AWA WOMENS TITLE RETIRED
The Legacy of “Sensational” Sherri Martel
On Friday, June 15th, 2007, Sherri Russell, better known to the world as Sherri Martel, was found dead in her home at the age of 49. The AWA sends its condolences to her family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
While Ms. Martel will always be remembered as one of the greatest managers of all time, it is her in-ring work that deserves its fair share of attention. No matter the match stipulation, this four-time AWA Women’s Champion always strove to bring the absolute best out of her opponents. So it should come to no surprise that, during fourth reign as AWA Women’s Champion, Sherri took on – and handily defeated – a series of men. That’s right: men. Everyone from former World Champion Jonnie Stewart to Colt Cabana challenged her, and each one found them selves flat on the mat.Ms. Martel retired from active, in-ring duty in 2006, citing numerous career injuries. Out of respect and dedication to her legacy, the AWA has officially retired the title, recognizing Zero-1’s Nanane Takahashi as the AWA Japan Women’s Champion. In recent years, Sherri has since made a few sporadic appearances in the wrestling world, mainly as a “celebrity cameo” or as a special guest referee. As of this posting, no cause of death has been announced.