Patterson convinced Michaels to participate in the storyline.[19] In February 1992, during Paul Bearer's interview segment The Funeral Parlor, Sherri declared she was now "in love" with Shawn Michaels, who had just turned on his longtime tag team partner Marty Jannetty. She also sang Michaels' theme song called "Sexy Boy".[10] As part of his gimmick, Michaels would admire himself in a full-length mirror before his matches.[20] At Summerslam in 1992 Sherri was ringside for a rare heel vs heel match involving Michaels and Rick Martel. The stipulation of the match was that neither man could hit the other in the face which was attributed to the arrogant yet handsome characters of both men. Both Michaels and Martel fought for the affections of Sherri after the double count out result of the match when Sherri feigned fainting requiring both men to come to blows and attempt to carry Sherri backstage. In 1992, before a match, Jannetty grabbed the mirror and attempted to hit Michaels with it, but Michaels pulled Martel in front of him.[20] After being hit with the mirror, she was absent from television until the Royal Rumble in January 1993.[20] At the Rumble, she was in a neutral corner for the match between Michaels and Jannetty but eventually turned on Michaels during the match, cementing a face turn.[20] Backstage, Michaels confronted her and Jannetty came to her rescue.[20] The storyline, however, was cut short as Jannetty was released from the company in the midst of the feud.[20] Martel spent the remainder of the year aligned with Tatanka, who aided her in her feud with Luna Vachon and Bam Bam Bigelow. She was released from the World Wrestling Federation during the summer. Two reasons have been given for Sherri's departure: her decision to enroll in cosmetology school and failed drug tests.[21][22]

USWA (1993)

[edit]

Towards the end of her time in the WWF, Martel participated in a WWF invasion angle in the USWA, reuniting with Savage. Martel would suffer a similar embarrassment to that which she had suffered at the hands of Warrior when she ran in the ring to aid Savage in a steel cage match in Memphis against his old enemy in the area, Jerry "The King" Lawler, but after accidentally knocking Savage from the ring, she had her dress yanked off by Lawler as she climbed the cage to escape.

Smoky Mountain Wrestling (1993)

[edit]

After her WWF release, Martel had a brief spell in Smoky Mountain Wrestling, siding with Tracy Smothers in a feud with Tammy Sytch, Brian Lee, as well as several intergender matches with Jim Cornette.

Eastern Championship Wrestling (1993–1994)

[edit]

She began working in Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1993, managing Shane Douglas.[23] At November to Remember on November 13, Martel faced Malia Hosaka in a match.[24] Sherri continued to manage Douglas until the spring of 1994.[25]

World Championship Wrestling (1994–1997, 2000)

[edit]

Managing Ric Flair (1994)

[edit]

Martel signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1994. The original plan for her was to manage Kevin and Dave Sullivan against Missy Hyatt and The Nasty Boys, but after Hyatt was fired in February 1994, the proposed rivalry went on with no managers for either team.

Martel made her debut on the April 23 edition of WCW Saturday Night, under the name Sensuous Sherri, this was because the name Sensational Sherri was trademarked by the WWF. In an interview with Gene Okerlund, she said her goal was to find a man that can bring her the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. She was ringside at Slamboree on May 22, during the WCW World Heavyweight Championship match between Ric Flair and Barry Windham. On June 24, a title unification match took place at the Clash of the Champions XXVII between WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair and the WCW International World Heavyweight Champion Sting. Although she revealed in the beginning of the match she sided with Sting (including wearing his signature face paint), it turned out to be a double cross, as she sided with Flair, who won the match and unified the titles, double-teaming Sting, until the newly signed Hulk Hogan made the save.

At Bash at the Beach, Martel tried to help Flair to defeat Hogan in a match by giving him brass knuckles, but failed.[26] At the feud's climactic battle, a steel cage match at Halloween Havoc, Martel climbed the cage to aid Flair and in the process had her dress pulled off by Jimmy Hart, Hogan's manager, leaving her dangling from the cage in black lingerie.

Managing Harlem Heat (1994–1997)

[edit]

Next, Martel began managing Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) using the name Sister Sherri.[10] She managed the team to seven WCW World Tag Team Championship reigns.[2] In late 1994 (while still managing Harlem Heat in WCW), Martel made a return appearance in ECW managing Shane Douglas and Brian Pillman against Ron Simmons and 2 Cold Scorpio.[27]

Return and final appearances (2000)

[edit]

In 2000, she made three wrestling television appearances with WCW. The first was at the Souled Out 2000 pay-per-view event, watching at ringside during the Chris Benoit vs. Sid Vicious matchup for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. The second was on the January 19, 2000, edition of WCW Thunder where she had a match with Madusa, which she lost. In her third and final appearance in WCW, she had a match with Mona, which she also lost.

Later career and WWE Hall of Fame (1997–2006)

[edit]

After leaving WCW, Martel won the IWA Mid-South Women's Title defeating Debbie Combs on August 28, 1997. A few weeks later she dropped the title back to Combs.[28]

Early in 1999, Martel competed in a mixed-tag team match for the Apocalypse Wrestling Federation's Heavyweight Championship, a title held predominately by men.[29] Missy Hyatt pinned Martel to win the title.[29] In October 1999, she appeared on the Heroes of Wrestling pay-per-view managing Greg Valentine in a match against George Steele.[30] Also in 1999, she was awarded the AWA Superstars Women's Championship.[2]

She wrestled her very last match at WrestleReunion on January 29, 2005, teaming with Peggy Lee Leather, Amber O'Neal and Krissy Vaine losing to Wendi Richter, Malia Hosaka, Bambi and Jenny Taylor.

In 2005, she returned to WWE to take part in a storyline with her former client, Shawn Michaels, and Kurt Angle shortly before their match at WrestleMania 21.[4] She made a return to SmackDown!, singing Michaels' theme song (the original recording of Michaels' theme song featured Martel on vocals) with Angle.[4]

She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Ted DiBiase in April 2006.[6] Later that year, she worked for TNA Wrestling, taping a backstage vignette trying to offer her managerial services to "free agent" Bobby Roode that aired on the September 21, 2006 TNA Impact!; it was her last wrestling television appearance.[6]

Personal life

[edit]

By 2003, she was living in Tennessee with her husband, Robert Schrull, where she helped him renovate houses.[3] She was married and divorced at least twice during her life.[3] She had one son.[6]

Death

[edit]

On June 15, 2007, Martel died at her mother's residence in McCalla, Alabama, near Birmingham. She was 49 years old.[6] On September 11, 2007, homicide investigators in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, released the toxicology report stating that she died of an accidental overdose with multiple drugs in her system, including high amounts of oxycodone.[31] She was cremated after her death.

Championships and accomplishments

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See also

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References

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Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sherri Martel

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sherry Lynn Schrull (née Russell; February 8, 1958 – June 15, 2007), better known by her ring names Sherri Martel and Sensational Sherri, was an and manager who rose to prominence in the and as one of the most dynamic female figures in . She began her in-ring career in the early after training in the (AWA), where she became a three-time AWA World Women's Champion, defeating rivals like in high-profile matches. In 1987, Martel joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now ), debuting by defeating to capture the WWF Women's Championship, which she held for 15 months before losing it to Rockin' Robin. As the division was phased out, she transitioned into a successful managerial role, aligning with stars such as "Macho Man" Randy Savage—serving as his valet during his WWF Championship reign—and later Ted DiBiase's . Her tenure in (WCW) from 1994 onward saw her manage and the tag team to multiple wins, showcasing her signature persona with sharp promos and interference tactics. Martel's contributions to women's wrestling and entertainment were recognized with her induction into the in 2006, honoring her as a trailblazer who influenced generations of performers. Tragically, she died on June 15, 2007, at age 49 in McCalla, , from an accidental , as confirmed by a report released by Tuscaloosa authorities.

Early life and background

Childhood and family

Sherry Lynn Russell, who would later become known as Sherri Martel, was born on February 8, 1958, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was raised primarily by her mother alongside her sister, as the family navigated life in the American South during the mid-20th century. Her childhood was spent in Birmingham, where she experienced the cultural influences of the region, though detailed accounts of her pre-teen years remain limited in public records.

Initial interest in wrestling

Sherri Martel, born Sherri Russell in , developed an early fascination with during her childhood in the 1960s and 1970s. As a young girl, she was first exposed to the sport through live events when her mother took her and her sister to wrestling shows in , often as an alternative to babysitting duties at home. This hands-on introduction ignited her passion, supplemented by watching matches , which showcased the athleticism and drama that captivated her. By her mid-teens, Martel's interest had deepened into a clear ambition to enter the industry herself. In 1974, at age 16, she approached Mid-South Wrestling promoter in for advice on breaking into wrestling, leveraging connections through family friends in the regional scene. Smith, skeptical of her youth and commitment in a field overwhelmingly dominated by men, dismissed her initial overtures and advised her to return in five years when she was older and more resolute. These early interactions highlighted the barriers women faced, including outright doubt from industry figures who viewed female participation as a novelty rather than a viable pursuit. Undeterred, Martel reaffirmed her determination around age 18, balancing personal life milestones like early with her growing resolve to train informally and pursue the professionally. Despite the era's biases and limited opportunities for women in the late 1970s, these foundational experiences laid the groundwork for her eventual entry into a male-centric world.

Professional wrestling career

Early career and training (1980–1985)

Martel, born Sherri Lynn Russell, initiated her professional wrestling training in late 1979 in , under the tutelage of Butch Moore following an earlier unsuccessful approach to at age 16 in 1974, where Smith advised her to return upon reaching 21. She made her in-ring debut in 1980 in Mid-South Wrestling independent shows, billed initially as Sherri Russell, with her occurring in a cattle auction barn in . After a second divorce at age 20, which left her with a young son, she adopted the ring name Sherri Martel, reportedly influenced by her trainer during further instruction at Moolah's school in , beginning in the fall of 1980 alongside Donna Christanello. In 1981, following eight weeks of competition in arranged by Moolah, Martel returned to the and competed in regional promotions across the South, including the Continental Wrestling Association in Memphis and Southeastern Championship Wrestling in and , where she specialized in women's division matches against emerging female competitors. Her early bouts emphasized building experience in the territory system, often featuring intense encounters with local talent such as Debbie Combs, highlighting her aggressive approach in smaller venues. Martel's in-ring style evolved during this period into a hybrid of technical —drawing from her foundational drills with Moore and Moolah—and high-energy brawling, allowing her to adapt to varied opponents in house shows and television tapings. By 1984–1985, amid ongoing wrestling appearances in these territories, she experimented with occasional duties for male wrestlers in independent circuits, marking an early shift toward multifaceted roles while refining her performance for broader exposure.

American Wrestling Association (1985–1987)

In 1985, Sherri Martel joined the (AWA) after being introduced to promoter by fellow wrestler , marking her entry into a major wrestling territory as a performer known for her athleticism and villainous tactics. Her previous experience in regional promotions had honed her technical skills, preparing her for the AWA spotlight. Debuting with immediate impact, Martel positioned herself as a dominant force in the women's division, leveraging her training under to showcase a blend of and cunning interference. On September 28, 1985, at the 's event in , Martel defeated to capture the AWA World Women's Championship, her first major title in a national promotion. This victory ignited a heated rivalry with Devine, characterized by multiple title exchanges over the next year; Martel lost the belt in October 1985 but regained it on October 17 in , only to drop it again to Devine on January 16, 1986. She reclaimed the championship for a third time on June 28, 1986, at in , holding it for over a year through successful defenses that solidified her status as the promotion's top female competitor. Notable defenses included victories over on July 12, 1986, in a hard-fought singles highlighting Martel's superior conditioning, and against Debbie Combs on December 29, 1985, at Night of Champions II in , where she retained via pinfall after a grueling exchange of holds and strikes. Martel's time in the AWA also saw her transition into a managerial role, aligning with the heel tag team of "Playboy" and "Pretty Boy" , whom she guided to the on May 17, 1986. This partnership fueled intense feuds, including a series of tag team matches against the Midnight Rockers ( and ), culminating in a steel cage bout on December 25, 1986, in St. Paul, Minnesota, where the emerged victorious despite Martel's interference attempts. Although inter-promotional tensions with WWF's simmered through shared training ties, Martel's AWA run emphasized her in-ring prowess over external angles. During this period, Martel's character evolved into a more aggressive, trash-talking , incorporating mocking gestures and early uses of her operatic voice to belittle opponents and rile crowds, elements that amplified her heat and set the stage for future personas. By mid-1987, creative differences with bookers and the allure of national exposure led Martel to depart the promotion, vacating the Women's Championship upon her exit to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Her tenure established her as a versatile talent capable of carrying the women's division while contributing to broader storylines.

World Wrestling Federation (1987–1993)

Martel made her World Wrestling Federation (WWF) debut on July 24, 1987, at a house show in Houston, Texas, where she defeated The Fabulous Moolah to capture the WWF Women's Championship. Adopting the ring name "Sensational Sherri," she held the title for 15 months, defending it successfully against challengers including Moolah, Judy Martin, and Donna Christanello in matches across house shows and televised events like the 1987 Survivor Series. Her reign ended on October 30, 1988, when she lost the championship to Rockin' Robin at a house show in Calgary, Alberta. Following her title loss, the WWF began phasing out its women's division, and Martel shifted to a full-time managerial role after sustaining an injury that limited her in-ring performances. In April 1989, shortly after , she aligned with "Macho Man" as his new manager, replacing and adopting a provocative persona that amplified Savage's intensity. As part of the storyline, Martel was crowned Queen Sherri when Savage was dubbed the Macho King later that year, interfering in his high-profile feuds with —culminating in Savage's WWF Championship loss to Hogan at —and The , including Savage's defeat at in 1991. She also supported Savage in his rivalry with over the WWF Championship, notably during Flair's 1992 royal tenure, and famously sang a customized version of Savage's theme song during his entrance to taunt Warrior. Her tenure with Savage lasted until early 1992, enhancing his pursuit of the WWF Championship through distractions and physical interferences that solidified her as a key antagonist. In February 1992, Martel transitioned to managing "Million Dollar Man" and his new partner Irwin R. Schyster as the , bringing her aggressive style to their greedy gimmick. Under her guidance, captured the WWF Championship from the on February 7, 1992, at a house show in , (with the match serving as a high-profile defense). She continued to aid the duo in defenses against teams like and the , contributing to their second reign after regaining the titles on October 13, 1992, at a house show in . By mid-1992, Martel aligned with Shawn Michaels as his valet following his split from The Rockers, debuting at her side on WWF Superstars in April and amplifying his cocky "Heartbreak Kid" persona with flirtatious antics and interference. She supported Michaels in feuds, including his Intercontinental Championship pursuits and a personal rivalry with Rick Martel at SummerSlam 1992, where the match was framed around competing for her affections. In early 1993, Martel became embroiled in a brutal feud with Luna Vachon, who repeatedly attacked her during Michaels' matches, leading to a no-contest encounter at WrestleMania IX on April 4, 1993. Martel also sang Michaels' entrance theme, "Sexy Boy," adding to her multifaceted "Sensational Sherri" gimmick that blended managing, performing, and occasional wrestling. Martel's WWF tenure concluded in 1993 amid contract disputes and repeated failures of drug tests, leading to her release by the promotion in the summer of that year. Throughout her six-year run, she evolved from champion to one of the promotion's most notorious managers, influencing major storylines and enhancing the dynamics of top stars while occasionally returning to the ring for mixed-tag matches and brawls.

Return to regional promotions (1993–1994)

Following her departure from the World Wrestling Federation in early 1993, Sherri Martel returned to smaller regional promotions in the United States to maintain her visibility and income. In April and May 1993, she made several appearances for the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) in Memphis, Tennessee, where she both wrestled and managed talent. Martel aligned herself with "Macho Man" Randy Savage in an inter-promotional angle, assisting him in confrontations against USWA kingpin Jerry "The King" Lawler, including a notable slap and brawl segment on USWA television. She also competed in the ring, defeating Miss Texas (Jacqueline Moore) in a singles match, showcasing her continued in-ring prowess amid feuds in the local women's division. These USWA outings were limited to a handful of dates, reflecting the transitional nature of her schedule during this period. Later in 1993, Martel briefly joined Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW), a promotion based in the Appalachian region, where she adopted a heel persona to align with fan-favorite Tracy Smothers. Her role involved cutting high-energy promos to counter the antagonism from heel manager Tammy Fytch and her charge, SMW Heavyweight Champion Brian Lee, intensifying the ongoing feud between Smothers and Lee. Martel accompanied Smothers to ringside for key matches, including a tag team bout at the SMW Parade of Champions event on October 7, 1993, where she contributed to the storyline by interfering and escalating tensions with Fytch. She also participated in a women's battle royal at the same event, emerging victorious and further embedding herself in SMW's rivalries. However, her involvement in SMW was short-lived, confined to September and October appearances, as scheduling conflicts restricted her to promotional segments and sporadic support roles rather than full-time commitments. Martel's regional itinerary extended into Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW) from late 1993 through early 1994, marking her introduction to the promotion's emerging hardcore wrestling environment. She debuted as a manager for Shane Douglas, positioning herself as a key figure in his pursuit of the ECW Heavyweight Championship. At ECW's Ultraclash event on September 18, 1993, Martel entered a battle royal match alongside competitors like Tigra and Angel, adapting her style to the chaotic, no-holds-barred format while leveraging her WWF-honed managerial intensity. Her tenure included participation in mixed-tag team matches and singles bouts, such as a disqualification loss to Malia Hosaka at November to Remember on November 13, 1993, where she defended Douglas's interests amid escalating personal rivalries, including a heated convention confrontation with Madusa Miceli. Martel accompanied Douglas to the ring for his title defenses, including his successful reign, but her ECW run faced challenges from the promotion's gritty, weapon-heavy style, which contrasted sharply with her prior mainstream experiences and led to only a limited number of bookings—primarily in the fall of 1993 and winter of 1994—due to overlapping commitments elsewhere. No major championships were captured during this phase, as her focus remained on building alliances and promos to sustain momentum.

World Championship Wrestling (1994–1997, 2000)

Martel debuted in (WCW) in 1994 as "Sensuous Sherri," initially aligning with —building on their prior association—to aid him in key feuds against Sting and Vader. Her first major appearance came at XXVII on June 23, 1994, where she interfered in Flair's match against Sting by wearing face paint to mimic the challenger and distract him. This role highlighted Martel's penchant for dramatic interference and sharp promos, often using her vocal delivery to taunt opponents and elevate Flair's persona during his rivalries, including against . Later in 1994, Martel transitioned to managing the tag team Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray), adopting the "Sister Sherri" moniker to fit their stable's dynamic. Under her guidance, Harlem Heat captured the WCW World Tag Team Championship seven times between 1995 and 1997, with notable reigns including victories over The Rock 'n' Roll Express in July 1996 and a defense against The Steiner Brothers at Bash at the Beach in the same year. Martel's management emphasized psychological warfare through fiery promos that rallied the team and intimidated rivals, contributing to their dominance in WCW's tag division despite occasional booking frustrations that limited her on-screen visibility. During her WCW tenure, Martel also participated in women's storylines, engaging in a heated rivalry with that featured physical confrontations and culminated in an in-ring match on on January 29, 1996, where Martel secured the victory. These angles showcased her versatility, blending managerial duties with sporadic wrestling bouts, though her primary focus remained on bolstering until tensions and personal challenges led to a hiatus in mid-1997, with her final appearance alongside the team occurring on Nitro in . Martel made a brief return to WCW in 2000 amid the promotion's efforts to revive interest through veteran cameos, appearing three times in nostalgia-driven spots. She was at ringside for the main event at Souled Out 2000, observing the WCW World Heavyweight Championship match between Chris Benoit and Sid Vicious, and competed in matches against Madusa and Mona, marking her last in-ring work for the company before declining a full-time contract.

Independent circuit and WWE return (1997–2006)

Following her departure from World Championship Wrestling in 1997, Martel resumed work on the , blending in-ring competition with managerial duties across various promotions. In , she captured the by defeating Combs in a falls count anywhere match on August 28, 1997. She successfully defended the title against Combs in a match on September 4, 1997, showcasing her signature aggressive style in hardcore environments. Her managerial approach, honed during her WCW tenure, carried over to these bookings, where she guided wrestlers in feuds and tag team scenarios to enhance their presence. Martel's independent schedule continued through the late and early , with notable achievements including being awarded the Superstars of Wrestling Women's Championship in 1999 for a third time, though she was stripped of the title shortly after for missing a defense. Appearances remained sporadic, often in small regional shows where she mixed wrestling and managing roles. By 2005, she competed in her final match at WrestleReunion on January 29, teaming with , , and against , , , and Jenny Taylor in an eight-woman bout, which her team lost. During this period, Martel also contributed to backstage efforts, including training aspiring female wrestlers to develop their skills and personas. Martel made select returns to WWE programming in the mid-2000s, including a guest spot tied to a storyline involving former client and ahead of in 2005. She appeared on Raw on March 6, 2006, where her impending Hall of Fame induction was announced, marking a ceremonial nod to her legacy. These cameos highlighted her influence on younger talent, such as providing guidance to performers like Victoria in informal mentoring capacities during events. On April 1, 2006, inducted Martel into the Class of 2006, praising her versatility as a wrestler and manager who elevated numerous careers. A video tribute package featured clips of her partnerships, including with , drawing a strong crowd reaction and underscoring their impactful on-screen dynamic. In her acceptance speech, Martel reflected on witnessing the rise of icons like Hulk Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, , , and , expressing gratitude to her family, trainers like , and for the honor. She emphasized her pride in paving the way for women in wrestling, closing with an emotional acknowledgment of her journey from the independents to the Hall of Fame.

Personal life

Marriages and relationships

Martel married her first husband, Leroy Gonzales, in 1976 at the age of 18, and the couple welcomed a son, Jarred, in 1978. The marriage ended in divorce shortly thereafter, as Martel prioritized her burgeoning interest in over family life, leaving her young son in the care of his father and moving away to pursue her career. This decision strained her early familial ties, though she maintained a close relationship with her sister, Dawn, who became a significant source of support throughout her life. In the early stages of her wrestling career, Martel entered into an on-and-off romantic relationship with fellow wrestler Jake "The Snake" Roberts, whom she met while working on the independent circuit. Their connection, formed amid the demanding travel schedule of the wrestling scene, provided personal companionship during long road trips but was ultimately complicated by the transient nature of their lifestyles; the relationship faded as both advanced in their professional paths. Following years on the road that limited opportunities for stable partnerships, Martel married Robert Schrull in 1997, a union that lasted until her death a decade later. The couple settled in , where Martel stepped back from full-time wrestling to assist Schrull in renovating homes, offering her a semblance of domestic stability absent during her peak career years. This marriage marked a period of relative calm, though Martel never had additional children and occasionally reflected on how the relentless demands of wrestling had shaped her choices regarding family and long-term relationships.

Health and substance issues

Martel's wrestling career in the was marked by physical tolls, including a severe injury sustained during a mixed that temporarily sidelined her from in-ring competition. These early mishaps, involving high-impact falls common to the era's matches, contributed to chronic neck and that persisted throughout her professional life. As her role shifted toward managing in the late 1980s, Martel developed a debilitating lower back injury from repeatedly taking "crazy bumps" at ringside to sell the action, akin to the style of manager . This pain, compounded by the grueling travel schedules of up to 300 days a year on the road, led her to rely on prescription painkillers for management. Her struggles with these medications escalated alongside alcohol use during this period, as the demanding lifestyle in promotions like the WWF exacerbated her dependency. In the , Martel entered rehabilitation programs, including those required by the WWF amid their wellness policies, in efforts to address her substance issues. Despite these attempts, she faced relapses during her tenure with WCW, where the high-pressure environment and ongoing pain contributed to setbacks. By 1996, she underwent a particularly challenging rehab stint, later reflecting on the difficulty of maintaining while returning to the road. Entering the 2000s, Martel's health had noticeably declined due to her chronic back injury, which made long-distance travel arduous and in-ring participation impossible, ultimately influencing her shift toward limited independent appearances and semi-retirement. In her later years, she pursued ongoing sobriety efforts, drawing support from peers in the wrestling community who recognized her contributions and advocated for industry-wide changes to combat addiction.

Death and legacy

Circumstances of death

On June 15, 2007, Sherri Martel was discovered deceased at the age of 49 in her mother's home in McCalla, , by her husband, Robert Schrull. Authorities from the Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit responded to the scene and ruled out any suspicion of foul play, treating the incident as a potential pending further investigation. An conducted by the Department of Forensic Sciences, followed by a analysis, determined the official cause of death as an accidental overdose involving multiple prescription medications, including high levels of and muscle relaxants such as . The report, released on , 2007, revealed six different drugs in her system, with the combination leading to respiratory depression and . Leading up to her death, Martel had been managing through prescribed medications stemming from long-term health issues and had recently taken on independent wrestling bookings, including a managerial for on in September 2006. Martel's funeral was a private affair held shortly after her passing, attended by a small group of wrestling peers including Booker T, , , and , with Booker T and Sharmell reportedly covering the costs. Initial media coverage focused on her contributions to , prompting tributes from , which issued an official statement honoring her as a Hall of Famer, and WCW alumni such as , who praised her as one of the greatest managers in the sport's history.

Posthumous recognition and impact

Following her death in 2007, Sherri Martel's legacy as a trailblazing figure in has been increasingly celebrated through posthumous honors and cultural retrospectives, emphasizing her role in elevating women's contributions to the industry. She was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in the Ladies category in 2014, recognizing her multifaceted career as both a wrestler and manager. She was also posthumously inducted into the Women's Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2024. Her 2006 induction continues to anchor discussions on the evolution of women's wrestling, where she is frequently cited for pioneering the manager archetype that blended athleticism, mic work, and interference tactics to amplify male stars like and . In the 2020s, Martel's influence has been highlighted in high-profile documentaries and programming, bringing renewed attention to her innovations. The 2024 episode of titled "Sensational Sherri" explored her personal sacrifices and professional impact, portraying her as an icon who reshaped the role during the and . Features on the , including archival matches and segments from women's divisions, often reference her as a foundational figure in personas, with her appearances in collections like early WWF women's title bouts underscoring her versatility. Martel's enduring impact is evident in modern wrestling, where she inspires contemporary valets and performers. has been described as the "modern-day Sensational Sherri" for her similar blend of managing, in-ring involvement, and charismatic presence, echoing Martel's style in promoting talents like . Her pioneering of the manager role, including signature singing entrances like the "Sexy Boy" theme for , has influenced current performers who incorporate vocal and performative elements into their acts. Recent podcasts, such as the October 2024 episode of Hall of Fame with Booker T & Brad Gilmore discussing her legacy, and fan-driven retrospectives in 2025, celebrate her versatility across promotions. Tributes extend to independent circuits, with the promoting the annual Sherri Martel Classic tournament since 2022 to honor her as a women's wrestling pioneer; the event occurred in September 2024 and is scheduled for its third edition on November 29, 2025, featuring all-women's matches that highlight managerial and athletic legacies she helped establish. In fan-voted and expert rankings of greatest managers, such as the 2024 Valet Parking Only top 10 list, Martel consistently ranks at or near the top for her ability to elevate wrestlers through psychological intensity and physicality. These recognitions affirm her contributions to women's wrestling, where her work as a vocal, aggressive manager paved the way for more dynamic female roles in the sport.

Championships and accomplishments

Major titles won

Sherri Martel achieved significant success as an in-ring competitor, securing five recognized championship reigns across various promotions, with her major titles highlighting her dominance in the women's division during the . These accomplishments underscored her transition from regional indie scenes to national territories, where she established herself as a formidable champion known for her athleticism and intense rivalries. Martel was a three-time AWA World Women's Champion, with combined reigns totaling 487 days. Her first reign began on September 28, 1985, when she defeated at in , , but was short-lived. She won the title for a second time on October 17, 1985, in , , holding it until January 16, 1986. Her third and longest reign started on June 28, 1986, defeating Devine again at in ; she defended it successfully against top contenders including Devine in multiple high-profile matches and in key bouts that drew strong crowds to events, before vacating the belt upon departing for the WWF in mid-1987. This solidified Martel's status as the top woman in the territory, with notable defenses emphasizing her sleeper hold and aggressive style. Transitioning to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), Martel won the WWF Women's Championship on July 24, 1987, defeating long-reigning champion at in , in what was effectively a unification-style victory as she entered holding the AWA title. Her one reign lasted 441 days until losing to Rockin' Robin on October 7, 1988, in , , during a WWF tour; though shorter than her longest AWA run, it was prestigious for elevating her profile in the larger promotion and involving defenses against challengers like Moolah in rematches and . In addition to these marquee world titles, Martel claimed other regional championships during her 1980s work, such as the IWA Women's Championship, which added to her five total reigns without any women's gold secured during her WCW appearances from 1994 to 2000, where she focused primarily on managerial roles.

Hall of Fame inductions and awards

Sherri Martel was inducted into the in 2006, recognizing her dual legacy as a champion wrestler and influential manager who elevated numerous high-profile talents throughout her career. The induction ceremony, held on April 1, 2006, featured as her presenter, who highlighted her dynamic presence and contributions to the industry during the 1980s and . Her acceptance speech became notable for its passionate delivery, underscoring her perseverance and impact on . In 1994, Martel received the Other Honoree award from the , an organization dedicated to honoring wrestling's pioneers and contributors, acknowledging her versatility and achievements in the ring and at ringside. She was posthumously inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014 as part of its women's division class, celebrating her pioneering role in advancing opportunities for female performers through her in-ring success and managerial expertise. Martel also earned specialized accolades for her managerial prowess, including the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Manager of the Year award in 1991, where she was recognized for her work guiding stars like and to major victories. In 1995, named her the runner-up for Manager of the Year, further affirming her status as one of the era's top non-wrestling influencers in the sport. More recently, Martel was inducted into the Women's Wrestling Hall of Fame in its second class announced in January 2024, honoring her as a trailblazing champion and whose work shaped the women's division across multiple promotions.

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