Dave Meltzer, PWInsider.com and the Pro Wrestling Torch are reporting that WWE Hall of Famer Sherri Martel, real name Sherri Russell, passed away this morning at her home. Martel was only 49-years-old. No other details are presently available. Police are investigating the situation with her husband at her residence.
Though she was a former AWA and WWF Women’s champion, Martel is probably best remembered for her role as a manager in the WWF in the late 80’s and early 90’s. She worked alongside Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, and Shawn Michaels, among others. She also had a memorable feud with another female who left us far too soon, Miss Elizabeth, who passed away at the age of 42 years old a little over four years ago. After her WWF tenure came to a close in 1993, Martel moved on to WCW and managed two more champions in the form of Ric Flair and Booker T (with Stevie Ray).
She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame last year during WrestleMania 22 weekend. Though she had largely stopped wrestling during the past few years, she often made appearances at conventions and media events. WWE 24/7 just started running a little highlight video of her career, and at the end of the video she would say we’re watching WWE 24/7. Also, Jakks Pacific had just released a WWE Classic Superstars action figure in her honor.
She is the seventh former WWE talent to pass away this year. Bam Bam Bigelow, Mike Awesome, Bad News Brown, Ernie Ladd, Arnold Skaaland and Cowboy Lang have also passed away in 2007.
Everyone at Rajah.com sends their condolences to the friends and family of Sherri Martel. She will be greatly missed.