Now we're of similar age, and if you remember the Apter mags of our youth, the covers were always Hogan, Flair...and Rick Martel, the AWA world champ, who was this hotshot and the future of wrestling. Martel wrestled Flair in champion vs. champion matches -- see the link to a match in Japan below -- possible Match of the Day.
So...what the heck happened? He signed with Vince and tagged with Zenk and Santana, which was weird since this was THE AWA CHAMPION. Then he became the Model with the legendary vignettes, but stayed in the midcard. Then way later, he had that late comeback run in WCW (where he could still work) with Booker T until he got injured for good.
Was this Vince being Vince (Martel is not my creation nor is he big enough)? Why didn't Martel sign with the NWA and have a Steamboat-like face run against Flair? And what are your thoughts on his career overall?
Here's the link to Martel vs Flair (AWA champ vs NWA champ) in All Japan. This is good stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCSlFPoXowM
So...what the heck happened? He signed with Vince and tagged with Zenk and Santana, which was weird since this was THE AWA CHAMPION. Then he became the Model with the legendary vignettes, but stayed in the midcard. Then way later, he had that late comeback run in WCW (where he could still work) with Booker T until he got injured for good.
Was this Vince being Vince (Martel is not my creation nor is he big enough)? Why didn't Martel sign with the NWA and have a Steamboat-like face run against Flair? And what are your thoughts on his career overall?
Here's the link to Martel vs Flair (AWA champ vs NWA champ) in All Japan. This is good stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCSlFPoXowM
Well, keep in mind that the Apter mags were based on what would sell, and good-looking babyface Martel was a better bet for that than some of the other alternatives. And the Can-Am Connection was a pretty massive success and was on track for an epic tag title reign, don't forget. Zenk flaking out and leaving wasn't really Martel's fault. Even Strike Force as the sloppy seconds had a six month title reign. I think after that, though, the back injury really forced him to change his style, and the Model character just screamed midcard. Plus he only seemed to be motivated in bursts, like the Shawn Michaels feud in 92. I think the position he was in by that point in his career was fine given his work and age.