in the industry (in one Las Vegas match, his boot was pulled off accidentally, Bobby Mathews is a contributor for Pro Wrestling Stories as well as a veteran journalist whose byline has appeared in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Birmingham News, The Denver Post, as well as other newspapers around the country. 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. Honorary Von Erich "Gentleman" Chris Adams then became the Sportatorium's main headliner, feuding with Pringle, Steve Austin, and Jeanie Clarke. The event was held close to the Von Erichs' home at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on April 4, 2009.[57]. On December 28, 1980, his first NWA American Heavyweight Championship reign came after he defeated Gino Hernandez for the vacant title. Von Erich His depression wouldn't subside, and he was heading down a very dark path. [16] On June 4, Von Erich defeated former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race, elevating him to main event status.[17]. The first Wrestlemania, which rocked the nation, died in Dallas. He was so talented and was such a highly-regarded performer that he was set to win the prestigious NWA World Title from The Nature Boy himself. [1][2][6] 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), under the ring name The Texas Tornado. After leaving a suicide note for his family to find, Mike seemingly disappeared to take his own life. Kerry Von Erich was one of the biggest stars in the territories, but thanks to an accident and personal issues, he ended up taking his own life. No one was bigger than Kerry Von Erich at the time. He was destined to become a future world champion and the NWA had big plans for the Yellow Rose of Texas. I just wished there had been something I could have done to help Kerry. 3) wins the Royal Rumble Match to become WWE Champion", "RCS Exclusive: Texas Tornado promo facing Papa Shango at Summer Slam 92", "Free Family Tree, Genealogy, Family History, and DNA Testing", "NWA United States Heavyweight Title (1967-1968/05) - American Heavyweight Title (1968/05-1986/02)", National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Title (Texas) history, "Pro wrestling history (01/23): Hulk Hogan defeats Iron Sheik for WWF title", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kerry_Von_Erich&oldid=1152372174, Professional wrestlers from New York (state), Sportspeople from Niagara Falls, New York, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, TWF Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time), USWF Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time), The Dalton Brothers (Jack Dalton and Jim Dalton), The Kozak Brothers (Jerry Kozak and Nick Kozak), This page was last edited on 29 April 2023, at 21:04. The occasional death in the wrestling community isn't unusual, but the story of the Von Erichs is unlike any other in wrestling history. Flair defeated Von Erich multiple times during the WWF's October tour of the UK. Losing a family member is always difficult to deal with, but losing a young child has to carry an immense amount of pain with it. Year by year, Doris Von Erich has taken down the pictures and posters. Shawn is also a published author, with a non-fiction book about the Stephen King Dollar Baby Filmmakers and has begun work on a new fiction series as well. Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! Kerry Von Erich left behind two daughters, Hollie Brooke and Lacey, the later of which went on to become a professional wrestler herself for a short time. Wrestling Arrests You May Not Be Aware Of! The champion Ric Flair intentionally got disqualified to retain the title. The accident also led to addiction issues that themselves led to legal problems. While he still had his chiseled body and big smile, there was something different, something missing. [7][53] Kerry's push continued to subside in early 1992. which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, Steroids, gunshots replaced body slams in pro wrestling Kerry Von Erich - Biography - IMDb The pressure that Mike felt along with the brain damage that he sustained from getting toxic shock syndrome did him no favors, and he grew depressed. [2], Most of Kerry's fame was made in Texas' World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he was nicknamed "The Modern Day Warrior", a reference to his entrance music ("Tom Sawyer" by Rush). In 1987, he went into the woods and took his own life. The occasional death in the wrestling community isnt unusual, but the story of the Von Erich family is unlike any other in wrestling history. April 28 (UPI) -- A Nebraska high school said it broke a Guinness World Record when more than 1,000 students participated in a water balloon toss event. Kerry was not wearing a helmet or any protective gear. His youngest son Jack died when he was six, electrocuting himself in an accident via a power line at a trailer park. The other five kids all grew up and became professional wrestlers, although only three of them became stars. However, many people believe that David died of a drug overdose, and that his friend and fellow wrestler Bruiser Brody got rid of the evidence. Kerry's marriage had fallen apart earlier in 1992 and according to Hart, Kerry believed that his death was inevitable. April 28 (UPI) -- A lost dog in Northern Ireland was found 26 days later after walking more than 40 miles to the home of his former owners. As one of the most infamous families in all of professional wrestling, the Von Erich brothers made names for themselves in the 1980s one brother,Kerry Von Erich even winning a WWE title, but death began to follow each brother like a shadow. A Moment in Time: Kerry Von Erichs Secret Is Exposed Historically, patients with problems such as polio or club foot might have this done to help them walk more normally.). When they lowered Kerrys casket into the earth, I couldnt help but think, Well see you at the gates, brother.'. Von Erich's final wrestling appearance on WWF TV was a loss to Shawn Michaels on the July 26, 1992, edition of WWF Prime Time Wrestling. We all did.. It was perhaps the premiere wrestling organization in the United States, and a Von Erich was all set to rule it with an iron fist. We all did." Owen and I were deeply saddened, but who could be surprised? RELATED: The Von Erich Family - Wrestling's Most Unheralded Megastars. It is said that burying your child is the hardest thing that a parent will ever have to go through, but imagine burying 5 of your children. Due to the damage that WebIn 1997, 4 years after the death of his son Kerry, Fritz Von Erich would die from brain and lung cancer. Kerry Von Erich was to be the headliner in an "Iron Claw" match tonight. While it is rumored that David was the only one to overdose, the other brothers' drug use in no way helped them through the depression that each faced. Shawn S. Lealos is a freelance writer who received his Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma with a minor in Film Studies. In a tribute to David, his younger brother Kerry Von Erich would take his place in the NWA and defeat Ric Flair for the world title. Regardless of the actual circumstances, David Von Erich's death left a major hole in the wrestling community, and it kicked off a string of tragedies that would plague the Von Erich brothers throughout the next decade. April 28 (UPI) -- A South Carolina woman won a $300,000 prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket just three years after winning a $250,000 lottery jackpot. Despite five of the Von Erich brothers dying throughout the years, there is still one brother that remains alive. Kerry Von Erich spent several years competing in the WWE, and his crowning achievement would be winning the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Mr. The injury required doctors to insert pins into bone in his foot. Jack Jr., 7, died after being electrocuted in 1959, family members said. After resisting a move to WWE for many years, he finally relented in 1990 and signed on with Vince McMahon's promotion. Kerry was then the WCWA (World Class Wrestling Association (World Class' final used name before the USWA days) Heavyweight Champion. He outlived five of his six children. He was the Modern Day Warrior and the Texas Tornado.. He had a single wound in his chest from a .44-caliber Magnum handgun, county investigators said. Kerry Adkisson took his own life on February 18th, 1993, at the family ranch. Texas, crashing into the back of a police car while trying to pass a truck on a An apparent suicide note was found by authorities after he was found shot in the head. In fact, outside of Kerry and Kevin, no other Von Erich brother lived to see the age of 30. Web1986 - Kerry Von Erich is involved in a motorcycle accident in Argyle, Texas, crashing into the back of a police car while trying to pass a truck on a two-lane highway while wearing I also couldnt forget that cold day in February 1984, when Dynamite, Davey, and I were working over in Japan and heard that Kerrys older brother, David, who was in Japan working for Babas promotion, had just died of an overdose. Stiff' Von Erichs [34] He later refereed a Texas Deathmatch between longtime rival Terry Gordy and Killer Khan, which Gordy won, via Kerry's decision. The family spent the better part of their careers wrestling in World Class Championship Wrestling, and aside from Kerry, no other brother spent excessive time in the WWE. During the match, he also received a cut to the head. [52] 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 Heavyweight Championship. Given all that has happened over the years, Kevin seems to be at peace with life, and the documentary is an excellent watch. Slaughter, Jim Duggan, and Tito Santana against Colonel Mustafa, The Berzerker, Skinner, and Hercules. Photos But the story of the sons of Fritz Von Erich cant be told without looking at the man himself. He was a genuine modern day hero in Texas. Mike had overdosed on sleeping pills, leaving his family members to mourn the loss of another Von Erich. [1] Terry Gordy slammed the cage door on Kerry's head, which led to Flair winning the match and retaining the title. The family members inducted were Fritz, Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris Von Erich. Sadly, David Von Erich would never get to defeat Ric Flair in the NWA, and he would tragically pass away while competing in Japan. This occurred nearly 6 months before Jack's 7th birthday. (Sidenote: Fusing an ankle joint is a legitimate medical procedure, which lent Von Erichs story some credibility. He has worked as a journalist for over 20 years, first in the world of print journalism before moving to online media as the world changed. On June 17, 1983, he teamed with Bruiser Brody to defeat the Fabulous Freebirds for the NWA American Tag Team Championship. Sadly, Kerry's career would be littered with ups and downs, and his lowest valleys were something that few could deal with. As the son of a wrestling promoter, Kerry never found it easy living up to the hopes and expectations put before him. Wrestler found shot dead family has lost five sons Latest tragedy Among the many of them were two arrests, the first of which resulted in probation. The Tragic Suicide Of Kerry Von Erich, Explained photo: wwe.com 1960-1993 (age 33) Kerry Von Erich made his debut as a professional Sadly, Von Erichs demons were beginning to catch up to him. Von Erich had competed in the top wrestling promotions in the country, and had competed against Ric Flair on a number of occasions. WebKerry Von Erich's Tragic Death In 1993 Came After A Disappointing WWE Run Kerry Von Erich was a huge star in World Class Championship Wrestling. 30 Wrestlers You May Not Know Were Related! He was said to have been a tough man, but I can't imagine the pain he felt in burying one son after the next. He could have been a great manager for his brothers, or could have tried his hand at booking matches. According to his brother Kevin, Kerry injured the foot following surgery by attempting to walk on it prematurely, thus forcing the doctors to amputate it. 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. Chris, at 21, was the youngest brother to lose his life during that time period. HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! Outside of his numerous in-ring accomplishments, Kerry had even acted in films. Theirs is a story that couldn't have been written by even the most talented authors. In a tribute to David, his younger brother Kerry Von Erich would take his place in the NWA and defeat Ric Flair for the world title. Adkisson held forty championships in various promotions during his career. Born to father Fritz Von Erich, the 6 boys that he raised all had lives that seemed filled with tragedy. He was only waiting for God to tell him when. As one of the most infamous families in all of professional wrestling, the Von Erichs made names for themselves in the 1980s before death began to follow each brother like a shadow. 24) wins the Royal Rumble Match", "Ric Flair (spot No. Jordan said Adkisson, 21, was found by a brother and his mother outside the family farm at Edom, about 75 miles east of Dallas. 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. However, Roddy Piper stated in his autobiography: "We were the best of friends. WebThe Texas Tornado Kerry Von Erich a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion was battling addiction when he took his motorcycle out for a spin in Argyle, Texas, on PWSTees.com Your favorite Pro Wrestling Stories, on a tee! Chris had bones that were brittle, and they were highly susceptible to breakage while performing in the ring. Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com. "I found that Jeep empty, durn it," he said. Outside of brothers David and Kevin, Kerry was the only Von Erich brother to compete under the bright lights of the WWE. "This time he said, 'I love you, Dad,' " the father said, losing his composure and wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. Fritz died of cancer at the age of 69 in 1997, while 65-year-old Kevin is still with us today. Brothers Kevin and Kerry had [11] He lost the title to Ken Patera before winning his second NWA American Heavyweight Championship from The Masked Superstar. Because he received a prosthesis and wore it under his wrestling boots, no one was the wiser, and it remained a secret. It has been said that Mike never wanted to enter the family business to become a wrestler, and it would be an injury that he sustained from wrestling that nearly cost him his life. His wife was due to have their second child later that summer, and he was one of the top stars in professional wrestling. In September of 1991, Chris Von Erich, the youngest of 6 boys, took his life. The story was that his ankle had been broken and fused into a position where it could not move. We want to study the impact of the squared circle on the talent, the fans and the world at large. [32] On October 29, he defeated Gino Hernandez for his fifth NWA American Heavyweight Championship. Lacey finally discusses Kerry Von Erich death He was 68. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. [14][20] 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. During the height of their angle, Kerry abruptly left the USWA/World Class and joined the WWF, leaving the Von Erich tradition to older brother Kevin (who was considered semi-active) and Chris. The Saturday Night Main Events of the WWF, at the time a ratings success story around the country, was destroyed head-to-head by Adkisson's local television show on KTVT. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), Von Erich Wrestling Family Tragedy: A Cautionary Tale, Kevin Von Erich: The Lesser-Known Tale of His Final Match, 5 Wrestling Families and Their Brave Tales of Tragedy, Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. From there, he tragically drowned. [5] In Big Time Wrestling, he held many Texas Tag Team and American Tag Team titles. ME says booze, cocaine detected in Von Erich autopsy Similarly, to Chris, Kerry used a gun, but elected to shoot himself in the heart as opposed to his head. In June 1990, Von Erich signed a contract with Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
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