The Pacific Northwest
has long been noted for it's use of top young talent and this winter's
addition of Tom Zenk is no exception.
The dark haired,
deeply tanned Arizona native is one of the biggest young stars to roll
down the interstate in quite some time. In the short time that Zenk has
been in the Northwest, his good looks and high-flying maneuvers have made
him a favorite with the fans.
"The fans are
a major part of wrestling," noted Tom. "If the people are behind you, there's
a big difference. I feel that you can't win without the fans. It's good
to hear the cheers when you're down and know you've got someone out there
supporting you. "
Tom Zenk got his
initiation into professional wrestling through former world champion Verne
Gagne. "I was trained by Verne Gagne and Brad Rheingans, the man who coached
our Olympic team. Brad had me lifting a log, running, conditioning and
such. I also went through the same training that the United States Olympic
team did. Brad put me through hell and months of workouts to see if I had
the guts to become a wrestler."
Tom was one of
a handful of men to make it through a Gagne training camp and into a wrestling
ring. "My first bout was in LaCrosse, Wisconsin against Jimmy Doo. I was
real excited and nervous, but thank God, with the conditioning from
Brad and the knowledge I got from Verne, I won the match."
After a few months
in AWA, Tom ventured out to Montreal, Canada where he headlined cards battling
men such as King Tonga, Jimmy and Ronnie Garvin, Bob Boucher and others.
"I was voted Rookie
of the Year in the AWA and I decided to head up North and try my
luck. I went to Canada and the fans were so impressed with me that they
named me the most improved wrestler of the year in Canada. From Montreal
I came to the Northwest and I hope this area will be my big break."
The Pacific Northwest
has produced some great wrestlers including Billy Jack, Jerry O., Rick
Martel and Zenk's former tag team partner Curt Hennig.
"The Northwest
was talked about highly by my former partner Curt Hennig. He mentioned
it and said that Don Owen is a great promoter and he is highly respected
and recommended." Tom commented, "This is definitely a great place to gain
experience. There is a lot of great talent here in this territory and a
lot of wrestling, six or seven nights a week and that also is a great opportunity
for me."
Experience isn't
the only thing that Tom had on his mind when he signed to wrestle in the
Northwest. "I'd like a Northwest Heavyweight title shot sooner or later,
but I guess I'm going to have to earn it and prove myself with my wrestling
ability."
This tremendous
ability includes fantastic flying maneuvers. "I've really practiced a lot
on drop-kicks, body blocks and the lot. I've put a lot of work into aerial
maneuvers, getting as much height as possible to make more of an impact
on my opponent."
But just because
he's gunning for a singles crown, you shouldn't count Zenk out of the tag
team competition. "Curt Hennig and I were a great tag team and I love that
form of wrestling. As for a partner, I haven't found one. Mike Miller and
Moondog Moretti have the belts, and I would love to lift them from around
their waists and bring them back to the fans."
To do any of this,
a wrestler has to be in tip top shape. "You have to be in real good physical
condition to get in the ring because you go in there for 15 to 60 minutes.
There are holds and counter-holds. you've got to be thinking at the same
time."
Tom went on to
say , "It's not easy to be a wrestler. People sit and watch their television
sets and they get the impression that they can be a wrestler. If they would
climb in the ring they would see just how hard it really is."
Weighing in at
230 pounds, Tommy is considered a small man in a big man's sport. "You
have to be strong and maintain yourself just to get in the ring. Look at
Bobby Jaggers; he's 280 pounds. Look how muscular Ricky Vaughan is: the
man is super strong. Not
everyone has a great body, but these guys are big, and you have to move
that amount of weight when it comes down on top of you. It's hard to get
the wind knocked out of you and get back and fight a man that size. That's
why I rely on speed and agility so much."
Though Tom is
still at the start of his career, the thrill of a lifetime had to be wrestling
on the first nationally televised wrestling program on ESPN, the all sports
channel. "It was great to be selected to wrestle on national television,
and it was a good experience for me," stated Zenk.
Tom's goal, as
is that of any person who climbs through the ropes of the squared circle,
is to be World Heavyweight Champion. "I've only been in the sport for two
years and still have a long way to go. I'm realistic about my goals and
the World title is in the back of my mind." Tom added, "It takes time to
be a good wrestler. Look at Rick Martel. He paid his dues out here in the
Northwest and now he's World Heavyweight Champion. It doesn't come overnight.
As most know, first you crawl, then you walk and then you run."
When the three
World Champions are mentioned. Tom's interest perks up. "Ric Flair, Rick
Martel and Hulk Hogan are the best at what they do. It's very competitive
at the top as someone is always looking over their shoulders, young men
like me wanting their belts because it means a lot of money and prestige.
For me to get where they are now, I have to set goals. The stars today
all have them. You have to have them to be successful."
