SLAM! Wrestling Canadian Hall of Fame: Rick Martel
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REAL NAME: Richard Vigneault
BORN: March 18, 1956
NICKNAME: The Model
When wrestling hit its peak in the mid-'80s, with the Rock 'n' Wrestling connection, Hulk Hogan's 24-inch pythons and Ric Flair's stylin' and profiling, Rick Martel was on top of the world.
He was a strange choice in some ways to be AWA heavyweight of the world.
That crown should have been Hogan's. He had feuded extensively with then-champ Nick
Bockwinkel and was poised to win the title before jumped to the WWF. Instead, the title passed from Bockwinkel to Jumbo Tsuruta and then from Tsuruta to Rick Martel on May 13, 1984.
Martel was a veteran by that point in his career, yet not that old. He knew
his way around in the ring but didn't have that magic star-power that sets superstars apart
from the rank and file. He was a clean-cut Canadian boy from Quebec who had paid his dues and made it to the top through hard work and perseverance.
Martel comes from a wrestling family. His brother, Mad Dog Michel Martel, was instrumental in getting Rick into the business. Martel explained his start in a 1996 on-line interview with AOL: "I got my start in Nova Scotia. There was a wrestler that got injured one night and they needed a replacement for
him within 24 hours. So, my brother called me up and told me to get on a plane from Quebec to
Nova Scotia and he told me I was starting as a professional wrestler. I was only 17 years old." (Note: Sherri Martel is not in any way related to the Vigneaults.)
He was quick to gain success. Martel won the British Empire/Commonwealth title in New Zealand on three occasions from 1977-1980. He's held the WWWF tag team titles on three occasions -- twice with partner Tony Garea and once with Tito Santana as Strike Force. Martel would also have likely won the titles with partner Tom Zenk as the Can-Am Connection ( photo above) if Zenk hadn't bailed out on him.
In the late 80s, Martel went through a transformation, became a heel and
dubbed himself 'The Model'. He carried a bottle of perfume called Arrogance around, often spraying it in opponents' eyes to get the advantage.
Martel returned to pro wrestling with WCW in the 1990s, and held the TV title for a short while before being injured. Now working in real estate in Quebec City, Martel still makes occasional appearances as a special guest at wrestling shows and conventions.
His nephew Kevin Martel also wrestled for a while in the late 1990s/early 2000s.
RICK MARTEL STORIES
Rick Martel Career Record
May 13, 2009: AWA World champion Rick Martel -- 25 years later
March 19, 2009: Rick Martel's Wrestlemania memories
October 11, 2004: Michel Martel: Forgotten great
Our April 1998 interview with Rick Martel
Memories
Rick Martel, I think he kind of broke in out here with me. He got to be a very good performer. His brother was wrestling in Puerto Rico. Michel Martel. After a very hard match in Puerto Rico, he just collapsed and died on the way to the hospital.
Stu Hart, from a Nov. 1997 interview with SLAM! Wrestling
Rick Martel was the kind of wrestler who had the ability to be a very
successful wrestler, but couldn't assume the role of a superstar. What
I remember the most of Rick Martel is his stupid gimmick of "The Model"
in the WWF but before that he formed one of the best successful
short-lived tag-team, Strike Force, with Tito Santana. But like we
know, good tag teams always finish with a split and that happened with
Strike Force -- jealousy came in and the two split up. I know Rick was a
very popular star in Quebec before jumping in the WWF in the 80's.
Today, he's back in Quebec to do some promoting and wrestles less often.
Anonymous
The period from which I remember Rick Martel first was the time he was
the American Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Champion, but more
for the effect it had on a small area. At the time (1984-1985), Rick was
splitting his time with the AWA, and a small federation (what would now
be called "independent"), who prime feature (to me, at least) was having
a weekly television show. It was Gino Brito's "International Wrestling".
Known for being the starting area for such wrestlers as Dan Kroffat
(Phil LaFon), Tom Zenk, Dino Brito, (Headshrinker Samu and the Rougeau
Brothers, as well as featuring other stars like "Dr. D." Dave Schultz,
Hercules Ayala & "Sadistic" Steve Strong (known elsewhere as Steve
DiSalvo), and of course, the world-famous Road Warriors. The interview
I'll remember most was a preview for a match of then-World Champion
Martel vs. Steve Strong; as if to show how angry he was, Martel actually
grabbed a beer bottle, and broke it over his forehead. He continued the
interview with red blood pouring down his face.
What I remember most about that time was how, before Martel lost the
title, a small Montreal organization was on top of the world. Canadians
saw the World and Tag champs on regular cards in their area. What could
be better than that?
David Scott
I met with Rick Martel while he did a show in Cloverdale B.C. He signed a
picture that we had together and I can always remember what a nice guy
he is.
Carl Dorflinger
Until Martel bailed out on Santana at Wrestlemania 5, he was my 4th
favorite wrestler at the time. I didn't know that he wrestled in 1980,
but from what I read, he was a hell of a wrestler. Can-AM Connection
wasn't all that bad, and they proved that at Wrestlemania 3, but when
Martel and Santana formed a tag team, they were unstoppable, and until
they got stiffed at Wrestlemania 4, they were the best tag team at the
time, and they are still my favorite tag team ever. When Martel turned
heel, the only thing it did for him was give him a chance at the IC
title, but he sucked as a heel. Either way, as a face, he is still one
of my favorite wrestlers of all time.
The Leprachaun DE
I remember when he squirted Arrogance into Jake the Snake's eyes, then wrestled him at WrestleMania
7 in a blind fold match.
GHoward441
My first memory of Rick Martel is his first tour with the WWF. He was
tag-teaming with Tony Garea who was one of my favorite wrestlers when I
was a kid and they won the WWWF tag-team titles. They remain one of my
all time favorite tag teams. I met him while he was with the WWF as
"the Model" but even as a heel he would always sign autographs and take
time to talk to me after the matches. Rick is one of the true nice guys
in the business. Today Tony works the WWF front offices and Rick has
just signed with WCW.
Andy Laudano
I could always remember reading about his AWA title reign in magazines, just
about the same time Hulk Hogan began his WWF title reign. Then he exploded
on the WWF scene with the Tom Zenk and he made a big impression on my friends
and I. Chico and Martel also did well together, but were no match for
Demolition. His years as "the Model" were o.k, and I was pulling for either
him or Dino Bravo to win the Intercontinental championship tourney that Curt
Hennig won.
GAdams3972
Well, let me start by saying that Rick Martel, was one of the finest
athletes in the sport of professional wrestling. He took alot of things
in stride and always came out having a fun time, whether or not the fans
liked him or not. I have to say, whenever he sprayed the can of
ARROGANCE in Jake "The Snake" Roberts' eyes, was a memory that will stand
out to me, after the blindfold match that Rick was to enter with Jake, I
think he learn that you may get bite when you mess with a snake. But he
will always be a fine person as well as a fine athlete.
Barbara
Rick Martel was one of the WWF's best superstars. Strike Force was
robbed of the titles so Demolition could look bad ass. Even as a
soloist, his match with Jake Roberts was a classic.
ASWSU SEnat
I always liked to watch Rick Martel in action. I read a lot about his so-called decline in ability as "The Model". I recall him still doing amazing cartwheels and dropkicks that so little evidence in that statement. I think that "The Model" gimmick provided him with Limited Potential (aka Double J gimmick) that wasn't deserving to such an athlete and felt that the WWF jobbed him to other athletes.
Janice Ketterhagen
I was lucky enough to attend Wrestlemania 6 in Toronto. Obviously
Martel's match was not the highlight of the night. He squared off against
Koko B Ware. Koko started the match off quite well. Then Martel slapped
on a Boston Crab and Koko tapped out. I also saw the model fight in
Belleville against Razor Ramone (Scott Hall). The Model had the Crab on
him but Razor ended up winning the match.
James Hurst
My fondest memory of Rick Martel was when I took a vacation down to Cocoa
Beach in 1993. I was at a bar buying a drink when all of a sudden a great
eruption exploded through the door. All I heard was, "Ha ha ha ha ha! A beer
for me and a beer for my buddy Blackie! Hey Mitter Tulu, Ta ta ha ta hi tat
ti ta, ha ha ha ha ha!" Then he threw about twenty foxtails on the bar and
bought beers for everyone. What a great guy! But as Rick always said, "Dut
don't tut de long flow gold lock, you looder!"
M.A. HANNA
My fondest memory of Martel was the BlindFold match at WrestleMania against
Jake Roberts.. Martel put up a good fight.. but as usual he jobbed to The DDT!
Nique12
I met Rick Martel in Hawaii back in the late 70's after a wrestling match.
He had just defeated Tor Kamaka in a "vengeance" match. After the lights
came on, me and a couple of friends ventured back to the locker rooms
seeking pictures and autographs. We were pleasantly surprised to find that
Rick Martel and the rest of the wrestlers (heels included) were very
personable. I had the opportunity to have been included in a group polaroid
which included Rick, Sammy Steamboat, "Superstar" Steve Strong, Tor Kamaka,
and Chief Billy Whitewolf. The picture was taken by then-New England Patriot
Russ Francis, who wrestled in the off-season. Rick took the time to make
sure that me and my buddies questions were answered. Rick, if your reading
this, welcome back!
Howard
Rick Martel has always been one of my favorite wrestlers. I go back to his
tag team with Tony Garea in the late 70's. To this day, I think the
Martel-Garea team was the greatest scientific tag team the WWF has ever
had.
I had a chance to follow him as AWA champion through the Pro Wrestling USA
show and thought he did a wonderful job in and out of the ring. Even
through his days as the "Model," Martel was always a fun wrestler to
watch. Hopefully he'll come back soon from his injuries.
By the way, it's amazing to me that, except for his body structure, Martel
looks exactly the same as he did in the 70's.
Gary Williams
When I heard that Rick Martel was coming back, i was
overjoyed! He was my favorite wrestler growing up as a kid. I used to
watch him on a local show (in Montreal) with Dino Bravo,
Abdullah the butcher and the very young Rougeau brothers. When i was
watching, he used to be
the AWA champ....the day he lost the title to Stan Hansen...i think i
cried! But he made the eventual jump to the WWf, that was cool, and i
was really excited when he won the tag team belts with Tito
Santana....Then he did that unfortunate turn as the Model. But i still
had fond memories...
So when i saw Rick Martel back in his first match, all
those memories call flooding back..
it's as he was never gone! The flips, the cartwheels and that
unforgettable Boston Crab! All delivered in top form! So welcome back Mr
Martel! I wish you all the success when you get back!
Thanks for all the memories!
Vasken Balouzian
My proudest memories of Rick Martel was when he first teamed with
popular star Tito Santana to form Strike Force. I vividly recall the
match that had Strike Force (Rick & Tito) against the Hart Foundation
(Bret & Anvil) for the WWF tag team title. The moment Rick slapped the
Boston Crab on Anvil, I knew Strike Force had the belts won.
When Rick and Tito won the WWF tag team belts, I couldn't have been any
happier. Rick and Tito, you made me real proud!!
Leonard J. Weirich
I met Rick in a convention a few years ago....he was cool as hell and
had a pleasant personality. He told of his interest in WCW...and in my
book is one of the Greatest in the history of the sport.
student@ rutgers.edu
Even though I am from Quebec city, I never had the chance to meet Rick
Martel ! But .....I always did follow his career with a lot of interest !
I remember most of the events that have been related in here !
I have to say one thing about Rick, He is one of the most complete wrestler
I have seen !
I mean by that, that he can be a bad guy and as well as good guy and always
give a stunning performance ! And even though it did sadden me to see him
turn his back at Strike force and become the Model , I did learn to like
the Model and his arrogance ! That does tell a lot about the acting
performance that Rick is capable of !
Now that he is in WCW, I see nothing but great things that can happen !
hmmmmmmmm ! I think that a match against Disco Inferno would be pretty funny !
Good luck Rick and come back soon and in shape !
From a fellow Quebecers cheering for ya !
Remi Dallaire
I started watching wrestling in late 1989 (WWF) when I was only 13 yrs
old. Rick Martel was always one of my favourites, and I loved the phony
Arrogance commercials when he was on the tennis court or with chicas in
the dressing room. His matches were often the highlights of Prime Time
Wrestling on Friday nights (vs. Tito Santana, Red Rooster, Hercules,
Paul Roma, Marty Janetty and others in 1990) I also thought it was very
fun when Martel came out after having blinded Jake the Snake with
Arrogance and asked him "How many fingers am I holding up" and then
slapped Jake with that hand.
nisse
Since I was I kid in the 70s, Rick Martel has long been my favorite
wrestler. As a face, he was unbeatable, and exciting to watch. From his tag
titles, to the AWA world title, to his too short stint as WCW TV champ,
Martels success has always been as a face. The bookers who were trying to
make him heel again should understand and harness Martel's abilities. He is
the quintessential "face," like Flair is the quintessential bad guy.
Cutch6846
My memories of Rick Martel date back to the late 70's during his tour of Australia and New Zealand. My grandmother, GOD bless her soul, got me interested in wrestling from the age of 4 and I've been following it ever since for over 32 years. Rick when he arrived was this young, new exciting talent which both my grandmother and I loved. His style, athleticism and ability always stayed in my mind. No matter what image or gimmick he has these days, that is the Rick Martel I'll always remember. He would have to be up in the best 5 - 10 wrestlers I've ever had the pleasure to have seen.
T. A. Hooper
I started watching wrestling when I was 12 years old, and that was
almost 18 years ago. It was during the peak of the Garea-Martel team and
I have been a Rick Martel fan ever since. I've always wanted to send him
a letter to let him know how popular he was in Manila, unfortunately, I
couldn't find his addy or any wrestling magazine by that time. I just
hope Rick could read this.
Message to Rick Martel: I've always wanted to let you know that you've
got a (very loyal) big fan here in Manila, Philippines. When the local
TV stations stopped showing WWF, I felt the world turned against me. But
thanks to the internet... I can now get news about you :) and special
thanks to SLAM! as well, for the news. I hope you get well. And if you
happen to talk to Tony Garea, please tell him that he still isn't
forgotten by his Filipino fans. We Love you both and God bless!
Maria Cristina Jasmine
I remember watching the AWA on TV as a child. Martel was just about to
lose the title to Stan Hansen. He seemed like a great wrestler in great
condition. I enjoyed watching his title defenses and I was heartbroken
when my dad told me that he lost the title to Hansen. I cried because I
didn't really know about the business. I didn't understand how a guy who
wrestled for the fans could ever lose.
His later years in the sport were mixed with triumph and
disappointment. I loved Strike Force,but I was shocked when he turned on
Tito at WM5. I didn't feel like supporting him anymore....that is,until
he came back to WCW. I can't believe he injured his knee. Rick
Martel,wherever you're at,get well soon because we miss you.
Reinaldo Luciano
I was at the first Georgia Dome Nitro show when Rick Martel made his
1998 WCW debut. When I heard Dave Penzer introduce him the initial
reaction in the stands was "Why are they bringing back this fossil?"
Imagine our surprise when Rick came into the arena in (arguably) the
best shape of his career. Not only had he lost extra muscle bulk he
carried during his WWF days, he had regained the bright smile that I
recognized from early in his career. His return match was crisp and
exciting and I was looking forward to watching many of his matches in
the future. His unfortunate knee accident some weeks later ended the
comeback bid- I am glad that I had the opportunity to see him wrestle
live at least once. If Rick can carry over his enthusiasm and smile into
his Real Estate ventures, he should have no problem being as successful
in that arena as he has been in the squared circle.
tom.furlong
I have to say that Rick Martel was an still is my favourite wrestler of all time. I started to follow wrestling in the late 80`s, and I was immediately fascinated by "The Model". Later I have seen tapes of older matches involving Martel, including Can-Am Connection/Strike Force matches. I have only fond memories of a great personality, great smile and tremendous wrestling ability. A true great of the sport, and my eyes, an unsung hero. Rick, if you read this, you are the greatest ever.
The best matches with Rick:
1. Rick vs Shawn Michaels SS`92
2. Rick vs Bret Hart WWF Title Match `93
3. Rick as he came back and won a battle royal to gain a IC shot
Rune Eresberg, Norway
Greatest memory of Rick Martel? Was when he was with the best tag team
that I have ever seen. The Strike Force. Just before Survivor Series
87, I loved watching Jim Neidhart submitting to the Boston Crab, winning
the tag team titles for Strike Force. To this day, Strike Force are
still my most favorite tag team of all time.
Derek M. Ellis
I remember watching Rick Martel and Tito Santana as Strike Force in the
WWF in the mid-80's. They were my favorite team in the WWF at the time.
I was happy to see him in WCW last year and felt disappointed when he
retired. I thought it was great that he was involved in a feud with such
good wrestlers as Booker T. and Saturn and not involved in the NWO junk.
I was glad to see that he had kept himself in good physical condition. I
consider him one of the greats of the last twenty years and he will always
be one of my all time favorites.
Jason Kreitzer
Many great wrestlers have come out of Canada throughout the years, but none
with as much class and style as Rick Martel. I have had the opportunity to
meet Rick on a number of occasions and he was always a gentleman and always
very receptive to the fans. The part that amazed me was he always knew fans
by their first name. Congratulations on a fine career Rick, you are a true
superstar.
Terry Harris
My favorite memory was his stunning victory over the Hart Foundation to
capture gold with Tito Santana as Strike Force.
Till this day, I'll never forget his great big smile after victories and
his ever famous "jumping jacks" in the ring. I am a hardcore fan and it
was a disappointment when I heard that he retired. I was heartbroken.
I wish the best of luck to Rick...I'll never forget you!
Your greatest fan, Stephanie
Rick Martel, as I remember him was a wrestler who could come out every match
and gave it 110%, win or lose. He worked good as a single as well as a
tag-team. He wasn't the biggest but in his mind he was the biggest and the
baddest. He would amaze the audience match with his athletic ability. Him
and Tito Santana climbed to the top to finally win the Tag-team titles.
Snake3240
I met Rick Martel when I was fourteen years old and he came to
Cloverdale,B.C. My brother had recently passed away and I knew Rick had
lost his brother, too. I talked with him a bit about it and he's the
nicest guy. I hope I meet him again some day.
Rebecca Miller
I have been watching wrestling since I was just a child. So I have seen many,
many, wrestlers come and go. Rick Martel is one of the finest athletes that
I have watched. I met Rick in the early 80's when he first came to St.
Louis. He has been one of my favorites ever since. Not only is he a great
wrestler, he is a true gentleman. And no matter how long it has been he
always remembers you. I haven't seen him for several years now, but Rick,
whatever you are doing these days, I wish you well. I still think you are
the greatest!!!!
Darla from St. Louis
Strike Force was one of the best teams. But my greatest memory of him is back in Hull, Quebec, in the International Wrestling. It was Wednesday, June 25th (I don't remember the year). He had already lost his A.W.A. title and was now in a feud against one of my best heels: Steve
Strong. I knew at that time what wrestling was all about, but I was 100% sure that Ricky Martel really hated Steve Strong and wanted to kill him. It was a good match but it ended with Martel getting disqualified for using a chair that Steve Strong had threw in the ring. Another good memory of him is watching him teaming up with Austin Idol against the Road Warriors.
Pascal L.
Back in the mid-70's I had a chance to watch great match that pitted Rick Martel and Tito Santana face the than tag champs Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzel at Civic Center in St Paul. All four wrestlers put on a show with more different holds a high flying action that kept the fans on the edge of their seats for over sixty minutes it ended in a draw. I followed Rick when he wrestled in the WWF for Vince McMahon as the Model he played the heel part very well action like a real villain with his manager Sherry Martel. Any fan of the sport and any wrestler will tell you Rick always gave his all in the ring.
Robert Young
I saw Martel wrestle Stan Hansen at White Sox Park on one of Gagne's "Pro
Wrestling USA" combined AWA/NWA shows, several years before I ever heard of
Dave Meltzer. I always wondered how Dave would have rated the card and this
match.
Martel and Hansen brawled all over the infield with the bull rope and cowbell
if I remember correctly. I presume there must have been if you wads of
tobacco juice on home plate as well. I remember being surprised and
impressed by Martel's brawling ability. I would like to see the match again
since I have been reading the Observer for approximately 12 years.
Ray Asher
I remember Rick as being a great wrestler. I could watch the man perform all
day, he was good. Even though I don't get to see him any more I'll always
remember the Can-am connection, Strike Force, even The Model. You don't see
workers like Martel much anymore. They're a dying breed.
Hitman4lyfe@aol.com
What I remember most about Rick Martel was The Model gimmick I think it was
funny I don't know why he didn't win any titles with the gimmick the thing I
remember about the gimmick was on the Brother Love show when he sprayed Jake
Roberts in the eyes with his arrogance perfume bottle leading up to there
blind fold match at Wrestlemania VII.Martel did some funny stuff in that
match like missing a elbow after Roberts had moved out of the way 4 seconds
earlier or grabbing a chair and pumping into a post and thinking it's Roberts
and whacking the post with the chair and hurting his hands there's other
memories I cherish like at Wrestlemania V when he walked out on Tito Santana
during there match with The Brainbusters. It was a great long run Rick.
Wadef11@aol.com
Le no. 1 est quand je l'ai rencontrer sur la terrasse Dufferin a Quebec
sympathique et genereux de son temps. Le 2e est le match avec Dino Bravo
comme partner contre les Road Warriors Hawk and Animal au Colisee de
Quebec tout un combat qui ses terminer dans un free for all terrible les
chaise de bois volait dans l'arene match nul. Le no 3 est le match entre Rick
Martel champion AWA contre Ric Flair champion NWA au Colisee de Quebec
PATRICK CORMIER
I remember Rick Martel from the AWA wrestling when wrestled wrestlers such as Jimmy Jam Garvin and most of those matches was for AWA heavyweight title when Martel was the champion and then from there he went to the WWF and teamed up with the Z-Man and they were called the Can-Am Connection and then from there he teamed up with Tito Santana and they were called Strike Force. When they broke up he became The Model Rick
Martel and that creature he left the WWF and wrestled from Grand Prix Wrestling and he teamed up Don Callis they were called the Super Models. I met Rick Martel when he was in Grand Prix Wrestling and pretty nice and from he went to WCW and he defeated Perry Saturn for WCW
world TV belt and after that I never saw Rick Martel since then. I hope Rick comes back sometime in the future.
Jason Noonan, candjnoonan@tru.eastlink.ca
A great memory I have of Rick Martel is when he tagged with Tony Garea, which
I feel in my day they were an super tag team -- the youth from a vibrant Martel
and the experience and ring savvy veteran from Garea. They had each others
backs. When they beat the Samoans at the Philadelphia Spectrum, I was 11 years
old at the time and I was very excited that they beat this very tough tag
team. It was a few weeks later when I experienced roller coaster of emotions.
WWF would come on every Saturday morning on WLVI channel 56. I'd be in front of
that TV religiously. One Saturday, Martel and Garea had to defend their titles
against the Moondogs, the match was in the momentum of the team of Garea and
Martel but the Moondogs got control of the match by working on Garea and
keeping him from making a tag. The ending went like this -- the two teams got
into a fist of cuffs, Martel got Spot into the Boston crab while Garea was
keeping Rex at bay with a dose of right hands. While the ref was distracted
by the Garea and Rex, Capt. Albano came in and cold-cocked Martel over the
noggin with a dogbone and Spot covered him for the 1-2-3. I was devastated
and so disgusted on how the Moondogs won the straps, but that is okay because
they announced next week due to the result of the match their would be a
rematch. I jumped out of my chair salivating for next week's matchup -- let's say I
was so pumped up that particular week, when school ran, it was the longest week
of my life. Then came that fateful Saturday morning, the rematch I'd been
waiting for. Let's get to the ending -- it was almost a rewind from last week
except when all four wrestlers got it on in the squared circle, Garea had Rex
in a bent-over position, hitting him with forearms to the back and coming from
behind was Spot who was ready to knock out Garea with the dogbone. I said to
myself 'not again', the camera went right to Martel who was on the top
turnbuckle as Spot was ready to hit Garea with the bone, Martel did a sunset
flip onto Spot and covered him for the 1-2-3!!! I was jumping up an down
doing the jumping jacks like Martel in crazy celebration. I was very loud and
I had alot of energy to expend for the rest of the day!!!
Thanks for the memories Rick.
Steven from Boston
My memories of Rick Martel goes back to the late 70's when we had Wrestling Hawaii. My family and I used to buy ringside seats at the Neal Blaisdell Arena whenever Rick was in town wrestling in front of the Hawaii fans. He was my favorite wrestler and still is! I started a memory book filled with photos of Rick Martel, Ed Francis, Russ Francis, Bill Francis (who I just met at the Hawaii Hall of Fame when Bill accepted an award for his brother Russ Francis), Don
Muraco, Clayton Rodrigues, Siva Afi, the Missing Link, Sammy Steamboat, etc. in the late 70s and and I still bring it out to look at the photos and remember the good old days of wrestling. Much luck to him in his future wrestling matches!
Aloha, Wendy Young
I guess after following Rick through his AWA championship years and then his success in the WWF, I'd have to rank the blindfold match he had with Koko B. Ware as one of my favorites- that and when he stole Tatanka's feathers.
rileybanks40@home.com
My two favorite memories of Rick Martel when he Took on Jake Roberts at
Wrestlemania 7 in a blindfold match and When he and Razor Ramon won the
Battle Royal to advance to see who would win the Intercontinental Championship
on Monday Night Raw.
Carroll312@cs.com
Rick Martel was a great all around wrestler. I watched him when
he first joined the WWF. Him and Tony Garea were a great tag team. So were
Strike Force. The Model gimmick was ok but I think he would have been better
off with Santana. Martel was a great tag team wrestler.
BiGJoKeRX@aol.com
Fantastic interview with Martel.
I'm from England and always remember Rick Martel being my favourite wrestler. An excellent all rounder I think he needed his time as the
Model to get the all round recognition but I agree he was at his peak in the Can-Am connection.
Dave
My memory of Rick Martel was blindfold match between Rick Martel and Jake
"The Snake" Roberts which was feuded by Martel spraying Roberts in the eye
with "arrogance" when Jake was supposed to blind so Jake caught Martel in
the match and DDT'ed him.
Benjamin Flucas
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