Fritz Von Erich, originally named Jack Barton Adkisson Sr., began his career in college football but shifted to wrestling after being recognized by legendary wrestler-turned-trainer Stu Hart. In 1952, he and Walter Sieber formed the iconic Von Erich brothers wrestling duo, playing the role of villains. Fritz faced personal tragedy with the accidental drowning death of his first son, Jack Jr., at the age of 6. Fritz continued his wrestling career, becoming a promoter and inheriting World Class Champion Wrestling (WCCW). He toured the country and even contributed to rebuilding the Japanese wrestling scene. Fritz passed away in 1997, having outlived five of his six sons.
Kevin Von Erich, the eldest living Adkisson son, entered wrestling in 1976 and achieved success as part of a tag team with his brother David. The Von Erichs’ feud with the Fabulous Freebirds is considered one of the best stories in wrestling. Kevin disapproved of his father’s decision to sell WCCW and attempted to rebuild the brand, but the venture failed. He retired in 2005 and briefly returned for a comeback in 2017. Kevin praised “The Iron Claw” film but clarified that addiction, not upbringing, played a significant role in his brothers’ premature deaths.
David Von Erich debuted in 1977 and gained popularity for his fiery disposition. He had a memorable feud with Gorgeous Jimmy Garvin in Florida and later returned to Texas, teaming up with his brothers in the first-ever Six-Man Championship. David’s sudden death in a Tokyo hotel at the age of 25 was officially attributed to enteritis, though some speculated other causes.
Kerry Adkisson worked for WCCW, winning the championship from Ric Flair in 1984. A near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1986 led to the amputation of his right foot. Kerry struggled with painkiller addiction, and he died by suicide in 1993 at the age of 33. His belief that God called him to join his brothers after a period of depression was noted by wrestling contemporary Bret Hart.
Mike Adkisson debuted in 1983 and participated in the Von Erichs’ feud with the Fabulous Freebirds. He tragically died by suicide in 1987 at the age of 23. Brain injuries, including Toxic Shock Syndrome and a traumatic brain injury, contributed to his deteriorating condition.
Chris Adkisson, the youngest son, began wrestling at 20 but faced chronic illness, including severe asthma and the effects of medication. At 22, Chris died by suicide, and filmmaker Sean Durkin chose to omit his story from “The Iron Claw,” citing the repetitive tragedy the film couldn’t fully withstand.
The Iron Claw film took creative liberties in portraying the Von Erich family’s story, presenting a more simplified biography and controversial take on Fritz Von Erich’s parenting. The decision to omit Chris Von Erich’s story stirred controversy, with Durkin explaining it as a choice to avoid adding another tragedy to the film.
