Andrew Martin, who wrestled for WWE and ECW as Test, was found dead last night in his apartment by police in Tampa, Florida. Details regarding the circumstances of Martin's death were sketchy as this article was being written, but police did rule out foul play. Martin was just days away from celebrating his 34th birthday, which once again is sure to raise the usual questions people ask when professional wrestlers die so young.
Martin had been released by World Wrestling Entertainment after failing a drug test in 2007, and had most recently been wrestling in Japan and Europe. In interviews however, Test insisted that he requested the release (WWE drug policy normally suspends its performers after a first offense). As more information is released, hopefully a clearer picture will emerge.
In the meantime, Test becomes the latest of a long list of wrestlers from Rick Rude to Eddie Guerrero to die at a young age under what appears at best to be mysterious circumstances. According to published reports, police were called to check on Martin when a neighbor noticed that he had been sitting, but not moving, close to a window for some time.
As Test, Andrew Martin was never a household name on the level of a Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair, but he did have a couple of memorable runs. Martin arrived in WWE in the late nineties during a television broadcast where Motley Crue were playing live on the show. In the original storyline, he was supposed to be a roadie for the band, although in typical wrestling fashion, this may or may not have been actually true. Soon, he was aligned with Vince McMahon's "evil promoter" character Mr. McMahon as a heel — a role he seemed to play very well, and one which he would return to throughout his career.
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Article comments
1 - Aaron Whitehead
How many more before something gets done?
Can you imagine what would happen if the death rate in wrestling existed in a "legitimate" sport? Seriously, who has to die before wrestling has to come out of the 19th century and be subjected to labor laws?
2 - Glen Boyd
There was a time a few years ago when some of the wrestlers were talking about a union...not sure what ever happened there.
To me its just sad more than anything else, but I'm really not sure what the answer is. McMahon toughened up the WWE's "wellness policy" after the Chris Benoit tragedy, and performers do get suspended and even fired for failing the tests. After the Benoit murders, they were even suspending some of their top names -- although I'm not sure if thats still true today.
There really just aren't any easy answers to this, which again makes it all the more sad. I'm withholding judgment about the Martin death for now until we know more, but you definitely can't help but get the feeling something isn't right here.
But yes, something needs to be done. The culture itself may have to change.
-Glen
3 - Phil
This is truely a tragedy!!!
4 - chadd
that is just sad
5 - chadd
i hope they find out wht the heck happend he was a good wrestler i can't belive hes dead.
6 - Alishia Lyons
I can't believe that you are gone I grew up watching you you are my role model.
7 - Billy
Andrew we will miss you.God bless and keep you,I have faith you passed the (TEST)...
8 - Glen Boyd
Update: Apparently they found some steroids and pain killers in the apartment...
9 - Tony
Just a note, he also wrestled in TNA for a while.
I don't think there is a lot of mystery as to why these guys die. They are essentially actors and also have to be stunt men that are forced -- in most cases -- to maintain a body image that is elite compared to the every day person. Add in the ridiculous travel schedule and amount of pain these men endure, and its no wonder that every time one of these guys dies its the same cocktail; steroids, coke, and painkillers.
I think TNA's approach of holding most shows in one location -- doing away with "house" shows -- will help these problems to some extent, but as long as the business is around, there will always be guys that abuse their bodies to stay on top. It's the nature of the beast. A lot the old wrestlers who aren't dead are basically cripples now. Even Hogan can barely move without painkillers. The sport is just so brutal that even when they aren't roided to the teeth they usually are into something to either keep them going or dull the pain.
10 - Glen Boyd
Actually the article mentions Martin's brief stint with TNA.
-Glen
11 - Tony
And so it does...my mistake.
12 - Marcia Neil
His nickname was not "Test". Some of us should be overseeing soil-sample tests near a limestone roadside-rest monument in Degolia, PA, in the northwestern-PA Allegheny Mountain range. That soil samples might eventually also be taken from ground beneath the monument means that the stone chapel-house will be removed from its placement -- 'wrested' -- other reason being that there is a mucousal bead artifact beneath it between base and ground. Other people affected by dissemination of attempted dialogue about these unusual plans include 'Abramoff' (Abrams family members reside near the site; Martin family members reside in the region) and 'Madoff' (just what frame of mind will be necessary to lift the monument?).
13 - Dr Dreadful
Even by Marcia's standards, the above comment is a bit special.
14 - Glen Boyd
Wow. Mind steroids?
-Glen
15 - Ginger
I am trying to leave a comment about Andrew and am finding it difficult. So I will try here! We at the Village Inn in Tampa, Florida, knew Andrew in a different way than most of you. He always liked coming to the restaurant and escape from the pressures in his life. He told one of our girls, he loved coming in because we treated him like he was a regular person. Andrew was always polite to us and so kind and generous. He never had an air about himself, just a sweet man. We are so deeply saddened by his death and will miss him very much. We love you Andrew! God Bless You!
The girls at the Village Inn. (If anyone knows where I can leave a comment for him?)
16 - Elvis
I saw You back in 2006 when ECW came to Pueblo Colorado. I was only feet away from you, but you didn't look at me. one thing that I can say is that I was able to be in your presence. I will never forget you. You were one of the best wrestlers. I was one of your many fans. You will be fover missed.
17 - Nauman
he was my best wrestler & i shocked at his death
18 - megan
i cant believe test died like that i mean how many more wrestlers half to die before they do something about all the use of drugs in their company i think these wrestlers need to be suspended from their job for a while until they can get control of themselves and decide that their not gonna use drugs and do their job at the same time these kinda things kill people and it already has as most of us know eddie guerrero died from the same thing no foul play but the things these wrestlers use in the gym end up being the main cause that they die so i hope the wwe gets control of its wrestlers before it targets other wwe wrestlers.
19 - janet
test was a talented wrestler i enjoyed watching him wrestle. i was sorry to here that he died.
20 - Tod
I was shocked too about his death. He was great
21 - fred
he was one of the best at what he did
22 - Rob
One of the greatest in the sport. Andrew you will be missed for a very long time. I have missed not seeing him in WWE and have been wondering for some time where you were... well i guess unfortunatlly we will only be able to see the brillance you brought to the squared circle on the video's that are available for us that are left behind. God Bless and Keep you
23 - Lisa
it's so unfortunate i loved test and i thought he was a hottie, he will forever be remembered by me a true WWF fan
24 - tracy
Test why i love you so much your the best!
25 - Harry Savva
I was so sad when i learn that Test died.he was my favourite Canadian wrestler.R.I.P Test we will meet one day.