Andrew Martin
USA- Biography of Andrew Martin
- Early Career and Success in WWF/E
- Challenges and Independent Circuit
- Transition to TNAW and Retirement
- Personal Life and Tragic Death
Biography of Andrew Martin
Andrew James Robert Patrick Martin, known professionally as Test, was a Canadian professional wrestler. He competed in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF; later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE) from 1998 to 2004 and from 2006 to 2007. He also spent some time wrestling for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNAW) under the ring name "The Punisher" Andrew Martin.
Early Career and Success in WWF/E
In the mid-1990s, Martin met professional wrestler Bret Hart at a restaurant. It was Hart who suggested that Andrew try his hand at wrestling. For the next eight months, Martin dedicated himself to intense training. He made his debut in 1997 under the names Martin Kane and T.J. Thunder, before eventually settling on the ring name Test. He primarily competed in singles matches and achieved success, becoming the Intercontinental Champion, European Champion, and Hardcore Champion. He also found success in tag team matches, winning the WWF and WCW Tag Team Championships alongside Booker T.
Challenges and Independent Circuit
In 2005, Martin had to take a break from WWE to undergo spinal surgery. His contract was terminated in November 2004, and he returned to the ring in May 2005. However, in 2006, he received another opportunity to return to WWE. He competed for about a year before disappearing from the spotlight. It was later revealed that he had been suspended for a month due to violating company rules. A week later, it was announced that his contract with WWE had been terminated by mutual agreement. Martin stated on MySpace that the decision to leave was made by both parties.
Transition to TNAW and Retirement
Martin made his TNAW debut on August 2, 2007. He didn't stay there for long, as he announced his retirement from professional wrestling on December 19. He announced that he would embark on one final tour in Ireland before leaving the sport for good. Martin was determined not to be one of the wrestlers who frequently announce their retirement only to return later.
Personal Life and Tragic Death
Martin was romantically linked to famous wrestler Kelly Kelly, and there were rumors of a possible affair with WWE legend Stacy Keibler. On September 14, 2007, and April 5, 2008, he was arrested for driving under the influence. He spent a night in jail both times before being released on bail.
Tragically, on March 13, 2009, Martin was found dead in his home in Tampa, Florida. Concerned neighbors called the police after seeing him lying motionless for several hours through a condominium window. Police entered Andrew's apartment through the balcony and discovered his body. Further investigation revealed that accidental oxycodone overdose was the cause of death. Additionally, forensic scientist Bennett Omalu determined that Martin suffered from a severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease similar to Alzheimer's, caused by repeated head trauma. It was evident that Martin, due to the nature of his profession, often experienced both concussions and head injuries. This same disease had previously been found in another deceased wrestler, Chris Benoit.
