THE
CAN-AM CONNECTION - WRESTLING'S DYNAMIC DUO
Extract from
an article by Donny Liable,
Wrestling
Eye, August. 1987
Electrifying.
Stupendous. These two words best describe the two hottest mat personalities
in the sport today. Rick Martel and partner Tom Zenk, dubbed the "Can-Am
Connection" by promoters seem clearly on their way to great heights in
tag team competition in the World Wrestling Federation. Their array of
maneuvers is impressive. At times during their matches, the moves they
display are so spectacular that commentators and other reporters have had
to consult them for proper labeling and identification. many grapplers
have unsuccessfully attempted to duplicate the "Can-Am Connection's" ring
repertoire. Combining their acrobatic maneuvers with their seemingly endless
amount of enthusiasm and dedication to their craft, the WWF tag team championship
belts appear destined to be around the waists of Martel and Zenk.
No
hype, no Rock and Roll entrance music, no make-up or manager is needed
to get the people interested in these two talented wrestlers. Word has
spread far and fast about them. Wherever they have appeared, Martel and
Zenk's ring skills have done their talking for them. Finding more talented
athletes would be hard to come by.
Rick and Tom
have not only captured the fans over by their wrestling abilities but have
won the hearts of the female mat followers. The handsome, well groomed
twosome, with all the traveling time they log, manage to continue to keep
their bodies in excellent shape. At times Martel and Zenk have had to literally
duck out of hotels by way of alley exits to avoid mobs of well-wishing
women. On more than one occasion they have been physically attacked by
ladies ripping their shirts and jackets. Being tagged "heart-throbs" would
be an understatement.
Before forming
such a potent ring partnership, Martel and Zenk individually enjoyed a
highly gratifying and rewarding career in singles competition.
Rick Martel, a native
of Montreal, Canada, hails from a family rich in wrestling tradition. Two
of his brothers also had enjoyed success in the wrestling world. In the
past few years, all the fruits of victory seem to have come Rick's way.
Rick, along with then partner Tony Garea, captured the WWF tag championship.With
his stint on the East Coast coming to a close, Martel signed up with the
American Wrestling Association. When champion Nick Bockwinkel lost his
prestigious title in Japan to Tommy 'Jumbo' Tsuruta, Rick was ranked the
number one challenger in line for a title match. As the newly crowned heavyweight
Tsuruta came stateside in his first title defense, the Japanese sensation
was pinned by the "Canadian Spitfire" [05/13/84] During Martel's
reign as AWA Heavyweight Champion, he may not have been as flashy or colorful
as other almost cartoon-like so-called champs, but you wouldn't find an
argument from mat experts concerning his abundance of wrestling talent.
Stan Hansen was the man who eventually dethroned Martel in the New Jersey
Meadowlands Arena on December 29, 1985.
Tom Zenk has also
worn gold around his waist. He is a former Pacific North West heavyweight
title holder. Zenk,
born in Minnesota, was trained well by the same man who has also brought
such stars as Bob Backlund, The Road Warriors, and Rick Rude into the wrestling
community - Mr. Eddie Sharkey.
When Martel and
Zenk began to team up on a trial basis in the AWA, something clicked. They
functioned as a unit that appeared to have wrestled together for years.
They moved from the AWA ring wars to the International Promotions head
quartered in Quebec, Canada.
Shortly after
landing in the Canadian promotions, the "Can-Am Connection" won their first
tag championship together. They took on such noteworthy opponents as Abdullah
the Butcher, Steve DiSalvo, Man Mountain Moore, The Sheik, Tarzan Tyler
and Boris Zuchov. During Martel and Zenk's days as tag title holders they
wore their belts with pride and dignity. They were and continue to be rightly
called - 'the people's champions'.
Upon the "Can-Am
Connection's" arrival in the WWF rings in late October, thrust upon the
territory with an almost sudden impact, Martel and Zenk seemed to get closer
to achieving their goal - winning the tag team championship belts. Current
tag champs - The Hart Foundation: Brett Hart and Jim Neidhart, managed
by Jimmy Hart, at times have acted reluctantly to signing a title match
contract with Martel and Zenk. This is the showdown the fans and promoters
continue to hope for. A signed contract would pit the two teams opposite
one another and would surely secure an arena sell out anywhere. 
Until a title
match can be signed, sealed and delivered, Martel and Zenk keep busy battling
the best the WWF has to offer. Challenges by teams of Nicolai
Volkoff and the Iron Sheik, Bob
Orton Jr. and Don Muraco, along with "The Dream Team": Greg Valentine
and Brutus Beefcake have all been met and the victories belonged to Martel
and Zenk. It can't be much longer before WWF President Jack Tunney allows
Jimmy Hart's champs to stop avoiding the contract signing.
On more than one
occasion during matches taped for television broadcast, Martel has served
as the color commentator alongside Canadian wrestling legend Edouard Carpentier.
The two provide the audio analysis for WWF matches viewed in [Canada by]
the predominantly French speaking audiences.
All the essential
ingredients in a championship caliber team are present in the "Can-Am Connection".
Great timing. Frequent tagging to stay fresh consistently through a match,
high flying drop kicks and arm drag take-downs all can be viewed when Martel
and Zenk go to work. Their style is classified as scientific but if and
when need be, Martel and Zenk can rough-house it with the biggest and baddest
of foes. It seems with each passing day the "Can-Am Connection" are closer
to becoming one of the greatest teams of all time.
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