http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/sherripasses

 

“Sensational” Sherri passes away

By Corey Clayton Written: June 15, 2007WWE is saddened to learn of the death of WWE Hall of Famer “Sensational” Sherri. She was 49. In the early 1980s, Sherri began her career in the AWA. In 1985, she defeated Candi Devine to become the AWA Women’s Champion. Their rivalry lasted more than a year with the championship trading hands on several occasions. It was during this time that she began perfecting her skills as a manager, leading “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Doug Somers to the AWA Tag Team Championship. On June 28, 1986, Martel would win the AWA Women’s Championship for a third and final time form Candi Devine. On July 24, 1987, “Sensational” Sherri debuted in WWE, pinning her trainer and mentor the Fabulous Moolah to become Women’s Champion. Sherri defended the gold against Debbie Combs, Velvet McIntyre, and Desiree Peterson. She quickly earned the reputation as someone who would do anything to win, even if it meant using unsavory tactics. Her rivalry with Moolah continued as they became the captains for the first-ever female Survivor Series teams in 1989. Sherri held the championship for 15 months before losing to Rockin’ Robin.  In the early ‘90s WWE phased out the Women’s Division, leaving Sherri to focus on managing the male wrestlers. Her first client was “Macho Man” Randy Savage. It was during this time that she became “Sensation Queen.” The couple had rivals with Miss Elizabeth, Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire. In 1991, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase enlisted her services. After that relationship dissolved, she took on the managerial duties of Shawn Michaels.      In 1994, Sherri appeared in WCW as “Sensuous” Sherri managing Ric Flair during his rivalries with Sting and Hulk Hogan. After separating from Flair, she became “Sister” Sherri guiding Harlem Heat to seven WCW Tag Team Championships.Sherri was enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase was her presenter. 

http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/jimrossonssherri

Tough, but with a heart of gold

By Jim Ross Written: June 15, 2007Sherri 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.