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{{Short description|American professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox Wrestler
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
|name=Thomas Zenk
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|image=
|names=Tom Zenk<br>Z-Man | name = Tom Zenk
| birthname = Thomas Erwin Zenk<ref name="Grasso2014"/>
|height=6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
| image =Tom Zenk 1986.jpg
|weight=240 lb (109 kg)
|caption=Zenk in 1986
|birth_date = ], ]
| names = Tom Zenk<ref name=Pope1989/><br>The Z-Man<ref name=Pope1989/>
|death_date =
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/>
|birth_place = ]
| weight = {{convert|230|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/>
|resides=
| birth_date = {{birth date|1958|11|30}}
|billed=
| birth_place = ], U.S.<ref name=Pope1989/>
|trainer=]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2017|12|9|1958|11|30}}<ref name="Obituary"/>
|debut=]
| death_place = ], U.S.<ref name="Obituary"/>
|retired=]
| death_cause = ] and ]<ref name="Csonka2018"/>
|}}
| billed = ]<ref name="Meltzer1986"/>
| trainer = ]<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><br>]<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name=Williams2019/>
| debut = February 1984<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/>
| retired = October 1996<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/>
| alma_mater = ]<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/>
| }}
'''Thomas Erwin Zenk''' (November 30, 1958 – December 9, 2017) was an American ] and ]. He was best known for his appearances with the ] from 1986 to 1987, with the ] from 1988 to 1989, and with ] from 1989 to 1994, as well for his tours of Japan with ].<ref name="Grasso2014">{{cite book|author=John Grasso|title=Historical Dictionary of Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KUsJAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA370|date=2014|publisher=]|isbn=978-0-8108-7926-3|pages=370}}</ref><ref name="Meltzer1986">{{cite book|author=Dave Meltzer|author-link=Dave Meltzer|title=The Wrestling Observer's Who's who in Pro Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-rFZAAAAYAAJ|year=1986|publisher=]|page=136}}</ref>


== Early life ==
'''Thomas (Tom) Edward Zenk''' (Born: ], ]) is a former ] ], also known by '''Tom Zenk''' and his nickname '''Z-Man'''.
Zenk was born in ].<ref name=Pope1989/> He attended Robbinsdale High School in ]. His 1976 graduating class included fellow future professional wrestlers ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=Williams2019/><ref name="Keith2008">{{cite book|author=Scott Keith|title=Dungeon of Death: Chris Benoit and the Hart Family Curse|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6Ta9jS48ACwC&pg=PT165|date=2008|publisher=]|isbn=978-0-8065-3562-3|pages=165}}</ref><ref name="JohnsonOliver2010">{{cite book|author1=Steven Johnson|author2=Greg Oliver|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H-6DoPuiRkEC&pg=PA207|date=2010|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-55490-284-2|pages=207}}</ref><ref name="MeltzerHart2004">{{cite book|author1=Dave Meltzer|author-link=Dave Meltzer|author2=Bret Hart|author2-link=Bret Hart|title=Tributes II: Remembering More of the World's Greatest Professional Wrestlers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=00XoU40tLO8C&pg=PA52|year=2004|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-58261-817-3|pages=52}}</ref> He attended the ], where he majored in speech communications.<ref name=Pope1989>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oocities.org/colosseum/arena/9893/twincity.htm|title=Z-Man Settles in with NWA|author=Kris Pope|work=Twin Cities Wrestling Update|date=October 4, 1989|access-date=July 8, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Hornbaker2017">{{cite book|author=Tim Hornbaker|title=Legends of Pro Wrestling: 150 Years of Headlocks, Body Slams, and Piledrivers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8G2CDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT1105|date=2017|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-61321-875-4|pages=1105}}</ref>


== Bodybuilding career ==
==Career==
Zenk competed as a bodybuilder. In October 1980, he competed in the "Mr. North Country" competition, placing third. In July 1981, he participated in the "Mr. Minnesota" competition, winning championships in the overall, heavyweight, and "most muscular" divisions.<ref name=Williams2019>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2017/12/18/22769878.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051926/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2017/12/18/22769878.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 22, 2017|title=Tom Zenk, of Can-Am Connection, dies at 59|author=Kari Williams|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref>
Tom Zenk attended High School with other pro wrestlers ], ], ], ], ], and ]. He started wrestling in ] in the Pacific Northwest territory where he feuded with ] and occasionally appeared in the AWA during the mid 1980s.


==Professional wrestling career==
Zenk got his first taste or wrestling stardom when he went to the ] with ] as the "Can-Am Connection" in late 1986. The pair faced, and defeated, the tag team of ] and ] in the opening bout of ] in March 1987. The tandem was so popular that they were being built up as the successors to the ] as the next WWF World Tag Team Champions, but Zenk would abruptly leave the promotion, allegedly the result of a contract dispute. Zenk elaborated on the incident in a radio interview saying that he felt betrayed by Martel as he went behind Zenk's back and used his influence as a former AWA Champion to get a better deal for himself while not doing anything to sweeten Zenk's deal. Zenk also said Martel tried to get him to marry his sister as a way to keep him loyal to the partnership.


=== Early career (1984–1986) ===
He reappeared in the ] in early 1989 and was the last man eliminated by ] in the battle royal to fill the vacant AWA World Heavyweight Title.
Zenk was introduced to professional wrestling by ], who he met at a bodybuilding contest.<ref name=Williams2019/> He was trained to wrestle by ] and ].<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/> He debuted in early 1984 with ] in ]. In mid-1984, Zenk joined the ]-based ], where he performed as an undercard wrestler until September 1985.<ref name="Kreikenbohm">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2450&page=20|title=Tom Zenk - Career|website=Cagematch.net|access-date=July 8, 2019|author=Philip Kreikenbohm}}</ref> He was named ] for 1984 by the '']'', tying with ].<ref name="Meltzer2017">{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/tom-zenk-passes-away-59-years-old-248116|title=Tom Zenk passes away at 59 years old|website=]|access-date=July 8, 2019|author=Dave Meltzer|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=December 17, 2017}}</ref>


In October 1985, Zenk joined the ]-based ] promotion, where he received a ].<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/><ref name="Meltzer2017"/> In December 1985, he and Scott Doring won the ]. They lost the Championship to ] and ] the following month.<ref name="PNWTag" /> In the same month, Zenk defeated Jaggers for the ]. He held the Championship until March 1986, when Jaggers regained it.<ref name="PNWHeavy" /> Between May 1985 and October 1986, Zenk also wrestled intermittently with the ]-based ] promotion in Canada, where he won the ] with ].<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/><ref name="LutteTag"/>
After receiving several shots at the AWA title, he went to the ] (NWA)'s ] in late 1989 and was billed as the "Z-Man". He soon formed a tag team with ]. They won the United States Tag Team Titles and feuded with The ] and the ] version of ] and ].


=== World Wrestling Federation (1986–1987) ===
It was during this time that Zenk tore a muscle while weightlifting and had to take several months off to recover. His physical appearance was quite different upon returning, still muscular, but more slender than before.
{{see also|Can-Am Connection}}


In October 1986, Zenk was signed by the ].<ref>{{cite book|title=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZDtaAAAAYAAJ|date=July 2003|publisher=]|author=Dave Meltzer|author-link=Dave Meltzer}}</ref><ref name="JohnsonOliver2013">{{cite book|author1=Steven Johnson|author2=Greg Oliver|author3=Mike Mooneyham|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes and Icons|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0wxLpfRhZqcC&pg=PT634|date=2013|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-77090-269-5|pages=634}}</ref><ref name="LapradeHebert2013">{{cite book|author1=Pat Laprade|author2=Bertrand Hébert|title=Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ey8bluWM_m4C&pg=PA1992|date=2013|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-77090-296-1|pages=1992}}</ref> He ] with Rick Martel as The ]. In the opening bout of ] on March 29, 1987, The Can-Am Connection defeated ] and ]<ref name="Shields2010">{{cite book|author=Brian Shields|title=Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ktv7Nj2C9QUC&pg=PA89|date=2010|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-4516-0467-2|pages=89}}</ref>
When the promotion changed its name to ] in 1991, he was feuding with ] over the TV Title. Later that year, he feuded with the ] and the Fabulous Freebirds.


The Can-Am Connection were planned to become the WWF's top ] tag team and to win the ], but in mid-1987 Zenk resigned from the WWF due to a pay dispute.<ref name="Meltzer2017"/>
Zenk left WCW in early 1993 and finished his career in the independents in 1996. Now retired from wrestling, Zenk is currently working for an international distribution firm.


=== All Japan Pro Wrestling (1986–1989) ===
==Controversy==
In November and December 1986, Zenk and ] toured Japan with ], competing in the annual ].<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/> He and Martel received the World's Strongest Tag Determination League Fighting Spirit Award.<ref name="AJPW"/>
In 1999, Tom Zenk gave a series of interviews on the radio and on the Internet where he discussed behind-the-scenes stories from his time in the WWF (even claiming he was paid only $50 per television appearance) and WCW, releasing years of pent up frustrations about the politics of wrestling that he dealt with as an active wrestler. While heavily critical of the WWF and ], most of Zenk's venom went toward former wrestler and WCW booker ]. Zenk's opinion of Ole was venomous to say the least, as he accused Ole of sabotaging the careers of countless up and coming wrestlers (including himself, ], and then rookie ]) out of spite for his own failed career and the low pay that he received as booker.


Between 1987 and 1989, Zenk made multiple tours of Japan with ] (AJPW).
One of his most controversial statements toward Ole, was a story he told where Ole Anderson once proclaimed that he would perform ] on men if he could be paid the same amount of money as most of the wrestlers working for WCW at the time.


=== American Wrestling Association (1988, 1989) ===
He also dished out a good amount of venom at ], claiming he used wrestlers like himself, Brian Pillman, and others to put his son ] over and then ] them after they had outlived their usefulness. Zenk claimed he did this because of ], and quoting in Rhodes' supposed words, "What did their daddies ever do for the business?".
Zenk returned to the American Wrestling Association to wrestle a handful of matches in early 1988. He returned again one year later. On May 1, 1988, Zenk took part in the "Battle of Breakfast Cereal", a show recorded for the ] manufacturer ] for a sales conference in which Kelloggs-themed characters faced characters themed after ], Kellogg's' main competitor. In the main event, Zenk and ] (wrestling as "The Sales And Marketing Team") defeated ] and ] (wrestling as "The Mills Brothers").<ref name="O'Donnell">{{Cite web|url=http://wrestlecrap.com/inductions/battle-of-the-breakfast-cereal/|title=Induction: Battle of the Breakfast Cereal - a total® debacle|website=]|access-date=July 10, 2019|date=March 15, 2019|author=Art O'Donnell}}</ref> Zenk left the AWA once more later that month.<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/> This era of The AWA (1985 to 1990) was seen for many years onward, appearing on The ] Network Television, as afternoon time-slot re-runs.


On February 7, 1989, Zenk competed in a 20-man ] for the vacant ] in which he was the last man eliminated by the winner, ].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Gary Will|author2=Royal Duncan |title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=1994|edition=3|page=23|chapter=United States: 19th century & widely defended titles - NWA, WWF, AWA, IWA, ECW: AWA World Heavyweight Title|isbn=0-9698161-1-1}}</ref> He challenged Zbyszko in several return matches before moving to WCW.
Zenk's rantings caused him to gain a new audience amongst many wrestling fans on the internet. Capitalizing on this newfound interest in him, Zenk began a weekly column on his personal website that were filled with both insight towards the world of professional wrestling and a general loathing of the current state of wrestling, most notably WWE, and an incestuous relationship between WWE owner Vince McMahon, his daughter and head WWE writer Stephanie McMahon, and top wrestler Triple H. After two years of writing, the website was shut down after WWE threatened to sue Zenk for the columns. Ultimately, Zenk was forced to remove his columns from his website which reopened several months later.


=== World Championship Wrestling (1989–1994) ===
]
While touring with All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1989, Zenk was signed to a two-year contract with ] by president ].<ref name=Williams2019/> He debuted at Fall Brawl '89 in September 1989 under the ] "The Z-Man", defeating ].<ref name=Pope1989/>


In 1990, Zenk formed a tag team with ]. In February 1990, they won the vacant ], defeating ] in the finals of a tournament. They went on to feud with ], who won the Championship from them in May 1990.<ref name="Keith2008B">{{cite book|author=Scott Keith|title=Dungeon of Death:: Chris Benoit and the Hart Family Curse|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6Ta9jS48ACwC&pg=PT71|date=1 November 2008|publisher=]|isbn=978-0-8065-3562-3|pages=71}}</ref><ref name="Williams2006">{{cite book|author=Scott E. Williams|title=Hardcore History: The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QeaUPtNLxYQC&pg=PA85|year=2006|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-59670-021-5|pages=85}}</ref>
==Wrestling facts==
===Finishing and signature moves===
*]
*]
*]
*]


During this time, Zenk tore a muscle while weightlifting and took several months off to recover. He appeared more slender upon returning. Z-Man then feuded with ] over the ], eventually winning the title. When the promotion changed its name to World Championship Wrestling in 1991, Z-Man officially became the final NWA World Television Champion and the first WCW World Television Champion. He re-lost the title to Anderson on January 7, 1991. Later that year, Z-Man, ] and ] feuded with ] and The Fabulous Freebirds over the ]. Z-Man, Rhodes and Josh won the title from the Freebirds in August, and lost it to The York Foundation in October.
==Championships and accomplishments==
*''']'''
*'''National'''
:*] (1 time) - with ]
*'''Regional'''
:*] (1 time)
:*] (1 time) - with Scott Doring


At ], Zenk lost to the debuting WCW Phantom (who was revealed after the match to be ]).<ref name="ReynoldsAlvarez2014">{{cite book|author1=R. D. Reynolds|author-link=R. D. Reynolds|author2=Bryan Alvarez|title=The Death of WCW: 10th Anniversary Edition of the Bestselling Classic - Revised and Expanded|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G4aFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT48|date=1 October 2014|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-77090-642-6|pages=48}}</ref>
*''']'''
:*] (])
:*] (1 time) - with ] & ]
*'''Other Titles'''
:*Canadian International Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Dan Kroffat


In October 1992 he also worked for ] while under contract with WCW teaming with ].
*''']'''

:*PWIranked him # '''343''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003.
In 1993, Zenk subbed for ] in the team "Dos Hombres" with ], but was not acknowledged by announcers.<ref name="Lentz2015">{{cite book|author=Harris M. Lentz III|title=Biographical Dictionary of Professional Wrestling, 2d ed.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QjGSCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA331|date=2015|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-4766-0505-0|pages=331}}</ref>

===All Japan Pro Wrestling (1994) ===
After Zenk's release from WCW in May 1994, he participated in ]'s (AJPW) Summer Action tour that July, and their Giant Series tour in September.

=== Late career (1994–1996) ===
After WCW and All Japan, Zenk worked in his home state Minnesota where he worked in the independent circuit. In August 1996, Zenk joined the ] (AWF), where he ultimately finished his career a few months later, in October.

== Death ==
Zenk died in ], on December 9, 2017, at the age of 59, from ] and ].<ref name="Obituary">{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/233177/?fullname=thomas-erwin-zenk|title=Obituary for Thomas Erwin Zenk|work=]|access-date=July 8, 2019|date=January 7, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Csonka2018">{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/tom-zenks-cause-death-revealed/|title=Tom Zenk's Cause of Death Revealed|author=Larry Csonka|date=February 23, 2018|work=]}}</ref> He was interred at St. Nicholas Cemetery in ].

==Championships and accomplishments==
*''']'''
**World's Strongest Tag Determination League Fighting Spirit Award (1986) – with ]<ref name="AJPW">{{Cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl86.php|title=Real Word Tag League 1986|website=PuroLove.com|access-date=July 8, 2019}}</ref>
*''']'''
**] (])<ref group=Note>The title's name was changed to the WCW World Television Championship due to WCW withdrawing from the NWA after Zenk won it, technically making him the last World Television Champion under the NWA banner and the first under the WCW banner.</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Gary Will|author2=Royal Duncan |title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=1994|edition=3|page=23|chapter=United States: 19th century & widely defended titles - NWA, WWF, AWA, IWA, ECW: NWA Television Title|isbn=0-9698161-1-1}}</ref>
**] (]) - with ]<ref>{{cite book|author1=Gary Will|author2=Royal Duncan|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=1994|edition=3|page=23|chapter=United States: 19th century & widely defended titles - NWA, WWF, AWA, IWA, ECW: NWA United States Tag Team Title|isbn=0-9698161-1-1}}</ref><ref name="Keith2008B"/>
**] (]) - with ] and ]<ref>{{cite book|author1=Gary Will|author2=Royal Duncan |title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=1994|edition=3|page=23|chapter=United States: 19th century & widely defended titles - NWA, WWF, AWA, IWA, ECW: WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Title|isbn=0-9698161-1-1}}</ref>
*''']'''
**] (]) - with ]<ref name="LutteTag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/canada/qc/pv/can-int-t.html|title=International Wrestling International Tag Team Title |publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com|access-date=June 20, 2015}}</ref>
*''']'''
**] (])<ref name="PNWTag">{{cite book|author1=Royal Duncan|author2=Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Oregon & Washington) Portland: NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title|pages=315–317|date=2006|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
**] (]) - with Scott Doring<ref name="PNWHeavy">{{cite book|author1=Royal Duncan|author2=Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Oregon & Washington) Portland: NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title|pages=317–320|date=2006|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
*''''']'''''
**PWI ranked him #'''38''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the ] in 1992
**PWI ranked him #'''343''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
*'''Ultimate Championship Wrestling'''
**UCW Championship (1 time)
*''''']'''''
**] (1984) <small>tied with ]</small><ref name="Meltzer2017"/>
*''']'''
**] - with ]
{{Reflist|group=Note}}


== References ==
''']'''
{{Reflist|30em}}
*1984 Rookie of the Year (tied with Jushin Liger)
<!-- Comment -->


==External links== == External links ==
{{commons}}
*
* {{Official website|http://www.tomzenk.net}}
*
* {{IMDb name|0954876|Tom Zenk}}
*
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
{{WCW United States Tag Team Championship}}
{{WCW World Television Championship}}
{{WCW World Six-Man Tag Team Championship}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Zenk, Tom}}
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Latest revision as of 07:15, 24 November 2024

American professional wrestler

Tom Zenk
Zenk in 1986
Birth nameThomas Erwin Zenk
Born(1958-11-30)November 30, 1958
Golden Valley, Minnesota, U.S.
DiedDecember 9, 2017(2017-12-09) (aged 59)
Robbinsdale, Minnesota, U.S.
Cause of deathAtherosclerosis and cardiomegaly
Alma materUniversity of Minnesota
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Tom Zenk
The Z-Man
Billed height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Billed weight230 lb (100 kg; 16 st)
Billed fromMinneapolis, Minnesota
Trained byBrad Rheingans
Eddie Sharkey
DebutFebruary 1984
RetiredOctober 1996

Thomas Erwin Zenk (November 30, 1958 – December 9, 2017) was an American professional wrestler and bodybuilder. He was best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation from 1986 to 1987, with the American Wrestling Association from 1988 to 1989, and with World Championship Wrestling from 1989 to 1994, as well for his tours of Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling.

Early life

Zenk was born in Golden Valley, Minnesota. He attended Robbinsdale High School in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. His 1976 graduating class included fellow future professional wrestlers Brady Boone, Barry Darsow, Curt Hennig, Nikita Koloff, and Rick Rude. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he majored in speech communications.

Bodybuilding career

Zenk competed as a bodybuilder. In October 1980, he competed in the "Mr. North Country" competition, placing third. In July 1981, he participated in the "Mr. Minnesota" competition, winning championships in the overall, heavyweight, and "most muscular" divisions.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1984–1986)

Zenk was introduced to professional wrestling by Road Warrior Animal, who he met at a bodybuilding contest. He was trained to wrestle by Brad Rheingans and Eddie Sharkey. He debuted in early 1984 with Mid-South Wrestling in Louisiana. In mid-1984, Zenk joined the Minneapolis, Minnesota-based American Wrestling Association, where he performed as an undercard wrestler until September 1985. He was named Rookie of the Year for 1984 by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, tying with Jushin Liger.

In October 1985, Zenk joined the Portland, Oregon-based Pacific Northwest Wrestling promotion, where he received a push. In December 1985, he and Scott Doring won the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship. They lost the Championship to Bobby Jaggers and Rip Oliver the following month. In the same month, Zenk defeated Jaggers for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship. He held the Championship until March 1986, when Jaggers regained it. Between May 1985 and October 1986, Zenk also wrestled intermittently with the Montreal-based Lutte Internationale promotion in Canada, where he won the Canadian International Tag Team Championship with Dan Kroffat.

World Wrestling Federation (1986–1987)

See also: Can-Am Connection

In October 1986, Zenk was signed by the World Wrestling Federation. He teamed with Rick Martel as The Can-Am Connection. In the opening bout of WrestleMania III on March 29, 1987, The Can-Am Connection defeated Don Muraco and Bob Orton, Jr.

The Can-Am Connection were planned to become the WWF's top face tag team and to win the WWF World Tag Team Championship, but in mid-1987 Zenk resigned from the WWF due to a pay dispute.

All Japan Pro Wrestling (1986–1989)

In November and December 1986, Zenk and Rick Martel toured Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling, competing in the annual Real World Tag League. He and Martel received the World's Strongest Tag Determination League Fighting Spirit Award.

Between 1987 and 1989, Zenk made multiple tours of Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW).

American Wrestling Association (1988, 1989)

Zenk returned to the American Wrestling Association to wrestle a handful of matches in early 1988. He returned again one year later. On May 1, 1988, Zenk took part in the "Battle of Breakfast Cereal", a show recorded for the breakfast cereal manufacturer Kellogg's for a sales conference in which Kelloggs-themed characters faced characters themed after General Mills, Kellogg's' main competitor. In the main event, Zenk and Greg Gagne (wrestling as "The Sales And Marketing Team") defeated Pat Tanaka and Paul Diamond (wrestling as "The Mills Brothers"). Zenk left the AWA once more later that month. This era of The AWA (1985 to 1990) was seen for many years onward, appearing on The ESPN Network Television, as afternoon time-slot re-runs.

On February 7, 1989, Zenk competed in a 20-man battle royal for the vacant AWA World Heavyweight Championship in which he was the last man eliminated by the winner, Larry Zbyszko. He challenged Zbyszko in several return matches before moving to WCW.

World Championship Wrestling (1989–1994)

While touring with All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1989, Zenk was signed to a two-year contract with World Championship Wrestling by president Jim Herd. He debuted at Fall Brawl '89 in September 1989 under the ring name "The Z-Man", defeating The Cuban Assassin.

In 1990, Zenk formed a tag team with Brian Pillman. In February 1990, they won the vacant NWA United States Tag Team Championship, defeating The Fabulous Freebirds in the finals of a tournament. They went on to feud with The Midnight Express, who won the Championship from them in May 1990.

During this time, Zenk tore a muscle while weightlifting and took several months off to recover. He appeared more slender upon returning. Z-Man then feuded with Arn Anderson over the World Television Championship, eventually winning the title. When the promotion changed its name to World Championship Wrestling in 1991, Z-Man officially became the final NWA World Television Champion and the first WCW World Television Champion. He re-lost the title to Anderson on January 7, 1991. Later that year, Z-Man, Dustin Rhodes and Big Josh feuded with The York Foundation and The Fabulous Freebirds over the World Six-Man Tag Team Championship. Z-Man, Rhodes and Josh won the title from the Freebirds in August, and lost it to The York Foundation in October.

At Halloween Havoc 1991, Zenk lost to the debuting WCW Phantom (who was revealed after the match to be Rick Rude).

In October 1992 he also worked for New Japan Pro-Wrestling while under contract with WCW teaming with Jim Neidhart.

In 1993, Zenk subbed for Shane Douglas in the team "Dos Hombres" with Ricky Steamboat, but was not acknowledged by announcers.

All Japan Pro Wrestling (1994)

After Zenk's release from WCW in May 1994, he participated in All Japan Pro Wrestling's (AJPW) Summer Action tour that July, and their Giant Series tour in September.

Late career (1994–1996)

After WCW and All Japan, Zenk worked in his home state Minnesota where he worked in the independent circuit. In August 1996, Zenk joined the American Wrestling Federation (AWF), where he ultimately finished his career a few months later, in October.

Death

Zenk died in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, on December 9, 2017, at the age of 59, from atherosclerosis and cardiomegaly. He was interred at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Carver, Minnesota.

Championships and accomplishments

  1. The title's name was changed to the WCW World Television Championship due to WCW withdrawing from the NWA after Zenk won it, technically making him the last World Television Champion under the NWA banner and the first under the WCW banner.

References

  1. ^ John Grasso (2014). Historical Dictionary of Wrestling. Scarecrow Press. p. 370. ISBN 978-0-8108-7926-3.
  2. ^ Kris Pope (October 4, 1989). "Z-Man Settles in with NWA". Twin Cities Wrestling Update. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  3. ^ "Obituary for Thomas Erwin Zenk". Star Tribune. January 7, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  4. ^ Larry Csonka (February 23, 2018). "Tom Zenk's Cause of Death Revealed". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  5. ^ Tim Hornbaker (2017). Legends of Pro Wrestling: 150 Years of Headlocks, Body Slams, and Piledrivers. Sports Publishing. p. 1105. ISBN 978-1-61321-875-4.
  6. ^ Dave Meltzer (1986). The Wrestling Observer's Who's who in Pro Wrestling. Wrestling Observer. p. 136.
  7. ^ Kari Williams. "Tom Zenk, of Can-Am Connection, dies at 59". Canoe.com. Postmedia Network. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017.
  8. ^ Philip Kreikenbohm. "Tom Zenk - Career". Cagematch.net. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  9. Scott Keith (2008). Dungeon of Death: Chris Benoit and the Hart Family Curse. Kensington Books. p. 165. ISBN 978-0-8065-3562-3.
  10. Steven Johnson; Greg Oliver (2010). The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels. ECW Press. p. 207. ISBN 978-1-55490-284-2.
  11. Dave Meltzer; Bret Hart (2004). Tributes II: Remembering More of the World's Greatest Professional Wrestlers. Sports Publishing. p. 52. ISBN 978-1-58261-817-3.
  12. ^ Dave Meltzer (December 17, 2017). "Tom Zenk passes away at 59 years old". F4WOnline.com. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  13. ^ Royal Duncan; Gary Will (2006). "(Oregon & Washington) Portland: NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. pp. 315–317. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  14. ^ Royal Duncan; Gary Will (2006). "(Oregon & Washington) Portland: NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. pp. 317–320. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  15. ^ "International Wrestling International Tag Team Title [Québéc]". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  16. Dave Meltzer (July 2003). Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  17. Steven Johnson; Greg Oliver; Mike Mooneyham (2013). The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes and Icons. ECW Press. p. 634. ISBN 978-1-77090-269-5.
  18. Pat Laprade; Bertrand Hébert (2013). Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling. ECW Press. p. 1992. ISBN 978-1-77090-296-1.
  19. Brian Shields (2010). Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s. Simon & Schuster. p. 89. ISBN 978-1-4516-0467-2.
  20. ^ "Real Word Tag League 1986". PuroLove.com. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  21. Art O'Donnell (March 15, 2019). "Induction: Battle of the Breakfast Cereal - a total® debacle". WrestleCrap. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  22. Gary Will; Royal Duncan (1994). "United States: 19th century & widely defended titles - NWA, WWF, AWA, IWA, ECW: AWA World Heavyweight Title". Wrestling Title Histories (3 ed.). Archeus Communications. p. 23. ISBN 0-9698161-1-1.
  23. ^ Scott Keith (November 1, 2008). Dungeon of Death:: Chris Benoit and the Hart Family Curse. Kensington Books. p. 71. ISBN 978-0-8065-3562-3.
  24. Scott E. Williams (2006). Hardcore History: The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW. Sports Publishing. p. 85. ISBN 978-1-59670-021-5.
  25. R. D. Reynolds; Bryan Alvarez (October 1, 2014). The Death of WCW: 10th Anniversary Edition of the Bestselling Classic - Revised and Expanded. ECW Press. p. 48. ISBN 978-1-77090-642-6.
  26. Harris M. Lentz III (2015). Biographical Dictionary of Professional Wrestling, 2d ed. McFarland & Company. p. 331. ISBN 978-1-4766-0505-0.
  27. Gary Will; Royal Duncan (1994). "United States: 19th century & widely defended titles - NWA, WWF, AWA, IWA, ECW: NWA Television Title". Wrestling Title Histories (3 ed.). Archeus Communications. p. 23. ISBN 0-9698161-1-1.
  28. Gary Will; Royal Duncan (1994). "United States: 19th century & widely defended titles - NWA, WWF, AWA, IWA, ECW: NWA United States Tag Team Title". Wrestling Title Histories (3 ed.). Archeus Communications. p. 23. ISBN 0-9698161-1-1.
  29. Gary Will; Royal Duncan (1994). "United States: 19th century & widely defended titles - NWA, WWF, AWA, IWA, ECW: WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Title". Wrestling Title Histories (3 ed.). Archeus Communications. p. 23. ISBN 0-9698161-1-1.

External links

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