 |
Extract
from an article by Donny Liable| 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. ...... 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. |
| 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. |
 |
 |
Rick Martel, a native of Montreal, Canada, hails from a family rich in wrestling tradition........... 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. |
 |
 |
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. |
 |
 |
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. |
|
|
