Misplaced Pages

Tom Zenk: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 21:19, 8 July 2019 editMcPhail (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users69,741 edits →Death← Previous edit Revision as of 22:54, 8 July 2019 edit undoMcPhail (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users69,741 editsNo edit summaryNext edit →
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox professional wrestler {{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Tom Zenk | name = Tom Zenk
|birthname = Thomas Erwin Zenk | birthname = Thomas Erwin Zenk<ref name="Grasso2014"/>
|image = | image =
|names = Tom Zenk<br>The Z-Man | names = Tom Zenk<ref name=Pope1989/><br>The Z-Man<ref name=Pope1989/>
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=1}} | height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/>
|weight = {{convert|240|lb|kg st|abbr=on}} | weight = {{convert|230|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/>
|birth_date = {{birth date|1958|11|30}} | birth_date = {{birth date|1958|11|30}}
|birth_place = ], U.S. | birth_place = ], U.S.<ref name=Pope1989/>
|death_date = {{Death date and age|2017|12|9|1958|11|30}} | death_date = {{Death date and age|2017|12|9|1958|11|30}}<ref name="Obituary"/>
|death_place = Robbinsdale, Minnesota, U.S. | death_place = Robbinsdale, Minnesota, U.S.<ref name="Obituary"/>
| death_cause = ] and ]<ref name="Csonka2018"/>
|billed = Robbinsdale, Minnesota
|trainer = ]<br>] | billed = ]<ref name="Meltzer1986"/>
| trainer = ]<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><br>]<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name=Williams2019/>
|debut = 1984
|retired = 1996 | debut = 1984<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/>
| retired = 1996<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/>
⚫ |}}
| alma_mater = ]<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/>
'''Thomas Erwin Zenk''' (November 30, 1958 – December 9, 2017)<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/233177/?fullname=thomas-erwin-zenk|title=Obituary for Thomas Erwin Zenk|work=Star Tribune|access-date=2017-12-17}}</ref> was an American ] and ]. He was best known for his appearances with the ] (WWF) from 1986 to 1987 and with ] from 1989 to 1994.
⚫ | }}
'''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 and with ] from 1989 to 1994, as well for his tours of Japan with the ].<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=]|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 == == Early life ==
Zenk attended Robbinsdale High School in ]. His 1976 graduating class included fellow future professional wrestlers ], ], ], ], ], and ].<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=]|author2=]|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> 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="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=]|author2=]|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><ref name=Williams2019/> He attended the ], where he majored in speech communications.<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><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>


==Bodybuilding career== == Bodybuilding career ==
Zenk placed third in a Mr. North Country ] contest in October 1980, then won Mr. Twin Cities in May 1981. That July, he won the Mr. Minnesota triple crown, titling in the heavyweight, overall and most muscular categories.<ref name=Slam></ref> 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|title=Tom Zenk, of Can-Am Connection, dies at 59|author=Kari Williams|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref>


==Professional wrestling career== ==Professional wrestling career==


===Early career (1984-1986)=== === Early career (1984–1986) ===
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|accessdate=July 8, 2019|author=Philip Kreikenbohm}}</ref> He was named ] for 1984 by the '']''.
After ] met him at a bodybuilding contest and introduced him to wrestling, Zenk started in 1984 for the ] (AWA), before moving to the ]'s (NWA) ] (PNW).<ref name=Slam/> Here he feuded with ]. At ]'s request, he moved to ] to work for ]. Here, the two formed The ], which later appeared in the ].

In October 1985, Zenk joined the ]-based ] promotion.<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/> 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"/>

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"/>


=== World Wrestling Federation (1986–1987) === === World Wrestling Federation (1986–1987) ===
{{see also|The Can-Am Connection}} {{see also|The Can-Am Connection}}
In October 1986, Zenk was signed by the ]. He was partnered with ] as ].<ref>{{cite book|title=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZDtaAAAAYAAJ|date=July 2003|publisher=]|author=]}}</ref> 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> In October 1986, Zenk and Martel were signed by the ].<ref>{{cite book|title=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZDtaAAAAYAAJ|date=July 2003|publisher=]|author=]}}</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> They teamed together as ]. 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>


The popular team ] as the possible successors to ] as the ], but this push ended abruptly when Zenk left the promotion. The popular team ] as the possible successors to ] as the ], but this push ended abruptly when Zenk left the promotion.


===All Japan Pro Wrestling (1986–1989)=== === All Japan Pro Wrestling (1987, 1988, 1989) ===
Between 1987 and 1989, Zenk made multiple tours of Japan with ] (AJPW). Between 1987 and 1989, Zenk made multiple tours of Japan with ] (AJPW).


===American Wrestling Association (1989)=== === American Wrestling Association (1989) ===
Zenk reappeared in the ] in early 1989 and was the last man eliminated (by ]) in a battle royal for the vacant ].<ref>{{cite book|last=Will|first=Gary|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> Zenk reappeared in the ] in early 1989 and was the last man eliminated (by ]) in a battle royal for the vacant ].<ref>{{cite book|last=Will|first=Gary|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>


=== World Championship Wrestling (1989–1994) === === World Championship Wrestling (1989–1994) ===
After receiving several shots at the AWA title, Zenk moved on to ] in 1989.<ref name=WCW8994Book>{{cite book | first=Graham | last=Cawthon | title=the History of Professional Wrestling Vol 4: World Championship Wrestling 1989-1994 | publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform | year= 2014 | isbn=1499656343}}</ref> As "The Z-Man", he debuted at ] that September 12.<ref name=WCW8994Book/> 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 ] 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> 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>


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.<ref name=WCW8994Book/> 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.<ref name=WCW8994Book/> He re-lost the title to Anderson on January 7, 1991.<ref name=WCW8994Book/> Later that year, Z-Man, ] and ] feuded with ] and The Fabulous Freebirds over the ].<ref name=WCW8994Book/> Z-Man, Rhodes and Josh won the title from the Freebirds in August, and lost it to The York Foundation in October.<ref name=WCW8994Book/> 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.


At ], Zenk lost to the debuting ].<ref name="ReynoldsAlvarez2014">{{cite book|author1=]|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> At ], Zenk lost to the debuting ].<ref name="ReynoldsAlvarez2014">{{cite book|author1=]|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>


In 1993, Zenk teamed with ] as "Dos Hombres".<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> In 1993, Zenk teamed with ] as "Dos Hombres".<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>
Line 55: Line 61:


=== American Wrestling Federation (1996) === === American Wrestling Federation (1996) ===
In August 1996, Zenk joined the ] (AWF), where he finished his career in October.<ref></ref> In August 1996, Zenk joined the ] (AWF), where he finished his career in October.


== Personal life == == Personal life ==
Zenk was the son of Lois and Robert Sr., and had three siblings: Robert Jr., Kathryn and James. His father died on February 20, 2018.<ref></ref> Zenk was the son of Lois and Robert Sr., and had three siblings: Robert Jr., Kathryn and James.<ref name="Obituary">{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/233177/?fullname=thomas-erwin-zenk|title=Obituary for Thomas Erwin Zenk|work=]|accessdate=July 8, 2019|date=January 7, 2018}}</ref>


== Death == == Death ==
Zenk died in ], on December 9, 2017, at the age of 59, from ] and ].<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 ]. Zenk died in ], on December 9, 2017, at the age of 59, from ] and ].<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== ==Championships and accomplishments==
*''']''' *''']'''
**World's Strongest Tag Determination League Fighting Spirit Award (1986) – with ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl86.php|title=PUROLOVE.com|website=www.purolove.com|access-date=2018-09-15}}</ref> **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>
*''']/]''' *''']/]'''
**] (]) - with ]<ref name=WCW8994Book/><ref>{{cite book|last=Will|first=Gary|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 ]<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"/>
**] (])<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 name=WCW8994Book/><ref>{{cite book|last=Will|first=Gary|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> **] (])<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 ] and ]<ref name=WCW8994Book/><ref>{{cite book|last=Will|first=Gary|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 ] 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 Brian Pillman **] – with Brian Pillman
*''']''' *''']'''
**] (]) - with ]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/canada/qc/pv/can-int-t.html |title=Canadian International Tag Team title history | publisher=wrestling-titles.com | accessdate=June 20, 2015}}</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|accessdate=June 20, 2015}}</ref>
*''']''' *''']'''
**] (])<ref>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=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> **] (])<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>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=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> **] (]) - 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<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2450&page=12|title=Awards « Tom Zenk « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=2017-04-08}}</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
**PWI ranked him #'''343''' of the Top 500 Singles Wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm |title=Wrestling Information Archive - Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years |date=2008-06-16 |access-date=2017-04-08 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616064424/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm |archivedate=2008-06-16 |df= }}</ref>
*''''']''''' *''''']'''''
**] (1984) <small>tied with ]</small> **] (1984) <small>tied with ]</small>

{{reflist|group=Note}} {{reflist|group=Note}}


Line 102: Line 107:
] ]
] ]
]

Revision as of 22:54, 8 July 2019

Tom Zenk
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
Debut1984
Retired1996

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 and with World Championship Wrestling from 1989 to 1994, as well for his tours of Japan with the 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.

In October 1985, Zenk joined the Portland, Oregon-based Pacific Northwest Wrestling promotion. 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 Quebec-based Lutte Internationale promotion in Canada, where he won the Canadian International Tag Team Championship with Dan Kroffat.

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.

World Wrestling Federation (1986–1987)

See also: The Can-Am Connection

In October 1986, Zenk and Martel were signed by the World Wrestling Federation. They teamed together 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 popular team pushed as the possible successors to The Hart Foundation as the World Tag Team Champions, but this push ended abruptly when Zenk left the promotion.

All Japan Pro Wrestling (1987, 1988, 1989)

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

American Wrestling Association (1989)

Zenk reappeared in the American Wrestling Association in early 1989 and was the last man eliminated (by Larry Zbyszko) in a battle royal for the vacant AWA World Heavyweight Title.

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 Clash of Champions VIII 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.

In 1993, Zenk teamed with Ricky Steamboat as "Dos Hombres".

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.

American Wrestling Federation (1996)

In August 1996, Zenk joined the American Wrestling Federation (AWF), where he finished his career in October.

Personal life

Zenk was the son of Lois and Robert Sr., and had three siblings: Robert Jr., Kathryn and James.

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.
  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. ^ 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.
  13. ^ 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.
  14. ^ "International Wrestling International Tag Team Title [Québéc]". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  15. ^ "Real Word Tag League 1986". PuroLove.com. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  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. pp. 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. Will, Gary; 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.
  21. ^ Scott Keith (1 November 2008). Dungeon of Death:: Chris Benoit and the Hart Family Curse. Kensington Books. p. 71. ISBN 978-0-8065-3562-3.
  22. Scott E. Williams (2006). Hardcore History: The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW. Sports Publishing. p. 85. ISBN 978-1-59670-021-5.
  23. R. D. Reynolds; Bryan Alvarez (1 October 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.
  24. Harris M. Lentz III (2015). Biographical Dictionary of Professional Wrestling, 2d ed. McFarland & Company. p. 331. ISBN 978-1-4766-0505-0.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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

World Championship Wrestling United States Tag Team Champions
JCP
(1986–1988)
WCW
(1988–1992)
1980s
1990s
WCW World Television Champions
MACW/JCP
(1974–1988)
1970s
1980s
WCW
(1988–2000)
1980s
1990s
2000s
Categories: