THE VON ERICH FAMILY
Options
waterproof
Members Posts: 9,412 ✭✭✭✭✭
A great Wrestling Family who have a tragic history of deaths in which is known as THE VON ERICH CURSE, as a kid in the 80's the Von Erichs was the first family in wrestling who had a following of loyal fans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef-xWcnNZOgThe Von Erich Wrestling Dynasty
The patriarch of the Von Erich family was Jack Adkisson, a talented high-school athlete who entered the world of 1950’s Texas pro-wrestling after leaving behind a promising football career. Adkisson quickly assumed the ring identity of Fritz Von Erich — the ‘German bulldozer’, a brutal ? sympathizer and all-round bad guy, known for his stiff style of brawling and a penchant for dishing out beatings that were not necessarily fake.
The first major tragedy in Adkisson’s life occured in 1959, when his oldest son Jack Jr. was electrocuted in the bathtub in a freak accident. The death greatly affected Adkisson, and he began to channel his suffering into agression against his ring opponents.
Through the 1960’s, Fritz Von Erich became one of the most recognized figures in Texas wrestling — a popular heel who crowds loved to hate. As his career matured and he won championships, Fritz was able to leverage his charisma and skill to steer himself into the media spotlight as a ? -fearing, straight-talking Texas hero. It was natural for him to take the next step to run the whole show with his purchase of the Dallas based Big Time Wrestling promotion. In 1982, he changed this name to World Class Championship Wrestling — the company that would propel his family into the media spotlight and later be the stage for their destruction.
After each of Adkisson’s sons graduated college, they entered the wrestling business, one by one, all of them assuming the Von Erich alias as their ring identity. Kevin and David Von Erich were the first, and their in-ring talents quickly led to their rise in fame. 6 foot 5 inches tall and athletically gifted, David was nicknamed the ‘Yellow Rose of Texas’ and gained a huge following amongst younger fans in the Southern States. By the time the third and equally talented brother Kerry arrived, the family was already a sensation, so popular that beyond the wrestling, they were able to launch their own TV show titled simply ‘The Von Erichs’.
It was at this point that things started to unravel, from wrestling empire to a macabre body count:
Indeed, in the figure of patriarch Fritz Von Erich, this ten-gallon tragedy, rife with Texas-size scandal, becomes a melodrama of Shakespearean proportion. In addition to being one of the top powerbrokers in wrestling—that bizarre amalgam of sport and theatre rooted in the nineteenth-century carnival tent—Fritz is a born-again Christian, a respected member of the nation’s largest Southern Baptist congregation, a pillar of the community with ties to everyone from former presidential candidate Pat Robertson to Forbes 400 oilman H.R. “? ” Bright, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. In those capacities, he airbrushes his sons’ image, exploiting not only their bodies but also their misfortunes. The fall of the house of Von Erich is Jim Bakker with a dropkick, a combination of pseudoathletic zeal and quasi-religious righteousness, a farcical footnote to the sleazy legacy of televangelism.
Irvin Muchnick
In February 1984, at the height of the family’s popularity, David ‘The Yellow Rose’ was found dead in a Tokyo hotel room. Circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery but a drug overdose was widely suspected at the time, despite the official coroners report stating the cause of death as gastroenteritis. Soon afterwards, a tribute wrestling card at Texas stadium drew a crowd of more than 43,000 people.
The next tragedy to occur involved the fourth son to enter the business, Mike Von Erich. Lacking the physical size and natural talent of his older brothers, Mike struggled to fill the enormous hole left by the death of David, until bizarrely, in 1987, he was rushed to hospital with a severe case of toxic shock syndrome. His resulting recovery stripped his body of muscle bulk, and weakened his resolve to be a successful wrestler. The resulting exploitation of Mike’s illness by his father is considered by some observers to be one of the most disgusting and reprobate incidents in the history of wrestling promotion:
The extent of Mike’s physical and mental deterioration became apparent during the production of a TV special entitled “The Von Erich Trilogy.” At a taping session at a local health club, Mike was shown working out and getting himself back into fighting shape. The only problem was that after almost an hour of takes, the crew couldn't get a coherent interview out of Mike. Never one of the best “stick” men in wrestling, he was now hopelessly incompetent at the microphone. He fidgeted, complained about the heat, took his jacket off (revealing a stringy upper body), mentioned his wife (a no-no, for as a teen idol he was supposed to make the boppers believe he was eligible), and trailed off into a rambling monologue about the biblical character Hezekiah and his attending physician, Dr. William Sutker (“a great man who saved my life – he’s Jewish, by the way, but he told me this has meant a lot to him spiritually and everything”). When the production crew finally gave up on the shoot, Mike retreated into the corner with a young friend, and the two of them bragged loudly about gang-banging a girl the night before. The others at the gym turned away in revulsion. This wasn’t wrestling. This wasn't religion. This was sickness.
Irvin Muchnick
After the embarrassment of this unsuccessful comeback, Mike spiraled into further depression and eventually committed suicide by overdosing on prescription drugs.
As if this wasn’t enough, the youngest and fifth son, Chris also entered the business under the Von Erich alias. Asthmatic and underdeveloped at just 5 feet 5 inches tall, Chris had no real chance of popular success amongst the giants of the ring. Overshadowed by the enormous success of his older brothers and his larger than life father, Chris could not come to terms with his failure to become a successful pro-wrestler (and probably in no small part, sadness at the deaths of his brothers). At age 21, he committed suicide with a gunshot to the head.
Worse was to follow. Through the course of this tragedy and drama, Kerry Von Erich, ‘The Texas Tornado’ had continued to build his career, and had survived through various personal hells to become one of the great names within the wrestling industry by the end of the 1980’s. Few fans knew at the time, but in 1986, Kerry was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in his right foot being amputated. A matter of months after the surgery, at the behest of Fritz, and despite hardly being able to walk, a heavily sedated Kerry reappeared in the ring and ‘won’ a carefully sold match during which, he broke his ankle again. It would be almost a year before he could return, and he would never match his original speed and physicality, yet he was still able to join the WWE in 1990 and enjoy a short period of success before the years of ? and prescription painkiller abuse caught up with him. In early 1993, facing the breakup of his marriage and the likelihood of prison for drug possession and forging prescriptions, Kerry shot himself, becoming the fourth brother to die.
The final end of the dynasty came when Fritz died of cancer in 1997. A strangely peaceful end to a tragic and turbulent life.
Comments
-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuN04_fqA84
The Von Erich family is a professional wrestling family. Their actual birth names are "Adkisson", but every member of the family who went into the wrestling business used the ring name "Von Erich", after the family patriarch, Fritz (real name - Jack).
Patriarch Fritz lived until his natural death, but 5 of his 6 sons died before him (3 by suicide). The firstborn son, Jack Jr. died at the age of six. In 1984 David Von Erich died in Japan from acute enteritis of the upper intestine. Michael, Chris, and Kerry all committed suicide in 1987, 1991, and 1993 respectively. Mike died after taking an overdose of Placidyl. Chris shot himself in the head with a 9mm at his parents' home in East Texas. Kerry shot himself in the chest behind his father's house on Shady Shores Road. Kevin Von Erich is the sole surviving child of Fritz Von Erich (Jack Adkisson) and Doris Adkisson.
The third generation of Von Erichs is in the process of forming, as Kerry's daughter Lacey Von Erich is now in the business, and Kevin's sons, Marshall and Ross Von Erich are contemplating entering the squared circle themselves.
-
the only family more cursed than the Hart family
-
-
Fritz Von Erich
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUxhuQeNA8k
Jack Barton Adkisson (August 16, 1929–September 10, 1997) was an American professional wrestler under the ring name Fritz Von Erich, better known today as a wrestling promoter and the patriarch of the Von Erich family. He was also the owner of the World Class Championship Wrestling territory
Originally trained by Stu Hart, Fritz became a top star in many National Wrestling Alliance promotions, most notably in St. Louis and in World Class Championship Wrestling. He held a variation of the AWA World Heavyweight Title at one time in the 1960s.
Despite never winning the NWA World Heavyweight Title, he maintained his presence within the Alliance, holding many other major belts. Fritz also served shortly as NWA President in the 1970s, as well as President of WCCW when it moved to Dallas, Texas. Fritz was also a major part of Japanese wrestling, where he was known as "Tetsu no Tsume" (in English, "The Iron Claw"), and helped rebuild the business after the death of Rikidōzan.
Fritz married Doris on June 23, 1950. Together, they had 6 sons before divorcing on July 21, 1992.
On September 10, 1997 Fritz died of lung cancer which spread to his brain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9dqTSW46Hc
National Wrestling Alliance
He was considered a top contender to be voted NWA World Tag Team Champion with his son David, but then-champions Gene and Ole Anderson were very vocal in their dislike of "gimmick" wrestlers and the board of directors did not want the champion to have an obviously fictional ring name. Adkisson offered to wrestle under his real name when he was up again for a possible title reign in the 1970s but again, the board of directors voted it down. In 1975, Adkisson became president of the NWA, after Sam Muchnick gave up the position, even though he continued to wrestle in his own promotion, which other members of the board of directors found as a conflict of interest.
Retirement
In 1982, he held his first retirement match against King Kong Bundy in the newly renamed World Class Championship Wrestling promotion, based in Dallas. The promotion was known for its high production values, use of entrance music and the use of television syndication. The promotion was one of the most successful territories in the United States, with major draws like his sons, The Fabulous Freebirds, Christopher Adams, Abdullah the Butcher, Bruiser Brody, Gino Hernandez and Rick Rude. By the end of the 1980s, the promotion's talent pool was thin and it was eventually merged with Jerry Jarrett's Memphis promotion to create the United States Wrestling Association
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9xZzGjlndk&feature=related
All Japan Pro Wrestling NWA International Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Karl Krupp
Maple Leaf Wrestling NWA Canadian Open Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Karl Von Schober (2) and Gene Kiniski (1)
Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling NWA Southern Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (1 time) - with Waldo Von Erich
NWA Detroit NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Detroit Version) (3 times)
NWA Minneapolis Wrestling and Boxing Club / American Wrestling Association AWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
NWA World Tag Team Championship (Minneapolis version) (1 time) - with Hans Hermann
NWA Western States Sports NWA International Tag Team Championship (Amarillo version) (1 time) - with Killer Karl Krupp
NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Amarillo version) (4 times)
Pro Wrestling Illustrated PWI ranked him #207 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003[5]
Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
Class of 2012
Southwest Sports, Inc / NWA Big Time Wrestling / World Class Championship Wrestling NWA American Heavyweight Championship (13 times)
NWA American Tag Team Championship (6 times) - with Waldo Von Erich (1), Billy Red Lyons (1), Grizzly Smith (1), Fred Curry (1), Dan Miller (1), and Dean ? (1)
NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Texas version) (2 times)
NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Texas version) (3 times)1
NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (1 time) - with Kevin & Mike Von Erich
NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas Version) (2 times) - with Killer Karl Kox (1) and Duke Keomuka (1)
St. Louis Wrestling Hall Of Fame (Class of 2007)
World Wrestling Entertainment WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2009)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)
-
Jack Adkisson, Jr.
Fritz Von Erich's first son was born Jack Barton Adkisson, Jr. on September 21, 1952. He died after accidentally being electrocuted and drowning in a puddle at the age of 6 in Niagara Falls, New York. The family were living in the Sunny Acres Mobile Home Park on Pine Avenue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjNqueSUxRY -
-
Kevin Von Erich
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w88wwiebWxU
Kevin Ross Adkisson (born May 15, 1957) is a retired professional wrestler under the ring name Kevin Von Erich of the Von Erich Family. He is the last surviving son of wrestler Fritz Von Erich and had four brothers that wrestled, David, Kerry, Mike and Chris, as well as an older brother, Jack, Jr., who died in 1959.
Kevin started wrestling as Kevin Von Erich in 1976. He spent most of his career wrestling for his father's promotion, World Class Championship Wrestling. Kevin's natural athletic ability and good looks made him one of the promotion's biggest stars. He achieved great success in the company both as a singles and tag team wrestler, often participating in many of the company's high profile feuds. Kevin was also known for wrestling barefoot, highly unusual in a sport where almost all wrestlers wear high-topped boots. World Class announcers often jokingly referred to him as "The Barefoot Boy" on WCCW broadcasts. Kevin later admitted in an interview that he never set out to wrestle barefoot, but that before one of his matches someone hid his boots as a joke, and he wasn't able to find them before his match, so just went out barefoot to wrestle, and it later became his trademark. Contrary to popular belief, He wore boots in matches in his early career, including his debut match against Paul Perschmann aka Playboy Buddy Rose and in a match against Superfly Jimmy Snuka. Kevin was a big fan of Snuka's, who also wrestled barefoot, and Kevin often performed a moved similar to Snuka's flying body splash from the top rope, which Snuka calls The Superfly.
During the late 70s, Kevin established himself in the Dallas territory. His first major success came in 1978 while wrestling as a tag team with his younger brother David. During the year, they captured the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship on two occasions as well as the NWA American Tag Team Championship. On Christmas Day 1978, he established himself firmly in the singles ranks of the promotion by defeating Bruiser Brody for the NWA American Heavyweight Championship. As the 1980s dawned, Kevin became one of the promotion's most viable performers and continued to win numerous championships in both singles and tag team competition with a variety of different partners. However, his highest profile partners would always be his brothers Kerry and David.
As the early-1980s progressed, Kevin would appear often at other NWA-promoted territories, including St. Louis, Georgia Championship Wrestling and briefly Florida Championship Wrestling. Kevin also competed in a few matches for the World Wide Wrestling Federation
KEVIN VON ERICH vs Abdullah The Butcher
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvW6iGvoFTI
Kevin also had a long feud with Chris Adams that lasted for months and had many violent matches, including two well-known chair shots on each other that required hospitalization for both men. Kevin would also tag-team with Adams on numerous occasions before and after their feud. Away from the ring, Kevin and Chris were close friends; Kevin served as a pallbearer during Adams' funeral in 2001 and traveled to England to visit Adams' family afterwards. In recent interviews, Kevin stated that Adams was the toughest wrestler he's ever wrestled in his career, yet he showed a great amount of respect for the British-born wrestler.
Kevin had several close matches with NWA World Champ Ric Flair, including the main event of the 2nd David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions at Texas Stadium, but never won the title.
After the failure of SuperClash III, in 1989, Kevin became very despondent over his father's decision to sell the promotion to Jerry Jarrett, who owned the Memphis-based CWA, despite his brother Kerry welcoming Jarrett into the mix; the merged promotions became the USWA. However, because of disputes, including suing Jarrett himself, he pulled WCCW out of the USWA in 1990, but he couldn't resurrect the promotion his father built and had no choice but shut down World Class that November. Kevin did manage to draw crowds to the Sportatorium in the early going, but with the absence of brother, manager/booker Gary Hart, and the lack of television, World Class' survival was very thin.
During that time, Kevin competed very little; other than wrestling in other independent cards promoted by either himself, Chris Adams or Gary Hart. Kevin did not participate at all in the August 4, 1989 card in which World Class formally became USWA Texas, while brother Kerry, who competed on the card earlier, reportedly left the Sportatorium shortly after his match. Kevin however did help out a young Steve Austin increase his abilities in the ring during this time, and considers Austin as one of his friends to this day.
Kevin's last round of glory occurred in the mid-1990s while competing for Jim Crockett's NWA promotion based at the Sportatorium; where he won the vacant North American heavyweight title, formerly held by Chris Adams. He then formed a very brief alliance with manager Skandor Akbar. Kevin eventually cut back on his ring appearances and formally retired by the end of 1995.
All Japan Pro Wrestling
AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with David Von Erich
NWA Big Time Wrestling / World Class Championship Wrestling / World Class Wrestling Association
NWA American Heavyweight Championship (5 times)
NWA American Tag Team Championship (4 times) - with David Von Erich (1), El Halcon (1), and Kerry Von Erich (2)
NWA Texas Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with David Von Erich
NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (7 times) - with David & Kerry Von Erich (2), Fritz Von Erich & Mike Von Erich (1), Kerry Von Erich & Mike Von Erich (3), and Kerry Von Erich & Brian Adias (1)
NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas Version) (1 time) - with David Von Erich
WCCW Television Championship (1 time)[13]
WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[14]
WCWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[15]
WCWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (4 times) - with Kerry Von Erich & Lance Von Erich (1), Mike Von Erich & Lance Von Erich (1), Chris Adams & Steve Simpson (1), and Kerry Von Erich & Michael Hayes (1)
WCWA World Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Kerry Von Erich
NWA Southwest
NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
PWI ranked him #78 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1991
PWI ranked him #85 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
PWI ranked him #23 of the top 100 tag teams of the "PWI Years" with David, Mike, and Kerry Von Erich in 2003
St. Louis Wrestling Club
NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
World Wrestling Entertainment
WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2009)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pbipQ9aR4I -
I've heard of the curse but yall are some old folks if yall really remember some of these matches lol... Good drops though
-
I've heard of the curse but yall are some old folks if yall really remember some of these matches lol... Good drops though
SMH, lol......yeah I remember a lot of the Von Erich matches as a kid and seen all the von erich boys at one point and remember the first David Von Erich memorial, that was a real big event. I remember watching the family wrestle for their fathers federation, Nwa and Uswa didn't like Kerry in the Wwf -
And The Von Erichs vs Freebirds is one of the greatest rivalry in wrestling history, I remember those matches
-
David Von Erich
David Alan Adkisson (July 22, 1958 – February 10, 1984) was an American professional wrestler who competed as "The Yellow Rose of Texas" David Von Erich (of the Von Erich Family). He was the son of Fritz Von Erich and the brother of Jack Jr., Kerry, Kevin, Mike and Chris.
DAVID VON ERICH VS "BAM BAM" TERRY GORDY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vUL75zV9Z8&playnext=1&list=PLDD602583A0702CE6&feature=results_video
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" David Von Erich is the third son of Fritz Von Erich. He was born David Alan Adkisson on July 22, 1958 in Dallas, Texas.
David had many memorable feuds, mostly in the World Class Championship Wrestling promotion. It was there that he faced off with Harley Race and later Ric Flair several times for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (never winning), as well as teamed with brothers Kevin and Kerry against the Fabulous Freebirds. David also wrestled in Missouri, winning the Missouri Heavyweight Championship on a couple of occasions
He was considered a breakout star of his family, as his fiery temper produced memorable interviews. His first major match was on August 15, 1977 when he wrestled NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race to a 30 minute draw. David made his first appearance in Missouri in early 1979 and was an instant hit with the fans and the promoters. Due to his popularity at the time, on May 27, 1979, David wrestled NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race in Missouri in a non-title match and defeated him with The Iron Claw.
In November 1979, David made his first and only appearance in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), competing on a card against Davey O'Hannon at Madison Square Garden. In late 1981, David left Texas and struck out on his own, heading to Florida and competing as a heel until July 1982. In Florida, David was managed by James J. Dillon and was in the same stable as Kendo Nagasaki and Jimmy Garvin. David's mentor in Florida was Dory Funk, Jr. and those months saw David either teaming with Dory or Terry Funk or competing on his own. Memorable opponents in Florida that David had were Barry Windham, Mr. Wrestling II, Eric Embry, Sweet Brown Sugar, and Butch Reed. By July 1982, David was back in Texas.
Remembering David Von Erich...twenty-five years later...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H9cL9RhM2g&feature=related
Feud with Gorgeous Jimmy Garvin
During his stay in Florida, David met and became great friends with Gorgeous Jimmy Garvin, convincing Garvin to come to World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) in Texas in early 1983 and they created an angle for a feud between them, which culminated with David winning the held-up WCCW Texas State Title at The Tarrant County Convention Center on July 4, 1983. As a result of David's victory, Garvin and Sunshine were forced to serve as David's valets for one day, with the results of that day being broadcast on the WCCW weekly show. The whole angle was conceived by David and Jimmy. They traded the WCCW Texas Belt back and forth several times, then that belt was held up several times and when the feud reached its ? on July 4, 1983; it was time for both men to move on to the next part in their career (David continuing the Von Erich feud with The Freebirds and Garvin starting a feud with Chris Adams).
Feud with The Freebirds
In the fall of 1982, David was also working behind the scenes in WCCW and helped create several angles. He invited the Fabulous Freebirds to come to WCCW. Michael Hayes made his debut at the Sportatorium on Saturday, October 16, 1982 and Terry Gordy made his debut at the Sportatorium two weeks later, on October 30, 1982. Buddy Roberts did not show up. The Freebirds were initially booked as faces in the run-up to the Christmas spectacular "Wrestling Star Wars" card at Reunion Arena on December 25, 1982.
In the final match to crown the first-ever Six-Man Champions, David took Buddy Roberts' place in the Freebirds against Tom Sharpe, Mike Sharpe & Ben Steel. It was David who won that match and the title, but in a ringside interview right after the bout, David gave his third of the title to Buddy Roberts. Later that evening, David's brother Kerry battled NWA World Champion Ric Flair in a Steel Cage with Michael Hayes and David Manning as the referees. During the match, Hayes knocked out Flair and attempted to hand the pin (and World Title) to Von Erich, but turned on Kerry when he refused the tainted victory and as Kerry tried to leave the cage, Gordy slammed the cage door on Kerry's head. Thus the Von Erich/Freebird feud was born.
David took part in many matches against the Freebirds in 1983 and early 1984. Notable bouts include David vs Terry Gordy in a Handcuff Match on April 1, 1983 at "Wrestling Star Wars", David, Kevin & Kerry defeating the Freebirds on July 4, 1983 in Ft. Worth at "Star Wars" and what would be David's next-to-last match was against Terry Gordy on February 3, 1984.
David Von Erich Vs Jimmy Garvin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbHJIZMj02A
Feud with Ric Flair
David won the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship from Ric Flair on September 16, 1983, holding the championship until losing it to Harley Race on January 6, 1984. Many within the industry believe that David's reign with the belt was his final step to winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, as the NWA Championship Committee supposedly voted in January 1984 for David to win it from Ric Flair in March or April of that year. An angle between David and Ric Flair was started when David battled Flair at Reunion Arena on December 25, 1983 and Flair retained the NWA World Championship. Immediately afterward, on December 31, 1983, on the NWA television broadcast, Ric Flair did an interview where he commented on how Mike Von Erich was not a good wrestler and he could beat Mike in 60 seconds with one hand tied behind his back.
In an interview in Ft. Worth on January 9, 1984, David did possibly his most intense interview ever, telling Flair that he had heard Flair's comments about Mike and that he had a proposition. Mike would wrestle Flair in a "10 Minute Challenge Match" and if Flair beat Mike in that 10 minutes, David would never again ask for another shot at the NWA World title, but if Flair did not beat Mike in those 10 minutes, David would get to name the place, the time and every stipulation for his match against Ric Flair. The "10 Minute Challenge match" between Ric Flair and Mike Von Erich was held at WCCW Wrestling Star Wars at the Tarrant County Convention Center in Ft. Worth, Texas on January 30, 1984. Flair was unable to pin Mike in the 10 minutes and as a result, David won the challenge. A week later on February 6, 1984 in Ft. Worth, in what would turn out to be his last interview, David Von Erich expressed his happiness over Mike lasting 10 minutes with Ric Flair and said that now he (David) would get to name every single stipulation in David's return match with Flair. The big match was to be held sometime in about April 1984, after David was to return to Texas at the end of February and he and Flair would have a chance to build the match up even more.
DAVID VON ERICH vs HARLEY RACE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZP3l8cp7_0
-
DAVID VON ERICH
Death
David died during a tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling on February 10, 1984, with many theories about what caused his death being proposed for many years after. The most popular theory suggests that David died of a drug overdose, as Ric Flair had mentioned this theory in his autobiography, claiming that Bruiser Brody (Von Erich's long-time friend) removed the evidence. However Bill Irwin who was on that tour with David would say it was not drug related at all. The Von Erichs however claimed that David's death was a heart attack, caused by ruptured intestines resulting from acute enteritis. In the documentary Heroes of World Class: The Story of the Von Erichs and The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling, Kevin Von Erich and former referee David Manning both attested to the heart attack theory, as they claimed that the autopsy supported the myocardial infarction. Manning and Kevin also claimed that David had been complaining about a pain in his stomach prior to his excursion to Japan. David had been taken to the emergency room at Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas less than two weeks before his ill fated trip to Japan. He had complained of dizziness and flu like symptoms and been put on an antibiotic at that time. David was buried at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas.
On May 6, 1984, David's brother Kerry defeated Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Texas Stadium.[1] It was a tribute to David, who himself had been scheduled to win the NWA title at that particular showcase. For the match, Kerry wore a blue ring robe which had the quote "In Memory of David" on the back, but didn't wear it again after he lost the title. The NWA only allowed a brief title reign for Kerry, as he lost the title back to Flair 18 days later during an All Japan Pro Wrestling show in Yokosuka, Japan on May 24, 1984.
David von Erich Memorial - Heaven needed a Champion (full segment )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovWKtKcTdaw
Finishing moves Iron Claw
Running high knee strike
Sleeper hold (The Dream Machine)
Nicknames "The Yellow Rose of Texas"
"The Iron Nail" (Japan)
David Von Erich Vs King Kong Bundy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNUmldxzQPU
Championships and accomplishments
All Japan Pro Wrestling
AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kevin Von Erich
Championship Wrestling from Florida
NWA Florida Television Championship (1 time)
NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Florida version) (1 time) – with Dory Funk, Jr.
NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version) (1 time)
NWA Big Time Wrestling / World Class Championship Wrestling
NWA American Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kevin Von Erich
NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (8 times)
NWA Texas Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Kevin Von Erich
NWA United National Championship (1 time)[12]
NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (2 times) – with Kevin Von Erich and Kerry Von Erich
NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (1 time) – with Kevin Von Erich
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
Stanley Weston Award (1984)
PWI ranked him #58 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
PWI ranked him #23 of the top 100 tag teams of the "PWI Years" with Mike, Kevin, and Kerry Von Erich in 2003
St. Louis Wrestling Club
NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
World Wrestling Entertainment
WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2009)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
Match of the Year (1984) with Kevin and Kerry Von Erich vs. the Fabulous Freebirds (Buddy Roberts, Michael Hayes, and Terry Gordy) on July 4 -
Freebirds vs. Von Erichs 6 Man Tag Team Championship Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umvd12jgGPM
Freebird-Von Erich Feud
In early 1982, the Fabulous Freebirds, consisting of Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts, left Georgia Championship Wrestling after meeting WCCW booker Gary Hart at a show. Appearing in World Class, the trio instantly became fan favorites due to a combination of their unique talents and chemistry as well as their close friendship with the Von Erichs. All three rose quickly through the ranks and in late November 1982, Hayes and Gordy defeated the team of King Kong Bundy and Wild Bill Irwin for the NWA American Tag Team Championship.
A feud between the Von Erichs and Freebirds developed roughly a month later. During WCCW's annual Christmas show in 1982, Kerry Von Erich faced Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship inside of steel cage with Michael Hayes acting as a special referee. As explained in The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling DVD, the storyline, developed by Gary Hart, was written as Hayes having been selected by fans to be a special enforcer type of referee in the match. Near the end of the match, Flair shoved Hayes, which resulted in Hayes punching him. Hayes then tried to place Kerry on top of Flair to make the three count. Von Erich refused to do so since it wasn't the "Texas thing to do", which lead to a brief shoving match and argument between the two. Hayes, disgusted with the situation, told Terry Gordy, who had been assigned as the gatekeeper, to open the cage door. As Hayes is about to leave Von Erich was attacked from behind by Ric Flair, with the former accidentally hitting Hayes and knocking him out of the cage. The angle was written as having neither Hayes nor Gordy being aware that Kerry was shoved into Hayes. As Kerry was getting to his feet inside the ring, that was the signal for Gordy to slam the cage door shut, hitting Kerry on the head and costing him the championship.
The Freebirds immediately became the top heels in the company, due to the belief of many fans that their actions cost one of their local heroes the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. As the feud was building, the WCCW television broadcasts were syndicated to television stations all across the United States, giving the promotion millions of viewers each week in the U.S. alone. This changed the face of wrestling and how it was marketed and presented to audiences. The extremely physical nature of the matches between the two factions captivated fans, changing preconceptions about what professional wrestling was and could be. Throughout the next several years, the Freebirds and Von Erichs engaged in numerous high profile matches that were very physical in nature with the various members of each group feuding over various championships within the promotion. The feud is seen today by many fans and wrestling industry insiders as one of the best worked and most memorable feuds in the history of professional wrestling.
Freebirds vs. Von Erichs 6 Man Tag Team Championship Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=K98ozkyxmtg&NR=1
Classic Wrestling Freebirds vs Von Erichs Steel Cage Elimination 1/2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6DZQWSJKCY
Classic Wrestling Freebirds vs Von Erichs Steel Cage Elimination 2/2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=lw5wJlZlcRk&NR=1
Fabulous Freebirds vs. Von Erichs (Lumberjack Match) 2/18/83
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KKggby2YGw -
Great drop @waterproof.
-
-
Kerry Von Erich
Kerry Von Erich is the fourth son of Fritz Von Erich. He was born Kerry Gene Adkisson on February 3, 1960 in Niagara Falls, New York. Known as "The Modern Day Warrior" and "The Texas Tornado," Kerry was by far the best-known of the Von Erich Family.
Kerry von Erich vs. Ric Flair
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVOGCOKjJl8
Kerry Gene Adkisson (February 3, 1960 – February 18, 1993) was an American professional wrestler under the ring names Kerry Von Erich, The Modern Day Warrior, and The Texas Tornado and was part of the Von Erich family of professional wrestlers. He is best known for his time with his father's promotion World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he spent eleven years of his career, and his time in World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Adkisson held forty championships in various promotions during his career. Among other accolades, he was a five-time world champion: a four-time WCWA World Heavyweight Champion and one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, and a one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion
Much like his brothers, Kerry spent the majority of his career wrestling in World Class Championship Wrestling. Amongst the many major feuds he had were those against Gino Hernandez, Iceman Parsons, Chris Adams and The Fabulous Freebirds. Kerry became the most successful of the Von Erich family when he won the NWA World Heavyweight Title from Ric Flair at the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions, a tribute show to his deceased older brother.[2] Kerry lost the belt three weeks later to Flair. Kerry also wrestled for several months in both the World Wrestling Federation (where he won the WWF Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam on August 27, 1990) and Global Wrestling Federation, two national promotions that were rising to fame at the expense of regional promotions such as WCCW.
AWA SUPER CLASH III 1988 - KERRY VON ERICH VS JERRY LAWLER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjSFmHUDCd0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usr0b8PTA_s&feature=relmfu
NWA Texas (1979–80)
Kerry was the son of wrestler Fritz Von Erich. His brothers, David, Kevin, Mike, and Chris, were also wrestlers. Kerry was also a standout in high school track and field and possessed a record-breaking discus throw. He debuted in his father's promotion, NWA Texas/Big Time Wrestling on June 17, 1979 against Gary Hart. In Big Time Wrestling, he held many Texas Tag Team and American Tag Team titles.
World Class Championship Wrestling (1980–82)
Most of Kerry's fame was made in Texas' World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he was nicknamed "The Modern Day Warrior." On December 28, 1980, his first NWA American Heavyweight Championship reign came after he defeated Gino Hernandez for the vacant title. He lost the title to Ken Patera before winning his second NWA American Heavyweight Championship from The Masked Superstar. In May and June 1981, Kerry exchanged the NWA American Heavyweight Championship with Ernie Ladd. On October 25, he teamed with Terry Orndorff and they defeated The Great Kabuki and Chan Chung to win the NWA American Tag Team Championship.[14][15] After having short angles as a singles wrestler, he began teaming with his brother Kevin. On March 15, 1982, the two brothers wrestled Gary Hart and King Kong Bundy to a double disqualification. On June 4, Von Erich defeated former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race, elevating him to main event status.
Kerry started feuding with the NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair. On August 15, he got his very first shot at the NWA title against Flair in a two out of three falls match, which Flair won to retain the title. On December 25, Kerry got his next title shot against Flair in a no disqualification steel cage match, with Michael "P.S." Hayes, as the special guest referee. The Fabulous Freebirds helped Kerry to win the match, but he refused to take their help and said that he didn't want to win by cheating. Terry Gordy slammed the cage door on Kerry's head, which led to Flair winning the match and retaining the title. This culminated in a historic feud between the Von Erichs and the Freebirds that lasted for over five years
Kerry Von Erich Memorial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYvTVvyzU40
St. Louis Wrestling Club (1983)
He also worked for St. Louis Wrestling Club in 1983, where he once held the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship.
World Class Championship Wrestling (1983–89)
Feud with the Fabulous Freebirds (1983–84)
On June 17, 1983, he teamed with Bruiser Brody to defeat the Fabulous Freebirds for the NWA American Tag Team Championship.[14][21] On July 4, Kerry and his elder brothers Kevin and David defeated the Fabulous Freebirds in a two out of three falls match to win the NWA Texas Six-Man Tag Team Championship.[22][23] They lost the titles back to the Freebirds on August 12.[24] On September 5, the brothers took on the Fabulous Freebirds in a rematch for the titles; the Freebirds retained their titles by pinning Kerry.[25] On November 24, Kerry defeated Michael Hayes in a loser leaves Texas steel cage match.
On December 2, the Von Erichs defeated the Freebirds for their second NWA Six-Man Tag Team Championship. On December 25, Kerry defeated Kamala by disqualification. On January 30, 1984, he teamed up with his brothers Mike and David against the Fabulous Freebirds in a six-man tag team match, which the Von Erichs lost by disqualification.
Kerry's biggest career highlight was on May 6, 1984, when he beat "Nature Boy" Ric Flair in a historic match, in front of over 45,000 fans at Texas Stadium to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.[8][29] Kerry's victory was a tribute to his brother David, who had died three months earlier and for whom the event, the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions, was named.[1][2][30] He lost the belt 18 days later in Yokosuka, Japan, back to Flair in a bout that was marred by controversy: Von Erich's feet were on the bottom rope following a reversed rollup, but the referee ignored this and made the count. Kerry has the 12th shortest NWA World title reign in history. In reality, the NWA only allowed Kerry a short reign due to his substance abuse, and he was told to drop the belt to Flair before the May 29 encounter between Flair and Ricky Steamboat.
On July 4, the Von Erichs lost the six man tag title to the Fabulous Freebirds. The title was held up due to the Freebirds winning after interference by Killer Khan. On September 3, they defeated the Freebirds in a handicap steel cage Loser Leaves Texas match for his fourth six man tag title reign
Mr Perfect vs Texas Tornado For The Intercontinental Title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4XxhaaNofU
-
KERRY VON ERICH
Later feuds (1984–89)
After ending their rivalry with the Fabulous Freebirds, Von Erich brothers next feuded with Gino Hernandez, Chris Adams, and Jake Roberts. Kerry's angle with Adams was born out of Adams' angle with his brother Kevin, which began on September 28, 1984 (when Adams turned heel against Kevin following a tag team loss). In order to remain on kayfabe terms, Adams and Kerry wrestled as a tag team two days later in San Antonio, since the heel turn had not aired on television yet. On October 27, 1984, Hernandez, Adams, and Roberts defeated the Von Erichs to win the Six Man Tag Title in a match that saw Bobby Fulton substitute for an injured Kevin. On October 29, he defeated Gino Hernandez for his fifth NWA American Heavyweight Championship.
On November 22, he teamed with Iceman Parsons to defeat Jake Roberts and Kelly Kiniski. He later refereed a Texas Deathmatch between longtime rival Terry Gordy and Killer Khan, which Gordy won, via Kerry's decision. On December 25, Kerry again got a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a title he had lost many months ago. The champion Ric Flair intentionally got disqualified to retain the title. On December 31, the Von Erichs defeated Hernandez, Roberts, and Adams to regain their NWA Six-Man Tag Team Title.
During his last days in WCCW, Kerry Von Erich would be embroiled in a feud with Jerry "The King" Lawler (AWA World Heavyweight Champion) over who would be the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Kerry was then the WCWA (World Class Wrestling Association (World Class' final used name before the USWA days) Heavyweight Champion. They would meet at an interpromotional event called SuperClash III to settle the dispute. Prior to this match, Kerry accidentally cut his arm causing it to bleed. During the match, he also received a cut to the head. When he later had Lawler in a clawhold on the mat with Lawler's shoulders down, the referee saw the blood on Kerry's head, thought it was excessive, and stopped the match. The crowd thought Kerry won by submission but instead "due to excessive bleeding" the referee stopped the match and awarded the decision and the WCWA Championship to Jerry Lawler.[38] This would mark the end of Kerry's WCWA run.
United States Wrestling Association (1989–90)
Kerry did continue to wrestle at the Dallas Sportatorium under the USWA banner, which acquired World Class in early-1989. He formed a tag team with Jeff Jarrett, and won the Texas heavyweight title twice. In 1990, Kerry feuded violently with Matt Borne, who turned heel during a ringside interview; during one match, the two battled outside the Sportatorium into the parking lot during a thunderstorm. Manager Percy Pringle also turned heel, and began feuding with Kerry. During the height of their angle, Kerry abruptly left the USWA/World Class and joined the WWF, billed as The Texas Tornado, leaving the Von Erich tradition to older brother Kevin (who was considered semi-active) and Chris. Honorary Von Erich "Gentleman" Chris Adams then became the Sportatorium's main headliner, feuding with Pringle, Steve Austin, and Jeannie Clark. World Class withdrew from the USWA soon thereafter, but without Kerry, manager Gary Hart, and lack of television and revenues, World Class ceased operations three months later.
USWA Kerry Von Erich VS The Punisher (Undertaker)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlT2hyOQ92U
World Wrestling Federation (1990–1992)
Debut and Intercontinental Champion (1990)
In mid-1990, he signed a contract with Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and debuted on the July 28, 1990 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event as a fan favorite under the ring name Texas Tornado, defeating Buddy Rose, who coincidentally was older brother Kevin's opponent when he made his wrestling debut in 1976.
At SummerSlam, Tornado substituted for the injured Brutus Beefcake and defeated Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig) to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship.[42][43] After he became Champion, Tornado defended the title for three months including a match against Haku on the October 13 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event before losing the title back to former champion Mr. Perfect in a rematch on the December 15 (taped November 19) edition of Superstars. Kerry lost this match, and the title to Perfect due to interference from "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.
At Survivor Series in 1990, while still Intercontinental champion, he wrestled in a Survivor Series match where he teamed with the WWF Champion The Ultimate Warrior (formerly The Dingo Warrior in World Class) and the Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal). He was eliminated by long-time rival Mr. Perfect but his team won the match.
kerry von erich debut WWF Superstars of Wrestling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvp88ANo328
"Million $ Man" Ted DiBiase vs. "Texas Tornado" Kerry Von Erich
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWYt9fnhuoY
Later years (1991–1992)
At the Royal Rumble in 1991, he participated in the Royal Rumble match where he entered fifth and was eliminated by The Undertaker after lasting nearly half an hour.[47] He made his WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania VII, defeating Dino Bravo following a Tornado Punch.[48] At SummerSlam, he teamed with the British Bulldog and Ricky Steamboat in a six-man tag team match to defeat the team of The Warlord and Power and Glory (Paul Roma and Hercules).
At Survivor Series, he teamed with Sgt. Slaughter, Jim Duggan, and Tito Santana against Colonel Mustafa, The Berzerker, Skinner, and Hercules. He did not eliminate anyone, but his entire team survived.[50] He made his last pay-per-view (PPV) appearance at the Royal Rumble in 1992; he participated in the Royal Rumble match for the vacant WWF World Title. He was eliminated by the eventual winner Ric Flair, the man Von Erich beat eight years before for the NWA World Heavyweight Title. Kerry's push eventually ended as he was relegated to jobber to the stars status. He left the WWF in July 1992.
United States Wrestling Federation and Global Wrestling Federation (1992–93)
Kerry returned to Texas and claimed the USWF Texas Heavyweight Championship, which he lost to Dynamite Dixon in November. This would be Kerry's last championship belt. Kerry returned to Dallas to compete in the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), where he began teaming with former arch-rival Chris Adams. Kerry's final match took place on February 12, 1993. It was a tag team match in the GWF at the Sportatorium on which Kerry and Chris Adams lost via DQ to Johnny Mantell and Black Bart.
Shawn Michaels vs. The Texas Tornado (Kerry Von Erich)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwDZ3CEncaQ&playnext=1&list=PL07AFCAE1E0F16A18&feature=results_video
-
Death
Kerry committed suicide by shooting himself with a magnum revolver in the chest at his father's ranch in Denton, Texas on February 18, 1993. His suicide came only one day after he was indicted on a drug charge for prescription forgery and learned he would be facing prison time.
A memorial service for Kerry was held at the Dallas Sportatorium the day following his suicide with both Chris Adams and Marc Lowrance delivering emotional speeches to the crowd. Due to the amputation of his foot in 1986, Kerry had become addicted to pain killers, followed by several drug problems. Amongst the many of them were two arrests, the first of which resulted in probation. After the second, which violated the probation and likely would have resulted in extensive jail time, Kerry committed suicide by a shot to the heart on February 18, 1993 on his father's ranch in Denton County, Texas. Bret Hart states in his biography ("My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling") that Kerry had told him months before about his plans, that he had wanted to follow his late brothers, that they were calling him. His marriage had fallen apart as well and he thought his death was inevitable. Two months later, a memorial wrestling event was held in his honor at the Sportatorium, which featured the last-ever match between the Freebirds and the Von Erichs. The funeral for Kerry Von Erich was held at the First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas.
The Reverend W.A. Criswell officiated and reduced himself to tears as he described his "anger" over Kerry's death. His former wife, Cathy, attended with the couples' two daughters, Hollie and Lacey. Although already divorced and therefore not his widow, Cathy wore a black mourning suit complete with black hat and veil. Father Fritz and brother Kevin Von Erich, Adams, Lowrance, Bill Mercer, Bronko Lubich, David Manning, Gary Hart, and bodyguard Bill Colville also attended.
When his father, Fritz Von Erich, died in 1997, he was cremated and his ashes interred in the same plot as Kerry. David Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Chris Von Erich, and Natasha Adkisson (David Von Erich's infant daughter with first wife Candy) are all buried adjacent to each other in Grove Hill Memorial Park as well. The grave with Kerry's body and Fritz' ashes is not immediately adjacent to the other members of the family, but is close by.
-
WCCW was great as a whole. Gentleman Chris Adams, Gino Hernandez, Bruiser Brody, Devastation Inc. (Very underrated stable), General Scandor Akbar, The Freebirds, Iceman King Parsons. The talent was their. It's a shame alot of those guys aren't here anymore.
-
They also had Playboy Gary Hart who is one of the greatest managers ever.
-
The user and all related content has been deleted.
-
great thread, but i rather watch the dvd then read all this..
-
TheBossman wrote: »great thread, but i rather watch the dvd then read all this..
I aint mad at your bruh, lol.......to each its own
-
MIKE VON ERICH
Mike Von Erich was the fifth son of Fritz Von Erich. He was born Michael Brett Adkisson on March 2, 1964 in Dallas, Texas
Several wrestlers associated with Mike, such as his brother Kevin, King Kong Bundy, "Gentleman" Chris Adams, Gary Hart and Jake Roberts, have all stated that he never wanted to be a wrestler. He was not a natural athlete like his older brothers and wanted to work for his father's company, World Class Championship Wrestling, as a cameraman. He also played guitar and wanted to be a musician away from the industry.
Mike made his debut on November 24, 1983 at "WCCW Wrestling Star Wars" at the Reunion Arena in a match against Skandar Akbar and won that match. Mike was then involved in several encounters with The Freebirds. Mike and Michael Hayes brawled on October 17, 1983 in Ft. Worth, when Hayes ripped a jacket Kerry gave Mike. Then Mike and Kevin teamed up against Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts on December 25. The only time Mike and David ever teamed up was in January 1984 when, along with Kerry, they battled the Freebirds.
It was not until after David died in February 1984 that Mike was put into David's place teaming with Kerry.
WCCW tried to give Mike a feud of his own against Brian Adias in October 1986 since Kerry was out of wrestling with an ankle injury. Mike and Adias were to battle in a match at Parade of Champions on May 3, 1987, but Mike died on April 12 of that year. His final match took place at the Sportatorium on April 3, 1987 against Mike Williams.
Mike Von Erich Vs Jake "The Snake" Roberts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLQUItHKZv0
On August 22, 1985, Mike's shoulder was operated on due to an injury suffered during a wrestling tour of Israel. He was involved in a tag match against Hernandez and Adams, when his shoulder went out. Kevin advised Mike to tag in so he can finish the match himself. He was released from the hospital in good condition, but his fever shot up to 107 degrees four days later. It was later found that Mike suffered from toxic shock syndrome, a rarity among men. It is theorized that this was from his surgery performed by Dr. Stonie R. Cotton at Brookhaven Hospital, in Dallas, TX. It was said in various publications and in the Heroes of World Class DVD, that he suffered some brain damage from his illness, and he lost a great deal of weight. Mike had a difficult time returning to the ring[citation needed], and was not able to perform as well as before. While Mike was not the same physically, his promos also suffered, as his speech was often slurred. Meanwhile, Mike's drug and alcohol dependencies worsened as a result of depression over his condition, and his personal behavior became extremely erratic. He was accused (and later acquitted) of assaulting an emergency room physician while being treated for his shoulder problem.
Rick Rude and the (DINGO WARRIOR) Ultimate Warrior vs. Kevin von Erich and Mike von Erich
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciotQleV9Sw
In 1986, he suffered head injuries from a car accident in which his vehicle overturned after he lost control. In addition, Kevin mentioned an incident in which 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 two had similar ? features, many fans saw David in Mike, and from the beginning of his career the pressure was on for Mike to succeed on the same level of his brothers.
Mike was married on February 14, 1985 to Shani Garza.
A few days before his death, Mike was arrested on ? driving and drug charges. On April 12, 1987, he left a suicide note for his family, then went to Lake Dallas, where he overdosed on the sleeping pill Placidyl and alcohol. He was found dead four days later and buried at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas
Championships and accomplishments
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1985)
PWI Rookie of the Year (1984)
PWI ranked him #288 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
PWI ranked him #23 of the top 100 tag teams of the "PWI Years" with David, Kevin, and Kerry Von Erich in 2003
World Class Championship Wrestling
NWA American Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (4 times) – with Kerry and Kevin Von Erich , Kevin and Lance Von Erich (1)[
WCCW Middle Eastern Championship (1 time)
World Wrestling Entertainment
WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2009)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
Feud of the Year (1983, 1984) with Kerry and Kevin Von Erich vs. The Fabulous Freebirds
Match of the Year (1984) with Kerry Von Erich and Kevin Von Erich vs. The Fabulous Freebirds in an Anything Goes match on July 4
Worst Wrestler (1986) -
CHRIS VON ERICH
Chris Barton Adkisson (September 30, 1969 – September 12, 1991) was an American professional wrestler, best known under the ring name Chris Von Erich of the Von Erich family.
The smallest and youngest of the Von Erich family, all Chris wanted to be was a wrestler. He was the youngest son of wrestler Fritz Von Erich. His brothers, Mike, David, Kerry and Kevin all had success as wrestlers. He grew up working cameras and doing other odd jobs backstage for WCCW.
USWA - Chris Von Erich and Chris Adams vs Steve Austin and Percy Pringle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB8Ux70JSj8&feature=related
He became a wrestler in 1990, but faced numerous issues. Aside from drug problems similar to his much older brothers, his asthma held him back and his bones were so brittle that he would often break them while performing simple wrestling maneuvers. He stayed with it as much as he could, and even had a small feud with Percy Pringle in the USWA. Chris tagged with both his brother Kevin and longtime ally Chris Adams in several tag team matches against Pringle and "Stunning" Steve Austin (later "Stone Cold" Steve Austin); however, he would face only Pringle whenever he was in the ring, and allow his more-experienced partner (Kevin or Adams) to battle Austin.
Chris though was involved in two angles years before: one involving Chris smashing Buddy Roberts across the back with a chair, and another well-known incident involved Chris tackling Gino Hernandez at the Cotton Bowl in 1985; while escaping from having his hair shaved off following a tag-team loss at the hands of the Von Erichs.
USWA - Chris Von Erich and Chris Adams vs Steve Austin and Percy Pringle (part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek2L9j-jVlc
Death
Frustrated and depressed over the deaths of his brothers (especially the 1987 suicide of brother Mike), and the inability to make headway as a wrestler due to his physical build, Chris shot himself in the head on September 12, 1991, eighteen days before his 22nd birthday. His interment was located at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSynqUBbFjo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-d4_RS_UOs
![[Deleted User]](https://w1.vanillicon.com/v2/15efd8efe08bb34aae25f1808aaf5018.svg)
