Rick Martel Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 25, 2024
Rick Martel Then
Rick Martel, born on March 18, 1956, in Québec City, Canada, hails from a family deeply rooted in the world of professional wrestling.
His entry into the wrestling world came at a young age when, at just seventeen, he stepped into the ring to replace an injured wrestler.
This opportunity was presented by his brother Michel Martel, a seasoned wrestler, and it proved to be a pivotal moment in Rick’s career.
Already an accomplished amateur wrestler, Martel quickly adapted to the professional scene, leveraging his existing skills and training.
This early exposure to wrestling set the stage for his future success in various wrestling promotions around the world.
Rick Martel Wrestling Career
Rick Martel’s professional wrestling career spanned several decades and saw him make significant impacts across multiple wrestling promotions globally.
After debuting in Canada, where he won titles in promotions like Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling and NWA All-Star Wrestling, Martel made his mark internationally in New Zealand, Japan, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
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His American breakthrough came with the National Wrestling Alliance’s Portland affiliate, Pacific Northwest Wrestling, where he held the Canadian and PNW tag team titles.
Martel’s career in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) began in 1980 when he initially found success as a tag team partner with Tony Garea.
Their victories, including two reigns as WWF Tag Team Champions, showcased Martel’s abilities.
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Following his departure from the WWF, Martel joined the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1982.
There, he gained prominence by winning the AWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1984, holding the title for nearly nineteen months—the longest reign of the 1980s.
Returning to the WWF in 1986, Martel formed the popular tag team, The Can-Am Connection, with Tom Zenk. The team was well-received by fans for their high-energy performances.
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After a brief split and feud with Zenk, Martel found renewed success with Tito Santana as Strike Force, capturing the WWF World Tag Team Championship.
However, Martel’s career took a turn as he adopted the “Model” gimmick in late 1989, showcasing his narcissistic persona with his signature cologne, Arrogance.
Martel’s feud with Jake “The Snake” Roberts and later rivalries with Tatanka and Shawn Michaels defined his tenure during the early 1990s.
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His career continued with appearances in various promotions, including WCW, where he won the World Television Championship in 1998 before a career-ending injury curtailed his wrestling activities.
Despite these setbacks, Martel’s influence and contributions to wrestling were notable, and he remains a respected figure in the wrestling community.
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Rick Martel Wrestling Competition
- Stampede Wrestling
- NWA All-Star Wrestling
- World Wrestling Council (WWC)
- Pacific Northwest Wrestling (PNW)
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
- American Wrestling Association (AWA)
- International World Class Championship Wrestling (IWCCW)
- Catch Wrestling Association (CWA)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- Hawaiian Islands Wrestling Federation
Rick Martel Now
At 68 years old, Rick Martel, the Canadian retired professional wrestler renowned by his ring persona as Rick “The Model” Martel, has transitioned into a diverse post-wrestling career.
Best known for his impactful stints with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Martel’s career in wrestling left a lasting impression on fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
After retiring from active competition, Martel remained connected to the wrestling world through his work with WCW.
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He took on the role of a trainer, helping to shape the next generation of wrestlers with his extensive knowledge and experience.
Additionally, he hosted the French versions of WCW programming, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences in his native language and further solidifying his legacy in the wrestling industry.
Beyond wrestling, Martel has successfully invested his earnings into commercial real estate.
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He manages various properties, utilizing the business acumen he developed throughout his career.
His involvement in real estate demonstrates his ability to adapt and thrive outside the ring, managing his assets and ensuring a secure financial future.
Rick Martel’s post-wrestling career reflects a blend of his wrestling expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to remain influential and successful in different fields while continuing to honor his legacy as a prominent figure in professional wrestling.
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FAQs
Rick Martel, known as “The Model,” retired from professional wrestling in the late 1990s.
After his retirement, he worked as a trainer for WCW and hosted French-language WCW programming. Today, he manages commercial real estate investments and enjoys a quieter life away from the ring.
Rick Martel retired primarily due to injuries and the physical toll wrestling took on his body. By the late 1990s, he decided to step away from active competition to focus on other interests and manage his business ventures.
As of now, Rick Martel is not inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Despite his significant contributions to the wrestling world, he has yet to receive this particular honor.
No, Rick Martel and Sherri Martel were not related. Sherri Martel, known as “Sensational Sherri,” was a prominent wrestling manager and performer, but there is no familial connection between them.
Rick Martel manages commercial properties he invested in from his wrestling earnings. He also occasionally engages in wrestling-related activities and appearances but largely maintains a low profile.
No, Rick Martel is not related to Sherri Martel. Despite their shared involvement in professional wrestling, they are not family.