Tom Zenk - Shoot Interview

TOM ZENK

SHOOT INTERVIEW

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Flying high -- the Can-Am Connection, Tokyo 1986.

"I want to believe in people -

I always want to think positively."

60. After things had quietened down, did you have any regrets or second thoughts about your decision?

Not a one. I laugh everytime I think about it. I know Vince, Hulk, Jack Lanza, etc., all knew we were the best tag team ever. But it really wasn't my decision to regret. It was Rick and his greed that split the Can-Am not me. I gave him the benefit of the doubt. We agreed on a 6 months try-out in WWF. I gave him the 6 months. After that, I saw the exit and pulled the rip-cord on my parachute.

61. Any feedback from other people in the business?

Orndorff told me a bit later "You and Martel really had it. If only you'd stayed together you'd have made a lot of money." But I wasn't making lots of money. They always say it as if I'd made a mistake. But I didn't make a mistake - I wasn't getting big money - there was nothing to make a mistake over.

The money was bad for what Vince could pay, he was just cheap - and I saw first hand how he treated the boys. Real class act that Vinny McMoney. No. I've never regretted to this day leaving the WWF.

62. At that time did you have any plans to return to wrestling sometime? For example, resuming your work in Japan?

At that time wrestling was finished for me. Nothing means nothing for a lot of people in the business - they get caught up and carried away and forget that they're only just wrestlers. They forget that others lose to put you over. I yielded to get guys over. I never baulked. That's the business. People seem to forget that humility is part of the business- that's when they start to lose touch with the real world.

63. What did you do in the meantime - before your trip to Japan in November 1987.

I had money saved and lived on what I had put aside. I worked on refinishing the house.

64. How did you feel about the way you were being portrayed on WWF TV as a 'quitter.'

That was their right. It was a TV show and it helped them enhance their product. I thought they could do better - it wasn't really creative and Martel didn't look believable.

The Can-Mex Connection

"The best rib of all was that Rick really did hate Tito. So when I heard they'd teamed as Strike Force I said to myself "Thanks God. You couldn't have picked a better partner." ...I bet Tito got paid the same as Rick. And I bet you that Tito made sure the matches evened out. But they never got over."

65. What did you think of Strike Force - Martel's combination with Tito Santana which replaced the Can-Am?

When I was in Can-Am, Tito used to comment on all the bumps I was taking. He would say to us "You guys better take care of your bodies. Don't take so many crazy bumps." And Rick would tell me "I hate that guy He's no good. I think he's Vince's stooge." The best rib of all was that Rick really did hate Tito. So when I heard they'd teamed as Strike Force I said to myself "Thanks God. You couldn't have picked a better partner." He who laughs last, laughs best. I bet Tito got paid the same as Rick. And I bet you that Tito made sure the matches evened out. But they never got over. That's why Rick is so mad - even, it seems, after 12 years.

66. Have you any interest in responding to the main points in Martel's Slam Wrestling interview?

Rick's entitled to his own opinion and whatever slant he wants to put on it. He's entitled to that. But the truth doesn't lie. I'd happily take a polygraph test if anyone ever wanted to question me. Because I've never ever stooged on anyone. I don't have anything to lie about.

67. In retrospect, what life-lessons did you take away from your experience with WWF?

I want to believe in people - I always want to think positively. So I'll always give you the first punch - but you'd better knock me out. I've taken the bitter with the sweet in wrestling. And I've never been nasty or mean to anyone in the business. But there's no loyalty in wrestling. There are only so many spots - and guys are always fighting each other for the available spots.

68. Which of your personal principles were most offended by the entire Can-Am episode?

I've always wanted to be treated fairly. And Rick didn't play fair. Partnership is an equal relationship. It should be Rick Martel and Tom Zenk against the promoter. But Rick thought he could cut his own deal. Yet without me, how did he do? I think Rick found out his true net worth to the WWF after I left.

69. What would it take to get you and Martel back on talking terms again?

I understand what Rick did. It's no longer an issue with me. I think Rick just got carried away with the moment.

70. Did your departure from WWF damage your future wrestling career?

I don't believe so. I always got offers. And All Japan, WCW and the rest all called me. I didn't call them.

Does wrestling history repeat itself ....?

Bill Goldberg	Tom Zenk
"I've changed. In the beginning, I was trying to kill everyone with kindness when everyone was stabbing me in the back........ You can screw me once, but it better be a good one because it's the last one you'll ever get like that."	"I want to believe in people - I always want to think positively. So I'll always give you the first punch - but you'd better knock me out. I've taken the bitter with the sweet in wrestling. And I've never been nasty or mean to anyone in the business."
"My makeup hasn't changed as a person, but my dealings with wrestling situations have changed dramatically. Who can you trust? Nobody. Everybody wants something for themselves. It's easy for me to say that everybody should know their role and play it. It's easy to say that, but that doesn't realistically happen. If you're winning every match or losing every match, you should still give the same amount. Whether you're leading the company or bumping, you have to assume your role to the best of your ability."	"Nothing means nothing for a lot of people in the business - they get caught up and carried away and forget that they're only just wrestlers. They forget that others lose to put you over. I yielded to get guys over. I never baulked. That's the business. People seem to forget that humility is part of the business- that's when they start to lose touch with the real world."