Ron Mullinax's Blog, page 5
September 7, 2017
Presenting the Industry’s Greatest Wrestlers
People aspired for greatness, but only a handful could rightfully say they have achieved it. Every industry had at least one icon who had defied expectations and forever changed the landscape. Basketball had Michael Jordan, golf had Tiger Woods, software had Bill Gates, and technology had Steve Jobs. The list did not end there. Greatness was as elusive as a rare gem, and in a cutthroat sport like wrestling, for example, it was hard to define who the real greats were. The word itself had been used too often that it had somehow lost its meaning, but the three listed below were arguably the world’s greatest wrestlers.
John Cena
Originating from Massachusetts, John Cena was undoubtedly one of the most popular names in the wrestling industry. Debuted in 2001 under World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), he boasted of a twelve-year career of breaking records and earning championship tilts. He has twelve world titles—World Heavyweight Championship twice and WWE Championship ten times. John Cena was WWE’s golden boy, and it appeared that he will still play a crucial role in the company in the coming years.
John Cena also had his fair share of criticism. His early years in wrestling was defined not so much by great matches with the best and fiercest in the industry but by great promos, that even when he was already giving heart-stopping performances, “you can’t wrestle” chants from hardcore fans simply wouldn’t die down. John Cena might not be the best in terms of technical skill, but his reputation and track record was enough proof that he was one of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history.
The Rock
Born into a professional wrestling family, it was no wonder that Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson felt at home in the wrestling ring. He entered the industry under the World Wrestling Federation after his college football career was abruptly ended because of a shoulder injury. The Rock was probably one of the most charismatic, if not one of the greatest professional wrestlers the world has seen. People would remember him for his catchphrases and his signature eyebrow. These days, you would not see him in the ring, but he was still in the limelight, transitioning from wrestling to film. His most recent projects included Baywatch (2017) with Zac Efron and voicing Maui in the animated feature Moana (2016).
Sting
Sting was one of the most recognizable faces in wrestling. This living legend made his ring debut in 1985 where he was matched with a WWE Hall of Famer. But it was in the 1990s that Sting was able to establish a name for himself during his epic battles with Ric Flair. Throughout his career, he had continually evolved his style and technique in the ring, making him a mainstay in the world’s greatest wrestlers list. But what made Sting a true icon was that he remained loyal to his promoter, World Championship Wrestling (WCW), up until the very end when it was bought by WWE in 2001. His induction to the WWE Hall of Fame last year was just another reminder why he was loved by many.
Listing only three of the world’s greatest wrestlers is no small feat. I am sure I have left out some of your favorite wrestlers that you think should be part of the list. Feel free to comment below. You can also connect with me through Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads. Don’t forget to check out my book and website as well.
References
A&E Television Network. 2017. “Dwayne Johnson.” Biography. Accessed August 17, 2017. https://www.biography.com/people/dwayne-johnson-11818916.
Cantwell, Derrick. 2015. “Top 25 Greatest Wrestlers of All Time.” The Sporter. Accessed August 17, 2017. http://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/top-25-greatest-wrestlers-of-all-time/.
The Richest. n.d. “John Cena Net Worth.” Accessed August 17, 2017. http://www.therichest.com/celebnetworth/athletes/wrestler/john-cena-net-worth/.
Sheridan, Wade. 2016. “Wrestling icon Sting to be inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame.” United Press International. Accessed August 17, 2017. https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2016/01/11/Wrestling-icon-Sting-to-be-inducted-into-WWEs-Hall-of-Fame/7571452536645/.
What Culture. n.d. “10 Times John Cena Silenced His Critics.” Accessed August 17, 2017. http://whatculture.com/wwe/10-times-john-cena-silenced-his-critics.
The post Presenting the Industry’s Greatest Wrestlers appeared first on Ron Mullinax.
September 3, 2017
Fierce Female Wrestlers
The world of wrestling has male bodies comprising the majority of its athletes. However, the sport has its fair share of female wrestlers entering and conquering the ring over the years. In fact, some of them have even gone on to set records and win titles.
The love for female wrestlers has even extended onto television. Aside from the juggernaut that is the WWE, one media outlet has also shined the spotlight on them. Streaming giant Netflix is behind the critically acclaimed program GLOW (which has recently been renewed for a second season), based on a syndicated series of the same name that aired during the late eighties.
If you think female wrestlers don’t get enough love compared to their male counterparts, worry not. This list celebrates the five best female wrestlers who’ve made waves in the sport.
The Fabulous Moolah—the four-time WWF Women’s Champion titleholder was responsible for training some of the WWE’s rising female wrestlers upon entering the organization during the late 1980s. She is the first woman to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and became its oldest champion at the age of seventy-six. The female wrestling legend passed away on November 2007.
Chyna—second on this list of top female wrestlers is the first woman to join the Royal Rumble. She held her own (and won) in matches against titans such as Triple H and Kurt Angle. On top of that, she also managed to bag the Intercontinental title twice in her career, being the only woman to do so. Unfortunately, she was found dead in her home on April 2016.
Trish Stratus—this Canadian beauty is regarded one of the most popular and successful WWE female wrestlers during her tenure, dominating in the early 2000s. Although she initially began as a manager, she eventually set foot in the ring, winning eight titles under her belt. Since her retirement, she has been involved in a few acting roles on television shows and movies.
Manami Toyota—not only is she huge in her native Japan, Manami has also proved to the world that she is not a force to be reckoned with by being voted as the best female wrestler of all time in 2009. After enjoying a successful, decades-long career, she recently announced her decision to retire, effective in November of this year.
Mae Young—last but not the least on this list is the late and great Mae Young. She is deemed as pioneer in female wrestling, credited for helping to break female wrestling in Canada. She was also the first United States Women’s Champion titleholder in the NWA. Fun fact: she helped trained The Fabulous Moolah, who appeared earlier on this list.
Female wrestlers are definitely more than just a pretty face. With their skills on the ring, they prove that they’re just as capable of winning championships as men.
Who are your favorite female wrestlers? Feel free to share your own list in the comment section. Don’t forget to check out my book and website as well. You may also follow my social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads for more. updates.
References
Strause, Jackie. 2017. “GLOW Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix.” The Hollywood Reporter, August 10. Accessed August 17, 2017. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/glow-renewed-season-2-at-netflix-1023068.
Kahn, Steven. 2017. “Top 10 Female Wrestlers of All Time – 2017 Update.” Gazette Review, February 24. Accessed August 17, 2017. http://gazettereview.com/2017/02/top-10-female-wrestlers/.
Sporteology. “Top 10 Greatest Female Wrestlers of All Time.” Accessed August 17, 2017. http://sporteology.com/top-10-greatest-female-wrestlers-of-all-time/.
Complex. 2017. “GLOW’d Up: The Best Female Wrestlers of All Time.” Accessed August 17, 2017. http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-best-women-in-professional-wrestling/.
The post Fierce Female Wrestlers appeared first on Ron Mullinax.
Fierce Female Wrestlers
The world of wrestling has male bodies comprising the majority of its athletes. However, the sport has its fair share of female wrestlers entering and conquering the ring over the years. In fact, some of them have even gone on to set records and win titles.
The love for female wrestlers has even extended onto television. Aside from the juggernaut that is the WWE, one media outlet has also shined the spotlight on them. Streaming giant Netflix is behind the critically acclaimed program GLOW (which has recently been renewed for a second season), based on a syndicated series of the same name that aired during the late eighties.
If you think female wrestlers don’t get enough love compared to their male counterparts, worry not. This list celebrates the five best female wrestlers who’ve made waves in the sport.
The Fabulous Moolah—the four-time WWF Women’s Champion titleholder was responsible for training some of the WWE’s rising female wrestlers upon entering the organization during the late 1980s. She is the first woman to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and became its oldest champion at the age of seventy-six. The female wrestling legend passed away on November 2007.
Chyna—second on this list of top female wrestlers is the first woman to join the Royal Rumble. She held her own (and won) in matches against titans such as Triple H and Kurt Angle. On top of that, she also managed to bag the Intercontinental title twice in her career, being the only woman to do so. Unfortunately, she was found dead in her home on April 2016.
Trish Stratus—this Canadian beauty is regarded one of the most popular and successful WWE female wrestlers during her tenure, dominating in the early 2000s. Although she initially began as a manager, she eventually set foot in the ring, winning eight titles under her belt. Since her retirement, she has been involved in a few acting roles on television shows and movies.
Manami Toyota—not only is she huge in her native Japan, Manami has also proved to the world that she is not a force to be reckoned with by being voted as the best female wrestler of all time in 2009. After enjoying a successful, decades-long career, she recently announced her decision to retire, effective in November of this year.
Mae Young—last but not the least on this list is the late and great Mae Young. She is deemed as pioneer in female wrestling, credited for helping to break female wrestling in Canada. She was also the first United States Women’s Champion titleholder in the NWA. Fun fact: she helped trained The Fabulous Moolah, who appeared earlier on this list.
Female wrestlers are definitely more than just a pretty face. With their skills on the ring, they prove that they’re just as capable of winning championships as men.
Who are your favorite female wrestlers? Feel free to share your own list in the comment section. Don’t forget to check out my book and website as well. You may also follow my social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads for more updates.
References
Strause, Jackie. 2017. “GLOW Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix.” The Hollywood Reporter, August 10. Accessed August 17, 2017. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/glow-renewed-season-2-at-netflix-1023068.
Kahn, Steven. 2017. “Top 10 Female Wrestlers of All Time – 2017 Update.” Gazette Review, February 24. Accessed August 17, 2017. http://gazettereview.com/2017/02/top-10-female-wrestlers/.
Sporteology. “Top 10 Greatest Female Wrestlers of All Time.” Accessed August 17, 2017. http://sporteology.com/top-10-greatest-female-wrestlers-of-all-time/.
Complex. 2017. “GLOW’d Up: The Best Female Wrestlers of All Time.” Accessed August 17, 2017. http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-best-women-in-professional-wrestling/.
The post Fierce Female Wrestlers appeared first on Ron Mullinax.
August 25, 2017
Let’s Wrestle!
Within the arena, the modern coliseum, the lights shine brightly as two modern-day gladiators do battle within the revered squared circle as the crowds cheer wildly at the intense spectacle. The Romans had a fantastic idea, and today’s sports entertainment certainly appeases the seemingly unquenchable human thirst for bloodshed. A sport that combines theater and athleticism, professional wrestling has attracted fans by the millions to cheer on their favorite warrior and watch in glee as their champion vanquishes their foes to their delight. You can hear them shouting to each other, “Let’s wrestle!”
Many who dislike sports entertainment say that wrestling is fake, the wrestlers are fake athletes and mediocre actors, and the whole thing is a prefabricated sham. Of course wrestling is “fake.” The term is called “kayfabe,” and although some wrestlers are mediocre actors, the athleticism displayed is not. All these make for a great show, which many have come to love. Ancient Romans did something similar by dressing gladiators in helmets and depicting them as mythological foes, and the crowd still cheered. In this day and age, this feeling is now known as wrestle mania.
These days, it’s called “kayfabe,” or portrayed staged events in the wrestling industry that are considered “real” in terms of competitions, rivalries, feuds, and relationships between the participants, and it is treated as genuine. It is a maintained “reality” that the wrestlers stick to when dealing with their audience. It is a suspension of disbelief that is wholly unique to the world of sports entertainment. Scripted but treated as legitimate, kayfabe was the de rigueur for a long time until the arrival of the internet and is now only kept during shows. Of course the plot is “fake,” but you can’t teach actors how to wrestle. You can, however, teach wrestler how to act, and to those who have felt the electrifying power that draws the attention to the warriors fighting in the squared circle, for that time, wrestling is excitingly real. These athletes live their lives to just eat, sleep, wrestle, and repeat to deliver you the best possible experience.
It is a show like no other. Gods and goddesses of impossibly sculpted bodies, rivalries and fights of epic proportions, and terrifying matches held in steel cages—once you invest a little of your heart into the spectacle, you’ll find yourself standing with the rest of them, cheering on your chosen champion in an intense ride of emotion that can sweep you up and leave you wanting more.
This is why you should watch wrestling. The appeal is addicting, and once you get into it, you appease the inner spectator. Your voice will be one with the crowd. When your champion wins, you will feel their victory. You will be triumphant.
If you want to read more about the Von Erich family, check out my book and leave your comments below. You may also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads!
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August 10, 2017
The Yellow Rose of Texas: Wrestling’s David Von Erich
There was no greater tragedy in the Von Erich family than the death of David, the Yellow Rose of Texas. His sudden death began a chain of events that led to the second eldest, Kevin, to be the only remaining brother alive. How this sad turn of events came about is bittersweet, as his death came during one of the highest points of his career.
The third brother of the Adkisson family, David Alan was born in Dallas, Texas, and was named after his mother’s brother. He grew up hunting and fishing with his father and brothers and formed a strong bond that would be apparent on the squared circle and off it. Aside from being involved in the family business of wrestling, he also loved to raise horses and made a fortune for himself in selling show horses. Like his brother and father, he showed great athleticism in high school, participating in both the basketball and football teams. Though he won a scholarship at the North Texas State University for those sports, he dropped out to pursue a wrestling career.
A month after his debut as David Von Erich in 1977, he wrestled the NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race in a memorable match that ended in a draw. With his fiery persona, he became a breakout star and became a favorite among the fans and the promoters. He even made an appearance in an early version of the WWF (World Wrestling Federation) at the Madison Square Garden in that same year. A couple of years later, the Yellow Rose of Texas decided on a solo career and went to Florida, where he also found success, but returned to Texas in 1982.
He was also involved with the feud with the Fabulous Freebirds with his brother Kerry and took part in many matches against them in 1983 and 1984. He also had a standing feud with Ric Flair and won the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship from him in 1983, followed by his winning the NWA United National Championship in 1984, which turned out to be the last title he would ever hold before his death. Incidentally, his last interview was about a match between Ric Flair when his brother Mike Von Erich won a “10 Minute Challenge Match” against Flair, to the delight of David, who was able to name the stipulations in an upcoming match against Flair when he returned to Texas at the end of February after his trip to Japan.
During a tour with the All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1984, David Von Erich suddenly died. Many speculated that it was due to a drug overdose, but the Von Erich family claimed that it was due to a heart attack from acute enteritis, an inflammation of the small intestine from contaminated food or drink. This was also the official cause of death reported by the US Embassy in Japan. Though the more scandalous reason is believed by most, the latter cause is more plausible as David had been complaining about a stomach pain even before his trip to Japan and had been taken to a hospital in Texas, where he was given antibiotics.
His family and all his fans were devastated, and one of the greatest wrestlers who had so much more potential passed from this earth a hero. The Yellow Rose of Texas would forever be immortalized in the halls of the legends and in the hearts of his fans.
If you want to read more about the Von Erich family, check out my book and leave your comments below. You may also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads!
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August 3, 2017
Wrestling’s Golden Warrior
The eldest among his other siblings, Kevin Von Erich is the second oldest son of Fritz Von Erich. His older brother, Jack, died at six. Kevin is also the last surviving brother after the chain of deaths that hit the family, and as such, he represented the Von Erich name when they were as a group inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
Born in 1957, Kevin Adkisson grew up knowing that his future was in wrestling as a son of a popular wrestling family. Before beginning his career in wrestling entertainment, he played football at the North Texas State University until an injury closed the door to the NFL but opened another to the World Class Championship Wrestling. With his good looks and athletic ability, he began to wrestle as Kevin Von Erich in 1976. One of wrestling’s biggest stars, he was a success as an individual wrestler and as a tag team wrestler, often being written in many high-profile conflicts between other wrestlers. One of his trademark looks was to wrestle barefoot and he was jokingly nicknamed “The Barefoot Boy.” This was highly unusual because at the time, almost all wrestlers wore high-topped boots, including Kevin. But before one particular match someone pulled a prank on him by hiding his boots, and he still went out and wrestled without them anyway.
He wrestled with his brothers and established himself in Texas when they won the National Wrestling Alliance’s Texas Tag Team Championship twice, as well as the NWA American Tag Team Championship. On Christmas day in 1978, he became the NWA American Heavyweight Champion. He was one of the most viable performers for the WCCCW, and although he did well in the singles competitions and with other wrestlers in tag team matches, he did his best when he wrestled with his brothers, Kerry and David.
One of Kevin’s famous matches was against the notable Ric Flair in 1982 during the WCCW’s Christmas show for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. This was a special match as it was held inside a steel cage with Michael Hayes of the Fabulous Freebirds as the referee. Unfortunately, the storyline was written so that Kevin would lose the championship and to position the Freebirds as villains, but this match raised the status of the Von Erich brothers to new heights.
It all began to crumble with the death of David Von Erich, followed by the deaths of his two other brothers. Kevin ended his career on a high note and now lives with his family in Hawaii. His two sons, Toss and Marshall Von Erich, have since taken up the torch and have joined the world of wrestling entertainment. A good man with a life well lived, both personally and professionally, Kevin Von Erich is truly a Golden Warrior.
For more about the Von Erich family, check out my website, and leave your comments below. Check out my accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads as well!
Reference
WWE. 2017. “The Von Erichs.” Accessed on June 30,2017. http://www.wwe.com/superstars.
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July 28, 2017
The Nature Boy of the World of Wrestling Entertainment
“I’m sorry . . . I love you,” mouthed superstar Shawn Michaels as he looked at Ric Flair across the squared circle. The Heartbreak Kid was tasked to take down the Nature Boy at Wrestlemania 24, and with his signature move, Sweet Chin Music, he ended the career of Ric Flair in 2008. Shawn Michaels kissed his hero on the forehead and left the ring, leaving the Nature Boy alone in the ring, crying. Ric Flair’s sendoff was also quite emotional as it was one of the biggest events that celebrated a long wrestling career. All the WWE superstars came out to celebrate and pay their respects to Ric Flair’s career, which spanned more than four decades and cemented his status as one of the most decorated wrestlers of all time, with an unmatched sixteen world championship reigns.
Many expected the Nature Boy to slowly step away from the spotlight as this marked the end of the road. Or was it really the end?
Born in 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee, Richard Fliehr grew up in Edina, Minnesota, and went to high school at the Wayland Academy in Wisconsin, where he displayed athleticism by joining the wrestling, football, and track teams. His athleticism then would serve him well when he entered the world of wrestling. Trained by the likes of Josh Klemme, Billy Robinson, and Verne Gagne, he joined a wrestling camp run by Gagne in a barn outside Minneapolis in 1971. A year after that, he adopted his now-well-known name of Ric Flair and made his debut appearance in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) until 1974. After his stint in the AWA, he joined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and won his first singles title in 1975. Tragedy almost struck as Flair was in an airplane crash where he broke his back and was told he would never wrestle again. Determined, Flair underwent rigorous physical therapy and returned to the squared circle eight months later. This accident made him change his wrestling style, which led him to use the Nature Boy style, which would stick to him for the rest of his career.
This stylin’, profilin’, limousine-riding, jet-flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin’ and dealin’ son of a gun then went on to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, which helped him establish himself as a main franchise of the NWA. Ric Flair was also the first WCW World Heavyweight Champion, holding the two titles simultaneously. But with pay cuts and changing times, Flair signed with Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1991 and appeared on television as a villain. His career in the WWF soared after that, winning championship after championship while gaining friends as well as enemies on and off the ring. Fast-forward through all his incarnations, we reach the point where he retired. But retirement is not a word Ric Flair is familiar with because, even if he stopped joining matches, he reemerged as the manager to his daughter, Charlotte Flair, who took after her father and became a champion as well. Will Ric Flair ever flare out? With his more than forty years in wrestling as proof, quitting is not even an option.
Do you love entertainment wrestling? Do you have any thoughts you may want to share about Ric Flair? Write your comments below, and don’t forget to check out my book and website. Check out my accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads as well!
Reference
WWE. 2017. “Ric Flair.” Accessed on June 26, 2017. http://www.wwe.com/superstars.
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July 21, 2017
The World of Wrestling
Since the ancient times, wrestling has been depicted in art, painted on urns, and has been a sport that celebrates physical combat and the human physique. From the old Sumerian myths, to the classical Greeks’ tales, and even to Scandinavian legends, it has been a way for two warriors to settle differences in an unarmed fight where the victor is crowned for physical prowess. These days, we find warriors in the squared circle for theatrical entertainment or on the mat for competitions, while the original grappling style has been enhanced by other martial arts techniques.
Perhaps wrestling is one of the oldest forms of combat, and its origins can be traced back to fifteen thousand years to cave drawings in France. Evidence of Babylonian and Egyptian reliefs shows wrestlers using techniques still used today. As time passed, the Greeks developed it as a form of hand-to-hand combat and turned it into the focal point of the Olympic Games. It was later adapted and improved by the Romans, albeit less brutal than the Greek style. Later practiced in the medieval times, it transcended social classes as it was available for both the rich and the poor in countries like France, England, and Japan. From England, at a much-later time, American settlers brought wrestling with them and found that it was already popular among the Native American tribes. This made amateur wrestling quite popular, and it was featured in fairs, carnivals, celebrations, and military exercises.
Modern wrestling came about from the Scots forming a variant of the catch style of wrestling, while the Irish had their own collar-and-elbow style. The immigrants to the new land brought these techniques with them, and its popularity grew, especially with it becoming fashionable in Europe. A golden age of wrestling followed in the early twentieth century but was paused due to World War I. It picked up right after the war in the United States with a match that was historically significant between legend Frank Gotch and the European wrestling champion Georg Hackenschmidt, where the former beat the latter. It declined sometime after this due to its lack of legitimacy as a competitive sport.
The standard for wresting became Greco-Roman, but competitive wrestling as a sport took a blow and was not popular toward the end of the twentieth century, and it became quite uncommon, only done by collegiate wrestling teams with matches in the Olympic Games. But it did not fall off the map; it found a new audience willing to pay to see over-the-top matches between larger-than-life characters. This was when professional wrestling found its stride in the latter half of the twentieth century as sports entertainment, leading to the powerhouse show that is now known today as the WWE.
If you would like to know more, check my book Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw. You may also follow me on my accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
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July 14, 2017
The Family Von Erich
Get to Know the Legendary Von Erich Family
Superstars in the world of sports entertainment, the Von Erich family can very well be considered royalty in the squared circle. A professional wrestling family consisting of a father and his sons, they have been inducted into the WWE’s Hall of Fame; it is hard to think of wrestling entertainment without their name being mentioned.
The original Von Erich was the family’s patriarch, Jack Adkisson Sr., known professionally as Fritz Von Erich. Originally a football player, he never considered wrestling until he met Stu Hart of the also legendary Hart wrestling family in Edmonton, Canada. Hart decided the young Adkisson had potential and trained then booked him in his Klondike Wrestling promotion and gave him the wrestling name of Fritz Von Erich and partnered him with Waldo Von Erich as a pair of “evil German brothers.” Despite his eldest son, Jack Barton, dying accidentally, Fritz continued to travel and wrestling, leading him to win the AWA world title. He rose to stardom in many National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) promotions, holding many major belts, as well as in the World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). His top performance in the industry between the 1960s and 1970s made him a force to be reckoned with, having an imposing presence and his trademark finishing move, the Iron Claw.
He had six sons, and five of them became wrestling legends in their own right, as well as the third generation of the Von Erich family. Fritz’s second eldest, Kevin, was known as the Golden Warrior and spent a good part of his career working in the WCCW, where he had fights with other now-famous wrestlers like Ric Flair. Known for wrestling barefooted and using his father’s move, the Iron Claw, he retired in 1995 but still remained a presence in the WWE. His two sons Ross and Marshall are also professional wrestlers.
Fritz had four other sons who were also professional wrestlers. There was David, who was known as the Yellow Rose of Texas; Kerry, the Modern Day Warrior and the Texas Tornado and the best known of the Von Erich family; the fifth son, Mike, who replaced David in the squared circle after his death; and Chris, the youngest brother, who suffered from asthma and brittle bones yet still persisted in the ring.
From the outside, it seemed that the family lived a charmed life, but it was full of tragedy. David died in Japan from unconfirmed causes; Mike overdosed on tranquilizer after suffering from toxic shock syndrome and not being able to get back into the ring at full strength; and Chris, depressed about his lack of success in the wrestling business and the death of his brother Mike, committed suicide. Kerry, the most successful Von Erich brother who held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, wanting to follow his late brothers and distraught over the end of his marriage, also killed himself soon after. Kerry, however, was survived by his daughter Lacey, who followed in his footsteps and won the TNA Knockout Tag Team Championship before retiring in 2010. Fritz died of brain and lung cancer in 1997, four years after his fourth son’s death.
Despite the tragedies befalling the Von Erich families in the end, their legacy and legend live on, and the entire Von Erich family was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by longtime rival Michael “PS” Hayes and was received by the remaining brother, Kevin, in 2009. The third generation of the Von Erich family is currently forming, and only time will tell if they can live up to the legendary name of Von Erich.
This is just an introduction on the Von Erich family. If you would like to read more about them, you may follow my blog. You may also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Reference
WWW. 2017. “The Von Erichs.” Accessed on June 8, 2017. http://www.wwe.com/superstars/vonerichs.
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