Test
Andrew James Robert Patrick Martin, known professionally as Test, was a Canadian professional wrestler who performed for World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/WWE) from 1998 to 2007. The Whitby, Ontario native achieved prominence during the company's Attitude Era and subsequent years, capturing multiple championships including the WWF Intercontinental and European titles. His career was marked by notable on-screen storylines, such as his engagement to Stephanie McMahon and partnership with Stacy Keibler, which made him a familiar figure to a generation of Canadian wrestling fans. Martin's career also included a brief stint with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in 2007 and matches on the independent circuit until his death in 2009. His contributions to sports entertainment are remembered by his championship victories and his memorable character work during a key era for the industry.
Early life and training
Andrew Martin was born on March 17, 1975, in Whitby, Ontario, to parents Robert and Margaret Martin, and was the youngest of three children. He attended Henry Street High School, where he was an active multi-sport athlete, participating in football, hockey, lacrosse, and rugby. Following his secondary education, Martin worked in Oshawa during the mid-1990s as a bouncer and bartender. His entry into professional wrestling came in 1997 after a chance meeting with WWF Canada president Carl De Marco at a Planet Hollywood restaurant in Toronto's SkyDome. De Marco introduced Martin to Canadian wrestling legend Bret Hart, who offered to train him. Martin promptly quit his jobs and spent eight months training under both Hart and veteran wrestler Leo Burke, laying the foundation for his future career. He later supplemented his training at Dory Funk Jr.'s Funkin' Dojo in Ocala, Florida, a renowned wrestling school that prepared him for the physical demands of the sport.
Early career and WWF debut
Martin made his professional wrestling debut on October 26, 1997, for the International Wrestling Alliance (IWA) under the ring name Martin Kane, defeating Jamal Hughes and winning a battle royal on the same night. He performed on the Canadian independent circuit under the gimmick T.J. Thunder, portrayed as a former bodyguard for entertainer Wayne Newton. In 1998, he wrestled for the World Wrestling Alliance in Massachusetts and won the Wild West Wrestling (WWW) Heavyweight Championship in Saskatchewan in a triangle match against his trainer Leo Burke and John Cozman. His performances caught the attention of the World Wrestling Federation, leading to a contract in May 1998. Martin debuted on WWF television on the October 25, 1998, episode of Sunday Night Heat as an unnamed bodyguard for the band Mötley Crüe, where in a scripted segment he threw an overzealous fan off the stage during a rehearsal.
His in-ring debut followed on the December 21, 1998, episode of Raw is War, where he teamed with The Rock to defeat D-Generation X members Triple H and X-Pac by disqualification after interference from Kane. He soon joined the powerful heel stable The Corporation and was given the ring name 'Test', derived from his habit of checking microphones by saying 'test...test...'. His first Royal Rumble match was at the 1999 event, where he entered at number 21 before being eliminated by Steve Austin. At WrestleMania XV in March 1999, Test teamed with D'Lo Brown in an unsuccessful challenge for the WWF Tag Team Championship against Jeff Jarrett and Owen Hart. After a face turn, he joined The Union faction, which feuded with The Corporate Ministry and defeated them in an eight-man elimination tag team match at the Over the Edge pay-per-view on May 23, 1999, before the group quietly disbanded.
Peak years and championship success
In the latter half of 1999, Test was featured in a major storyline involving an on-screen romance with Stephanie McMahon, the daughter of WWF owner Vince McMahon. This culminated in a 'Love Her Or Leave Her' Greenwich Street Fight against her brother Shane McMahon at SummerSlam on August 22, which Test won to gain Shane's blessing. The engagement storyline took a dramatic turn in November when Triple H showed a video revealing he had drugged and married Stephanie in a Las Vegas drive-through ceremony, leading her to align with him and turn on Test at the Armageddon pay-per-view. For the remainder of the year, Test briefly feuded with D-Generation X. In early 2000, he held the WWF Hardcore Championship for a month, defending it under the 24/7 rule that defined that title's era.
In March 2000, Test turned heel and formed the tag team T & A with Albert, managed by Trish Stratus. They defeated Head Cheese (Al Snow and Steve Blackman) at WrestleMania 2000 on April 2 and The Dudley Boyz at Backlash on April 30. The team participated in a fatal four-way elimination match for the WWF Tag Team Championship at King of the Ring on June 25, which was won by Edge and Christian. T & A and Stratus also feuded with The Hardy Boyz and Lita, losing to them in a six-person tag team match at Fully Loaded on July 23. The team disbanded on the December 28, 2000, episode of SmackDown after Albert attacked Test on the orders of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, turning Test face once more.
Test's singles success peaked in 2001 when he won the WWF European Championship from William Regal on the January 22 episode of Raw. He successfully defended the title against Christian, Regal, Raven, and Eddie Guerrero before losing it to Guerrero at WrestleMania X-Seven on April 1 after interference from Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn. During the Invasion storyline, he turned heel again by joining The Alliance on the August 9 episode of SmackDown, helping Chris Kanyon and Diamond Dallas Page win the WWF Tag Team Championship. He then formed a successful tag team partnership with Booker T. Together, they captured the WCW Tag Team Championship from The Brothers of Destruction on September 27, 2001, though they lost the titles to The Hardy Boyz on October 8.
- WWF European Championship (1 time), Won from William Regal, January 22, 2001
- WWF Intercontinental Championship (1 time), Won from Edge, November 5, 2001
- WWF Hardcore Championship (2 times), Held in early 2000 and June 2001
- WCW Tag Team Championship (1 time), with Booker T, won September 27, 2001
- WWF Tag Team Championship (1 time), with Booker T, won November 1, 2001
- PWI 500 Ranking, No. 37 in 2001
- Wild West Wrestling Heavyweight Championship (1 time), 1998
Later WWE tenure and departure
On November 1, 2001, Test and Booker T defeated The Rock and Chris Jericho to win the WWF Tag Team Championship. Four days later on the November 5 episode of Raw, Test won the WWF Intercontinental Championship from Edge, briefly making him a double champion. He and Booker T lost the tag titles to The Hardy Boyz on November 12. At Survivor Series on November 18, Test lost the Intercontinental Championship back to Edge in a unification match that also involved the WCW United States Championship. Later that same night, he won a battle royal that granted him on-screen immunity from being fired for one year. Following the 2002 brand split, Test was drafted to the SmackDown brand. He competed in the King of the Ring tournament, losing to eventual winner Brock Lesnar in the semi-finals at the June 23 pay-per-view.
On the July 4, 2002, episode of SmackDown, Test, Christian, and Lance Storm formed the anti-American heel stable The Un-Americans. The group moved to the Raw brand later that month and feuded with The Undertaker, leading to a loss for Test against The Undertaker at SummerSlam on August 25. After losing to a team of Kane, Goldust, Booker T, and Bubba Ray Dudley at Unforgiven on September 22, The Un-Americans split and disbanded on the September 30 episode of Raw. A significant character shift occurred on the October 21 episode of Raw when Test, now wearing standard wrestling trunks instead of leather pants, defeated D-Lo Brown with a fast count from special guest referee Stacy Keibler. He received Keibler as his on-screen girlfriend and 'image consultant', who suggested he call his fans his 'Testicles', leading to a face turn and him cutting off his long hair.
In March 2003, Test began teaming with Scott Steiner and feuded with La Résistance (René Duprée and Sylvain Grenier), losing to them at Judgment Day on May 18. After the match, Test turned heel again due to his mistreatment of Keibler, who parted ways with him on the June 2 episode of Raw despite a contractual obligation. Test then announced his intention to 'make her his whore', leading to a feud with Steiner over Keibler's managerial services. At Bad Blood on June 15, Steiner defeated Test to win Keibler's services, but Test regained them by defeating Steiner on the August 18 episode of Raw after feigning a knee injury. At Unforgiven on September 21, Test again defeated Steiner, forcing him to become his manservant. After Test and Steiner failed to win the World Tag Team Championship from The Dudley Boyz, Steiner attacked Keibler, blaming her for the loss. On the December 1 episode of Raw, general manager Mick Foley fired both Test and Steiner, freeing Keibler from her managerial role.
Final WWE run and independent circuit
At the Royal Rumble on January 25, 2004, Test was scheduled to enter the titular match at number 21 but was found knocked out backstage by officials and Raw Sheriff Stone Cold Steve Austin. It was revealed that Foley had attacked and replaced him, leading Test to gain revenge on the February 2 episode of Raw by attacking Foley backstage alongside Randy Orton. In July 2004, Martin underwent spinal fusion surgery performed by Dr. Lloyd Youngblood for a neck injury, which was estimated to keep him out of action for a year. On November 1, 2004, WWE announced his release from his contract. Martin made his in-ring return on the independent circuit on May 28, 2005, for Italian Championship Wrestling, teaming with Billy Gunn to defeat Mideon and Tama. He participated in an eight-man tag team match at WrestleReunion 2 on August 27, 2005, and defeated Samoa Joe for World Series Wrestling in Melbourne, Australia, on October 5, 2005.
On March 22, 2006, WWE.com announced Martin had verbally agreed to return to WWE. Vignettes aired on ECW on Sci Fi starting June 20, and he officially returned on the July 4 episode, defeating Al Snow. He aligned with fellow newcomers Mike Knox, Big Show, and Matt Striker to feud with the 'ECW Originals' (Tommy Dreamer, Rob Van Dam, Sabu, and The Sandman). On the August 1 episode of ECW, Test and Knox defeated Sandman and Tommy Dreamer in an Extreme Rules match. Under the same stipulation, they lost to Sabu and Van Dam on September 5, and Test defeated Van Dam on October 3. At Survivor Series on November 26, Test was a member of Team Big Show, which lost to Team Cena. At December to Dismember on December 3, he competed in the Extreme Elimination Chamber match for the ECW World Championship, eliminating Hardcore Holly and Rob Van Dam before being pinned by eventual winner Bobby Lashley.
On the January 16, 2007, episode of ECW, Test competed in a triple threat match for the ECW World Championship, which Lashley won. He failed to win the title from Lashley in subsequent attempts on January 23 and at the Royal Rumble on January 28, where he got himself counted out. His final televised WWE match was on the January 30 episode of ECW, another unsuccessful title challenge against Lashley, after which he was choke-slammed by The Undertaker. On February 18, commentator Jim Ross confirmed Test had been suspended for 30 days for violating the WWE Wellness Program. His release from WWE was finalized on February 27, 2007, which Martin stated in a MySpace post was a mutual decision he had requested.
TNA appearance and later career
Following his WWE release, Martin made a brief appearance for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2007, debuting under his real name on the August 2 episode of Impact. He allied with Sting and Abyss and helped them defeat A.J. Styles and Christian Cage in a tag team ladder match. His only official TNA match was at the Hard Justice pay-per-view on August 12, where his team of Sting, Abyss, and himself defeated Christian's Coalition (Cage, Tomko, and Styles) in a Doomsday Chamber of Blood match. Martin announced on December 19, 2007, that he would begin a final tour of Ireland before retiring from professional wrestling in March 2008. He spent his retirement tour wrestling for American Wrestling Rampage (AWR), facing opponents like Gangrel, The Sandman, and René Duprée, whom he lost to in seven consecutive matches in November 2007. However, Martin wrestled two more matches in Japan in 2009, defeating Lance Hoyt on February 1 and Mitsuya Nagai on February 3.
Outside the ring, Martin's personal life faced public challenges. He dated WWE performer Stacy Keibler from 2001 to 2005 and was in a two-year relationship with Barbara Blank (known in WWE as Kelly Kelly) that ended weeks before his death. He was arrested for driving under the influence in Hillsborough County, Florida, on September 14, 2007, and again in Pasco County, Florida, on April 5, 2008, being released after posting bail each time. In August 2008, he entered a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in West Palm Beach, Florida, after reaching out to WWE for help with his substance abuse issues.
Death and posthumous findings
Andrew Martin was found dead in his Tampa, Florida apartment on March 13, 2009, four days before his 34th birthday. A neighbour alerted authorities after noticing him motionless on his couch for an extended period. Investigators found painkillers and steroids in the apartment, along with a half-eaten pizza and soda, suggesting he died during a meal. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office conducted a toxicology analysis and ruled the cause of death was an accidental overdose of the prescription pain medication oxycodone. His body was cremated and his remains were flown to his family in his hometown of Whitby, Ontario.
In a significant posthumous discovery, forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu examined Martin's brain and diagnosed him with severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated concussions and subconcussive head injuries. This condition has been found in numerous contact sport athletes and was also diagnosed in fellow Canadian wrestler Chris Benoit, whose 2007 death was theorized to be influenced by CTE. The finding highlighted the potential long-term neurological risks associated with the physical demands of professional wrestling, including the routine bumps, falls, and strikes inherent to the performance. Martin's death was listed among the premature deaths in professional wrestling, drawing further attention to health, wellness, and substance abuse issues within the industry.
Career summary and legacy
Across his decade-long career at wrestling's highest level, Test was a consistent presence during a period of major growth and change for WWE, appearing in prominent storylines and capturing multiple mid-card and tag team championships. His physical stature and athletic background made him a versatile performer capable of working as both a villain and a hero. He was involved in some of the most memorable angles of the era, including the corporate warfare of The Corporation, the romantic saga with Stephanie McMahon, the Invasion storyline, and the controversial partnership with Stacy Keibler. The table below provides a detailed summary of his major championship victories and key accolades during his WWF/WWE tenure.
| Championship | Reigns | Specific Details |
|---|---|---|
| WWF Intercontinental Championship | 1 | Won from Edge on November 5, 2001. Lost in unification match at Survivor Series 2001. |
| WWF European Championship | 1 | Won from William Regal on January 22, 2001. Lost to Eddie Guerrero at WrestleMania X-Seven. |
| WWF Hardcore Championship | 2 | First reign in early 2000. Second reign began with win over Rhyno on June 14, 2001. |
| WWF Tag Team Championship | 1 | With Booker T. Won from The Rock & Chris Jericho on November 1, 2001. |
| WCW Tag Team Championship | 1 | With Booker T. Won from The Undertaker & Kane on September 27, 2001. |
| PWI 500 Ranking | No. 37 | Ranked in 2001, reflecting his peak year of singles and tag team success. |
Questions about Test
What was Test's real name and where was he from?
Test's real name was Andrew James Robert Patrick Martin. He was born on March 17, 1975, in Whitby, Ontario, Canada. He was the youngest of three children of Robert and Margaret Martin and attended Henry Street High School. Before wrestling, he worked as a bouncer and bartender in nearby Oshawa.
What championships did Test win in WWE?
During his WWF/WWE career, Test won five different championships. He was a one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion and a one-time WWF European Champion. He held the WWF Hardcore Championship on two separate occasions. In the tag team division, he and Booker T won both the WCW Tag Team Championship and the WWF Tag Team Championship in late 2001 during the Invasion storyline.
How did Test die?
Andrew Martin was found dead in his Tampa, Florida apartment on March 13, 2009. The medical examiner ruled his death an accidental overdose of the prescription painkiller oxycodone. Painkillers and steroids were found in his apartment. A subsequent examination of his brain by Dr. Bennet Omalu revealed he suffered from severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated head trauma.
What was Test's involvement with Stephanie McMahon?
Test had a scripted romantic storyline with Stephanie McMahon in 1999. This began after he won a Greenwich Street Fight against her brother Shane McMahon at SummerSlam to gain his blessing for their relationship. The couple became engaged in an on-screen ceremony later that year. The storyline culminated when Triple H revealed a video showing he had drugged Stephanie and married her in a drive through ceremony in Las Vegas. Stephanie subsequently betrayed Test by aligning with Triple H at the Armageddon pay per view, ending their on screen relationship.
Did Test wrestle for any other major promotions besides WWE?
Yes, Test wrestled for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2007. He debuted on TNA Impact under his real name, Andrew Martin, aligning with Sting and Abyss. His only match for the promotion was at the Hard Justice pay per view, where he teamed with Sting and Abyss to defeat Christian's Coalition in a Doomsday Chamber of Blood match. Outside of WWE and TNA, he also competed on the independent circuit, including for promotions like Italian Championship Wrestling, World Series Wrestling, and Nu Wrestling Evolution.
What was Test's connection to Stacy Keibler?
Test's connection to Stacy Keibler was both on screen and off screen. In 2002, she was introduced as his on screen girlfriend and image consultant, which prompted his character to turn face. Off screen, they were in a relationship from 2001 until 2005. Their storyline later turned dark in 2003 when Test's heel character began mistreating Keibler. This led to a feud with Scott Steiner over the rights to her managerial services, including matches at the Bad Blood and Unforgiven pay per views where Keibler's services were the stipulated prize.
Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-24.
