Sherri Russell, widely recognized in the wrestling world as Sherri Martel or Sensational Sherri, was a prominent American professional wrestler and manager whose career spanned several iconic wrestling promotions.
Her journey in professional wrestling began in the Mid South, where she honed her skills after training in Columbia, South Carolina. Martel made a significant mark in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) during the mid-1980s, capturing the AWA World Women's Championship three times. Her talent and charisma led her to the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in the late 1980s, where she claimed the WWE Women's Championship and became a celebrated manager for wrestling legends such as Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, and Shawn Michaels.
In the 1990s, Martel expanded her influence by appearing in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where she notably managed the formidable tag team Harlem Heat. While her in-ring appearances diminished after her tenure in WCW, she made a memorable return to television in September 2006, managing Bobby Roode in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, which marked her final wrestling appearance.
After leaving the spotlight, Martel settled in Tennessee with her husband, Robert Schrull, where she contributed to home renovation projects. Despite facing personal challenges, including two marriages and a son, she remained a beloved figure in the wrestling community.
Tragically, Sherri Martel passed away on June 15, 2007, at the age of 49 in her mother's home in Alabama. A toxicology report later revealed that she died from an overdose involving multiple drugs, including oxycodone. Her legacy endures as one of wrestling's most memorable personalities.
