After leaving the AWA in 1987, Sherri Martel moved to the World Wrestling Federation. She made an immediate impact. Sherri won the WWF Women�s Championship from the legendary Fabulous Moolah on July 24, 1987 in Houston, Texas. The wrestling world was stunned at Moolah's shocking loss and Sherri's sudden rise to the top of women's wrestling.
Winning the title seemed to cause a change in Sherri Martel. Shortly after the victory, Sherri announced that she would be known as "Sensational" Sherri. She also became much more aggressive in the ring and it became clear Sherri would do anything to defend her title, including break rules and attack opponents when their backs were turned. Her arrogant attitude turned WWF fans against her and Sherri was often booed at arenas as the crowds supported her opponents.
And there was no shortage of opponents wanting a chance to take Sherri's coveted title from her. The list began with the former champion, Fabulous Moolah. Sherri and Moolah clashed at Survivor Series 87 where the two women captained opposing teams in the first ever women's survivor match. Moolah's team prevailed, but the former champion never was able to take the title from Sherri.
Another opponent who battled Sherri was Velvet McIntyre. McIntyre was the one who pinned Sherri at the Survivor Series, eliminating her from the match. She also had some memorable matches with the Sherri but couldn�t beat her when it counted most.
Sherri's run of success continued against other women challengers such as Desiree Peterson and Rockin Robin. Her matches with Robin were remarkably intense and featured a range of high-risk moves by both women. It was the start of a new era in women's professional wrestling and Sherri and Robin battled in cities all over the world. Sherri's experience and willingness to break rules gave her the edge in early matches. She often won by grabbing the ropes or Robin's tights to score a victory and escape with her title. Her "win at all costs" approach frustrated Robin and angered fans who hated to see Sherri win by cheating! Sherri held the title for over a year before finally being defeated on October 7, 1988 in Paris, France by Robin.
The loss of the title infuriated Sherri and she made it her mission to regain it. A few months after the loss, at Royal Rumble 89, Sherri came to ringside when Robin was about to defend the belt against Judy Martin. Sherri entered the ring before the match and demanded a title shot from the winner. She then sat down at the announcers� table and did commentary, watching Robin retain the title with a win over Martin. Despite the former champion's best efforts, Robin never allowed Sherri to get her hands back on the WWF Women's Championship. Shortly after the Royal Rumble, Sherri gave up her quest and moved on to become a manager. |
