In 2015, I was offered to appear at Axxess in San Francisco and attend the Hall of Fame as a spectator. Flattered I still turned it down as I was not ready to go back to wrestling for appearances like I am now. I didn’t turn down an offer to be inducted in the WWE HOF. Thank you!
\nRick Martel's Career Highlights
\nMartel began his wrestling career through his brother, Michel, in the early 1970s. He his first of three WWE Tag Team Championships with partner Tony Garea in November 1980. Transitioning to a singles career, Martel captured the AWA World Championship in May 1984. His reign, lasting nearly 600 days, was his sole world championship run. He departed the promotion soon after, citing disagreements with owner Verne Gagne.
\nMartel returned to WWE in 1986, forming the Can-Am Connection with Tom Zenk. After Zenk departed the company eight months later, Martel partnered with Tito Santana. As Strike Force, the duo the WWE Tag Team Championship from the Hart Foundation in the fall of 1987. By 1989, Martel began a heel run as "The Model." At WrestleMania V, Martel turned on Santana to initiate the character. This persona led to feuds with Santana, Jake Roberts, and Shawn Michaels. Martel left WWE in 1995.
\nContinuing his career in WCW, Martel the World Television Championship from Booker T in 1998. A knee injury curtailed his title reign and led to his retirement.
\nMartel made a rare appearance at WWE’s Vengeance: Night of Champions in June 2007. The now-70-year-old legend has since returned to the convention circuit. Regarding his past absence from wrestling appearances, Martel stated, “It was too demanding the road, you know, for family and all that.”
