The Iron Claw (2023) movie publicity still featuring Zac Efron wrestling as Kevin Von Erich, highlighting the film’s focus on the Von Erich Family wrestling dynasty.
When families gather, wrestling matches are probably not the typical bonding activity that comes to mind. However, for the Von Erichs, an American family synonymous with professional wrestling, it was their way of life. From the 1950s through the early 1990s, the Von Erich family, spearheaded by their patriarch and his five sons, dominated the wrestling scene, particularly in Texas. While many of them seemed destined for national stardom, the family was repeatedly struck by misfortune, leading to whispers of a “Von Erich curse.” Despite the tragedies, their impact on wrestling history is undeniable, culminating in their collective induction into the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame in 2009.
But who exactly were the Von Erich wrestling family? What propelled them to fame? And is there any truth to the rumored curse that haunted them?
Fritz Von Erich: The Patriarch (1929–1997)
Professional wrestler Fritz Von Erich (1929-1997) in a 1963 photograph, demonstrating the imposing figure he cut in the ring.
The name “Von Erich” wasn’t the family’s original surname. It was an invention, a stage name adopted by Fritz, born Jack Adkisson, as part of his wrestling persona. Initially, Adkisson wrestled under his real name, portraying a wholesome, small-town firefighter character. However, this persona in 1952 proved to be less than successful, with only about 26 matches in his first year on the regional circuit. Recognizing the potential for greater success as a villain, he drew inspiration from the quintessential villains of the 20th century: Nazis. Thus, Fritz Von Erich, “the German Giant from Munich,” was born. This villainous character resonated strongly with audiences. In his own words, Adkisson described his character as performing “exceptionally well with the crowds,” so much so that he often had to “fight [his] way to the dressing rooms” through hordes of passionate fans.
Fritz Von Erich (right) wrestling Buddy Marino in November 1966, capturing a classic wrestling heel versus face confrontation.
Fritz Von Erich excelled as a “heel,” the wrestling term for a villain. He was known for his antagonistic behavior, which included berating the audience and resorting to underhanded tactics against his opponents. Interestingly, like other legendary heels such as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Von Erich’s villainous persona ironically boosted his popularity, sometimes even eclipsing that of the “babyfaces” he faced. A “babyface,” or “face,” is the wrestling world’s “good guy,” the hero the audience is meant to support. (Some wrestlers, like The Rock, have famously switched between being a “face” and a “heel” throughout their careers). During his time wrestling in Japan, Von Erich became famous for his devastating signature move, the Iron Claw. This maneuver involved seizing his opponent’s head with one hand and applying intense pressure.
Fritz Von Erich retired from in-ring competition in 1982, but his wrestling legacy and the Iron Claw lived on. He also took on the role of president for World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), a prominent local wrestling federation based in Dallas, Texas. Following in their father’s footsteps, five of Fritz’s sons—David, Mike, Kerry, Chris, and Kevin—entered the world of professional wrestling.
David Von Erich: The Yellow Rose of Texas (1958–1984)
David Von Erich, known as “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” was arguably the most talented of the Von Erich brothers. In his young career, he accumulated numerous state and regional wrestling titles. While he frequently teamed with his brothers in tag team matches, David shone brightest in singles competition. By the mid-1980s, he was considered a top contender for the prestigious National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Heavyweight Championship.
Tragically, in 1984, at the young age of 25, David passed away while on tour in Tokyo, Japan. He had been experiencing illness for several weeks and the official cause of death was attributed to untreated acute enteritis, an inflammation of the intestines. However, controversy arose when some wrestlers, including his rival Ric Flair, suggested that David’s death was actually due to a drug overdose, fueling further speculation and adding to the family’s mystique and perceived curse.
Mike Von Erich (1964–1987)
Mike Von Erich initially resisted a career in professional wrestling. However, after David’s untimely death, he stepped into the ring to join his brothers in tag team competition. Despite achieving success alongside his brothers, Mike reportedly felt uncomfortable in the wrestling world and was not naturally suited to the rigorous physical demands of the sport. Following surgery for a shoulder injury, Mike developed toxic shock syndrome, a severe and life-threatening condition, leading to organ failure. While he miraculously survived a dangerously high fever of 107 °F (42 °C), it is believed he suffered brain damage as a result of the ordeal. In 1987, at the age of 23, Mike’s life tragically ended due to an overdose of tranquilizers, adding another layer of sorrow to the Von Erich family saga.
Kerry Von Erich: The Texas Tornado (1960–1993)
Kerry Von Erich during a 1990 wrestling match, highlighting his athletic prowess and showmanship in the ring.
After David’s passing in 1984, Kerry Von Erich faced Ric Flair in a highly emotional match dedicated to his brother’s memory. Kerry emerged victorious, capturing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a pinnacle achievement in his career. He went on to compete as a beloved babyface wrestler in both the NWA and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), where he adopted the electrifying moniker “The Texas Tornado.”
In 1986, a devastating motorcycle accident resulted in the amputation of Kerry’s right foot. Remarkably, he continued to wrestle with a prosthetic foot, keeping it hidden from the public and his opponents. He even won the Intercontinental title in 1990, demonstrating his incredible resilience and determination. However, the accident’s repercussions were long-lasting. Wrestling with a prosthetic was physically painful, and it is reported that Kerry became reliant on prescription painkillers to manage the pain. Unfortunately, drug use was a pervasive issue in the wrestling industry, with many performers depending on painkillers and steroids to cope with the physical demands of their profession. In February 1993, while already on probation for a previous drug-related offense, Kerry was indicted for cocaine possession. Facing the prospect of imprisonment, Kerry tragically took his own life before sentencing, further deepening the family’s tragic narrative.
Chris Von Erich (1969–1991)
Chris Von Erich, the youngest of the Von Erich brothers, was also the smallest in stature. While he possessed the same impressive physique as his older brothers, he stood at just 5 feet 5 inches (1.67 meters) tall, while his brothers were all over 6 feet (1.8 meters). Furthermore, Chris suffered from asthma, which significantly hampered his in-ring abilities. The medication he took to manage his asthma unfortunately led to osteoporosis, weakening his bones. He wrestled as a tag team partner with “Gentleman” Chris Adams on the United States Wrestling Association circuit. Despite his unwavering efforts and dedication, Chris struggled to escape the shadow of his more famous and successful brothers. Deeply depressed after suffering a severe arm fracture that prevented him from training, Chris tragically died by suicide in September 1991, just weeks before his 22nd birthday, adding another layer of sorrow to the Von Erich family’s story.
Kevin Von Erich: The Survivor (1957– )
Kevin Von Erich excelled when wrestling alongside his brothers, with many of his victories achieved in tag team matches with Kerry, David, and Mike. After the loss of his brothers, Kevin largely stepped back from wrestling, retiring from singles competition in 1995.
Kevin is the sole surviving son of Fritz Von Erich. He has consistently rejected the notion of a “Von Erich curse.” In an interview for the documentary series Dark Side of the Ring, he firmly stated, “There was talk about there being a curse on the family. It’s ridiculous. A curse. What happened was just a terrible, terrible thing, but no curse.” However, he acknowledges the public fascination with his family’s story. In a 2005 interview with Texas Monthly, he reflected on his life:
What am I doing today? I watch [my son] play football; my kids call and tell me they love me; my investments do well. I have a good life, and I’m planning on having a lot more. When people say, “How do you do it?” the answer is pretty simple, really. If you don’t have any choice, then it’s easy to deal with.
Promotional photo from The Iron Claw (2023) featuring the actors who portray the Von Erich wrestling family. L-R: Harris Dickinson, Zac Efron, Stanley Simons, Jeremy Allen White, capturing the film’s ensemble cast.
Kevin has frequently shared his family’s story through interviews and documentaries, keeping their legacy alive. Continuing the family tradition, two of his sons are now professional wrestlers, performing as a tag team. The captivating and tragic story of the Von Erich family served as the inspiration for the 2023 film The Iron Claw, directed by Sean Durkin and starring Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, and Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, bringing their story to a new generation.
By Meg Matthias
