Going out and getting his job done, quickly and efficiently, is the 'Z-Man' Tom Zenk's modus operandi. In the NWA his job is to win a major championship belt. The skill and tenacity he displays in the ring have shown the wrestling world that Tom Zenk won't fail in reaching his goal.
 
 

He's more than  a pretty face.

His wrestling resume clearly provides the necessary credentials to work alongside the elite in the sport.

There's no doubt that Tom Zenk, now billed as 'The Z-Man' possesses the physical tools to clearly secure the number one contender's position in the heavyweight ranks.

Sandwiched among other talented athletes scratching and clawing for the National Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight Championship, 'The Z-Man' anxiously awaits his turn at all the top stars. Such a healthy, competitive attitude can be beneficial in his quest for the gold belt. As soon as a couple of times around the circuit is completed, after viewing and challenging the majority of grapplers under the NWA banner and the faces and attack styles become familiar, it's a safe assumption that the Minneapolis, Minnesota native will make the break away. His star continues to shine brighter with each match.
 

The complete wrestler ....
 
 

Brian Pillman, Sid Vicious and The Dynamic Dudes, all young lions of the NWA, have proven worthy of the praise bestowed upon them. However, "The Z-Man" remains the more complete wrestler.

Seven years of experiencing all imaginable types of ring wars has afforded him the edge over the new generation in the NWA. "The Z-Man" is a master craftsman of the mat, building a solid path to his profession's ultimate prize - the world title.

The day his contract was signed committing his services to the NWA, would-be future opponents knew another difficult hurdle to the title had been set. 'The Z-Man' instantly became a contender and not looked upon as a loud mouth, promise-making pretender.
 
 

It's nearly impossible to find fault in his movements in and out of the arenas. If 'The Z-Man' comes across as too squeaky clean, it's not a marketing gimmick. That's the real him. Mild mannered and a bit of a loner, the 6'1" 240 lb.  'Z-Man' has been successful in not allowing outside interference to distract him from his craft and from dazzling fans and foes alike.
 
 

You don't have to remind him just how important this tenure with the NWA is to his future. He is cognizant that opportunity doesn't always knock more than once. In his case, this is his third calling to the national spotlight, the first being with the American Wrestling Association and the second, the World Wrestling Federation. The chemistry between him and promoters of those organizations simply didn't mix.

The freedom to be himself, to go as far as his wrestling knowledge will take him, that's why 'The Z-Man' is excited to be a part of the NWA wrestling organization.

'Z-Man's' options within the NWA, as to which way he can steer his mat action, are not limited. Success in tag team competition in past years has that style clearly the favorite, among fans, for him to pursue.
 
 

Tommy "Wildfire" Rich and Scott Hall are two of several celebrated wrestlers finding happy days in the ring as his other half. The combination of 'Z-Man' and Hall have scored impressive victories over teams that have been thought to be tougher to tame, mainly due to having worked as units for a few years.

The New Zealand Militia (Rip Morgan and Jacko Victory) were left scratching their heads and pondering what went wrong after being turned back by 'Z-Man' and Hall in Shelby, North Carolina.

Even against Teddy Long's Skyscrapers (Sid Vicious and Dan Spivey) and The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) - as awesome and heralded as any two tag teams in the sport today - 'The Z-Man' is extremely optimistic that, with a compatible partner in between the ropes, there aren't two wrestlers that would be able to stand up to him.
 
 

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin) are the one pair of competitors he is willing to give into on contract concessions just to be in the "squared circle" with Hayes at the same time. 'Z-Man' is still carrying a grudge for Hayes (The Freebird from Badd Street, Atlanta) from his rookie campaign when they both performed under the AWA banner.

Even though he's a potential target in Zenk's march to the NWA tag title, The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) approve of 'Z-Man's' guts and convictions to aim at the most prestigious tag trophy offered by the NWA.

"The Legion of Doom" always searches for and expects to be staring across the ring at the highest grade challengers," says L.O.D. manager, Paul Ellering, in Syracuse, New York."'Z-Man' can count on us to back him up, whenever and wherever the situation dictates. If, and when the time comes from Hawk and Animal to go against him in a tag, there won't be any favoritism shown. 'Z-Man' and his partner will both know they are in a battle for their professional lives. Good luck to him in the NWA, he's going to need it"

'Wildfire' and 'Z-Man' combined efforts recently in Gastonia, North Carolina opposite The Iron Sheik and The Cuban Assassin. It only took ten minutes for 'Z-Man's' team to officially be declared the match's winner. However, right from the opening bell it was obvious what a one-sided encounter it would turn into. Granted, the Iranian and Cuban aren't exactly the 'cream of the crop' in the NWA today but anything is possible with two unpredictable veterans. Those in attendance felt they had been watching a clinic in executing holds more than an actual challenge. Rich and 'Z-Man' agreed that this is the type of match they need to get their timing down and their confidence up.

All around it was a mission accomplished. During the majority of the ten minutes, 'Z-Man' worked over Cuba's finest with mostly aerial maneuvers. Springing off the ring ropes, meeting the Assassin with flying shoulder blocks, head scissors and dropkicks - all drained the fight and equilibrium out of him courtesy of 'Z-Man'. What seemed to be an eternity, after the five minute mark, it became down-right embarrassing to watch a pro such as the Assassin so disoriented. The fans weren't sending off any signals of boredom - their screams of encouragement apparently was what kept the battle going.

The ending of the tag tussle was telegraphed but, as throughout the match, there was no defensive counter attack that either the Sheik or Assassin could mount to prevent the inevitable. Tommy Rich nullified the Iron Sheik as he came crashing down off the second turnbuckle with his right fist being firmly planted into the Iranian's head. He followed up with an elbow smash to the Sheik, causing him to land on the arena floor. 'Z-Man' whipped the Assassin into the ropes and, as he rebounded, applied the sleeper hold. His winning streak remained intact for 'The Z-Man'.
 
 

As lucrative as the tag team field is for 'Z-Man', singles competition is just as attractive for him. 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair is held in the highest regards by Tom, but he's looking forward to the day he gets to put personal feelings aside and challenge Flair for the heavyweight title. 'The Z-Man' may be several years younger than the champ and a bit more reckless in the holds he employs. The more difficult the challenge the more daring he gets on the mat.

As lopsided as most NWA followers concede such a match-up would be, many wrestlers are privately mumbling that a meeting between Flair and 'The Z-Man' may now be too close to call.
 

One look at him and you know why the female fans go wild over 'Z-Man'. The jet black hair, tanned skin and finely chiseled physique make him the most asked for Christmas gift with the ladies. He looks somewhat along the lines of Lex Luger but far more mobile in avoiding and advancing on his foes. The NWA United States Championship is well within his grasp. Either dueling with Luger or The Great Muta, the standing of those two established talents could very well make or break his overall prospects with the powers to be in the NWA hierarchy.
 

Tom Zenk vs Lex Luger in an early NWA match-up, Dec 7, 1989 Buffalo

So, the 'Z-Man' is pursuing a cautious and relaxed approach while gauging the different approaches and styles of his opponents. This has included kicking, wild punches and eye gouging at the hands of 'Norman the Lunatic' in Buffalo, New York to power moves and submission holds at the hands of Ron Simmons in Marietta, Georgia.

Going out and getting his job done - that's the long and short of the 'Z-man'. Taking no for an answer doesn't sit well with him. Succeeding in the NWA is his ambition. Fans have appreciated this positive attitude. Whatever he wants at a particular moment is his for the taking in wrestling. By this time next year, a new world championship belt may be being constructed to fit the measurements of the 'Z-Man'.