Dark Side of the Ring returns with an insightful episode, “Sensational Sherri,” shining a spotlight on the life and career of Sherri Martel, an iconic figure in the world of professional wrestling during the 1980s and 1990s. Known as the “Sensational” manager of top wrestlers, Martel’s journey was marked by both triumphs and challenges, including leaving her family behind to pursue her dreams in the ring.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on February 8, 1958, Sherri Martel began her wrestling career in the late 1970s, working for regional promotions in the southern United States. Her big break came in 1985 when she joined the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and defeated Candi Devine to become the AWA Women’s Champion. Martel’s rivalry with Devine was intense, with the championship trading hands multiple times over a year. During this period, she also honed her skills as a manager, leading “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Doug Somers to the AWA Tag Team Championship.
In 1987, Martel made her WWE debut, defeating her mentor, the Fabulous Moolah, to become the WWE Women’s Champion. She held the title for 15 months and successfully defended it against challengers like Debbie Combs, Velvet McIntyre, and Desiree Peterson. Martel’s reputation as a fierce competitor was solidified, and she became known for her willingness to employ unsavory tactics to win. Her rivalry with Moolah extended beyond the ring, as they captained the first-ever female Survivor Series teams in 1989.
As WWE phased out its Women’s Division in the early 1990s, Martel transitioned into a managerial role, becoming the manager of “Macho Man” Randy Savage. She adopted the moniker “Sensation Queen” and engaged in rivalries with Miss Elizabeth, Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes, and Sapphire. Martel’s talent as a manager was evident, and she went on to work with other prominent wrestlers, including “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and Shawn Michaels, whom she also sang for with her rendition of his entrance theme, “Sexy Boy.”
Martel left WWE in 1993 and subsequently joined ECW, where she managed Shane Douglas. In 1994, she signed with WCW, appearing as “Sensuous” Sherri and managing Ric Flair. She then became “Sister” Sherri, guiding the tag team Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) to seven WCW Tag Team Championship reigns. Martel’s impact on the industry was significant, and she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.
Tragically, Martel’s life ended prematurely on June 15, 2007, at the age of 49, due to a drug overdose. Her legacy in wrestling is enduring, and she is remembered as a trailblazer who helped pave the way for future generations of women in the sport.
Dark Side of the Ring: Sensational Sherri airs on Vice at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
