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whadu · Level 49: GameShark **Posts:** 37300 **Timestamp:** Sat Mar 14, 09 4:42 PM

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2009/03/former_wwe_star_test_found_dead.html

“I'm actually wondering who's next? Who's next to die?”

That question was posed by Andrew “Test” Martin in his MySpace blog in November 2005 after Eddie Guerrero died at 38.

In a scene that has become far too familiar in the wrestling industry, Martin was found dead in his Tampa, Fla., home by police officers last night. He was a few days shy of his 34th birthday.

There is no indication of foul play, according to a statement released by the police.

It’s a sad ending for a guy who at one point appeared to have a bright future in the business.

Martin was originally trained by Bret Hart before being signed to a WWE developmental deal. Along with fellow Canadians Adam Copeland (Edge) and Jason Reso (Christian), Martin trained at camps run by former NWA world champion Dory Funk Jr.

Martin debuted as Test on WWE television in 1998 as a bodyguard for Motley Crue during the band’s live performance on Raw. He eventually joined The Corporation, WWE’s top heel faction at the time.

Martin was often described as a younger and more mobile Kevin Nash, and it looked as if he was going to get a big push after he entered into a story line relationship with Stephanie McMahon. But in a plot twist, Triple H and Stephanie hooked up and Martin never would advance past the mid-card.

He became a competent worker in the ring, and with his height (6 feet 6) and muscular physique, it’s surprising that he never got more of a push. It was most likely his lack of charisma that held him back.

In a decision that was heavily criticized, WWE released Martin while he was recovering from spinal fusion surgery. It was during that time that he posted the blog about Guerrero’s death. He wrote about the growing number of wrestlers who were addicted to prescription pain medication and accused WWE of having little regard for the well-being of its performers.

Despite his condemnation of WWE, Martin returned to the company in 2006 as a member of the ECW roster. He was released a little less than a year later shortly after receiving a 30-day suspension for violating WWE’s Wellness policy.

Martin last appeared on national television in 2007, when he had a short stint in TNA.

My condolences go out to Martin’s family and friends.
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