With The Iron Claw movie bodyslamming cinemas across the world we thought it was time to look at the real story behind the movie…
The Von Erich wrestling family, hailing from Denton County, Texas, achieved unparalleled success and fame in the world of professional wrestling. However, their story is not just one of triumph in the ring; it is a heart-wrenching narrative marked by scandals, personal struggles, and an extraordinary string of tragedies that befell Fritz Von Erich’s (Jack Adkisson)’s six sons – Jack, David, Kevin, Kerry, Mike, and Chris.
The tragedy began with the eldest brother, six-year-old Jack Barton Adkisson Jr. who sadly died in Niagara Falls, New York, on March 7th, 1959, after he stepped on a trailer tongue and received a dangerous electric shock which caused him to collapse in a melting snow puddle face first and drowned.
Next came David Von Erich, the third son of Fritz. David grew up amidst the grappling legacy of his family, especially his older brother Kevin. Known for his natural athleticism, charisma, and in-ring prowess, David quickly rose through the ranks in the wrestling world during the late 1970s and early 1980s and was destined to one day become the N.W.A. World Heavyweight Champion.
David’s wrestling journey was associated with World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), his father’s promotion based in Texas that played a significant role in the family’s legacy. David’s popularity soared as he engaged in memorable feuds, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances. His popularity and ability led him to wrestle in other areas such as Florida, Kansas City, as well as internationally.
Tragedy struck on February 10, 1984, when David was found lifeless in his hotel room in Japan. He was only 25 years old. The circumstances surrounding his death were initially shrouded in mystery, leading to widespread speculation and numerous rumours. The official cause of death, as reported, was acute enteritis, an inflammation of the intestine.
The suddenness of David’s death and the ambiguous nature of the reported cause led to a multitude of questions and speculations. Some wrestling insiders and fans doubted the official explanation, giving rise to various theories about the circumstances leading to his demise. The lack of clarity fuelled conspiracy theories, creating an aura of mystery around the tragedy.
David Von Erich’s death left an indelible mark on the wrestling world and cast a sombre shadow over the Von Erich family. His potential for greatness was tragically cut short, leaving fans to wonder what could have been. David’s passing became a turning point for his family and WCCW, as the promotion faced both the emotional toll of losing a beloved star and the challenges of navigating the aftermath.
The death of David Von Erich remains one of professional wrestling’s enduring mysteries, a tragic episode that forever altered the trajectory of the Von Erich family’s storied history. While the circumstances surrounding his demise may never be fully unravelled, the impact of David’s contributions to the sport and the legacy he left behind endures, ensuring that his name is forever etched in the annals of wrestling history. On May 6th, 1984, W.C.C.W. held the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions, a tribute show to David, in front of over 45,000 fans at Texas Stadium. Fritz’s fourth son, and David’s younger brother, Kerry Von Erich, known as “The Modern Day Warrior,” fulfilled David’s destiny and won the N.W.A. World Heavyweight Title from Ric Flair. Kerry lost the belt three weeks later back to Flair.
Mike Von Erich was next to befall tragedy when he underwent shoulder surgery on August 22nd, 1985, due to an injury suffered during a wrestling tour of Israel. Mike was released from the hospital but later he developed a fever of 107 °F (42 °C) and was later diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome. Sadly, Mike suffered some brain damage because of his illness and lost a great deal of weight. Then in 1986 Mike suffered head injuries from a car accident in which his vehicle overturned after he lost control. Kevin also noted an incident at the time where Mike attacked a streetlight in frustration over his current condition. Kevin once said that Mike also suffered from the pressure of having to “be David” after his brother’s death. Since the beginning of his career, the pressure was on for Mike to succeed on the same level as his brothers.
In October 1985, with Mike unable to wrestle due to toxic shock syndrome, so Fritz brought in William Vaughan to W.C.C.W. under the name “Lance Von Erich” the son of Fritz Von Erich’s “brother” Waldo. Fritz wanted more Von Erich wrestlers and was desperate to get some! Kevin, as well as most of the family, was adamantly against bringing Vaughan in as another Von Erich, but Fritz was adamant, especially as Kevin and Kerry were wrestling two or three times a day in various places throughout the Texas territory and it was taking its toll on them. Kevin’s worries were proven correct. Fans immediately recognised “Lance” as Willaim due to all his State and national records in powerlifting and bodybuilding tournament victories. He was also a known real estate agent in the area. The deception made the Von Erichs look like liars to their fans, who normally saw them as good guys who could do no wrong. The scandal surrounding Lance Von Erich marked a departure from the family’s authentic, organic image. Fans who had long celebrated the genuine camaraderie among the brothers now faced a more complex narrative, further tarnishing the once-unblemished reputation of the Von Erichs.
If that was not enough, on June 4th, 1986, Kerry was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident. The accident resulted in the amputation of Kerry’s right foot. Despite the physical challenges, Kerry exhibited remarkable resilience and made a triumphant return to the wrestling ring with a prosthetic limb which was kept secret by Kerry to both fans and other wrestlers. Unfortunately, this incident marked a turning point in Kerry’s life, leading to struggles with pain management and substance abuse.
By 1987 “Lance Von Erich” was demanding more money in wages from Fritz but he declined. This resulted in Lance jumping to a rival territory, Wild West Wrestling. In a rare breach of kayfabe, Lance/Vaughan’s non-relationship to the family was exposed by Fritz on television in retaliation. Because the Von Erich surname was a registered trademark, Vaughan then wrestled under the ring name “Fabulous Lance.” Unfortunately, by then, the damage had already been done to the Von Erich reputation.
Also in 1987, despite the personal and familial challenges, Mike tried to revive his wrestling career. However, the physical toll of his shoulder injury, coupled with enormous expectations proved to be insurmountable obstacles at one point his frustrations bubbled up in the form of a DUI. Then a few days later on April 12th, 1987, at the age of twenty-three, Mike tragically took his own life. He had left a suicide note for his family, then went to Lewisville Lake, where he drank alcohol and overdosed on the sleeping aid Placidyl, his body was discovered four days later and buried at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas.
In the years, the followed it was clear that the glory days of the Von Erich family were far behind them but unfortunately the tragedies continued with the suicide of Fritz’s sixth son, Chris in 1991 at the tender age of twenty-one. Chris had always wanted to be a wrestler like his brothers but was only 5’4″, suffered with bad asthma, and had extremely brittle bones, which were prone to breaking and injuries. Chris was never able to achieve the success that his father and brothers achieved despite making many attempts to succeed.
Meanwhile, poor Kerry was still dealing with the physical toll of his motorbike accident, coupled with the pressures of the wrestling industry. He was in chronic pain and had turned increasingly to pain medication for relief. As his dependence on painkillers escalated, Kerry faced legal troubles related to drug possession.
Kerry’s legal troubles included several arrests for drug-related offenses. The once-glorified “Modern Day Warrior” and “Texas Tornado” found himself entangled in a storm of legal challenges, overshadowing his wrestling achievements. The public image of the Von Erich family, already marked by a series of tragedies, faced further scrutiny due to Kerry’s struggles with the law.
As the legal battles persisted, so did Kerry’s personal struggles. Reports indicated that he battled both drug addiction and financial difficulties. The toll on his mental health was evident, and those close to him expressed concern for his well-being.
On February 18th, 1993, Kerry Von Erich’s turbulent journey came to a heartbreaking end. Facing legal challenges and personal demons, Kerry chose to take his own life at the age of thirty-three. The wrestling world mourned the loss of a charismatic athlete whose life had been a rollercoaster of triumphs and tragedies.
The Von Erich wrestling family’s tale is one of immense triumph and insurmountable tragedy. From the mysterious death of David to the scandals surrounding Lance, the near-fatal accident of Kerry, and the heartbreaking suicides of Mike and Chris, each chapter in their story paints a picture of a family that soared to unimaginable heights only to be brought down by a series of unfathomable lows. The Von Erichs’ legacy remains a complex and poignant chapter in the history of professional wrestling, a story that serves as a stark reminder of the human cost that fame and fortune can sometimes exact.
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Brett Summers
Brett founded CultFaction.com in 2014 a website and podcast that deals with cult film and tv. He also has a strong interest in grappling martial arts both as a practitioner and as a historian.
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