Kevin Von Erich

OVERCOMING THE ODDS Kevin Von Erich. Kevin is another one who has OVERCOME THE ODDS. Though originally wanting to be a Pro Football Player and Probably Play for the Dallas Cowboys, Kevin stuck with his Family Business of Wrestling. His father, Fritz Von Erich, was a legendary wrestler whom had started World Class Championship Wrestling outside of Dallas, Texas.  Kevin along with younger brothers David and Kerry became huge stars in the Wrestling territory and the World over.  Even before his glory days in the ring, Kevin and his family had already experienced tragedy. His eldest brother Jackie was electrocuted and died when Kevin and his brother David were just babies.   He admits this brought about a fury in his dad that carried over in his work in the wrestling ring. Kevin  was very close with his brother David.  David died while on a Wrestling trip in Japan.  Some say his stomach ruptured, while others claim it was a drug overdose.  Regardless of the cause, David's death devastated Kevin.  Kevin's younger brother Mike had surgery for toxic shock syndrome, which some claim changed Mike's thinking.  In addition, Mike was abusing drugs, and felt he couldnt live up to the Von Erich name and decided to take his life via an overdose.  Kevin's youngest brother Chris suffered from asthma and took a medication that stunted his growth.  Chris also tried to follow in his brother's footsteps but felt he was inadequate.  He too took his life via a gunshot.  Kevin's last remaining brother Kerry Von Erich had a string of drug issues.  After forging a drug prescription, Kerry faced jail time and his marriage was collapsing.  He took his life via a gunshot to the chest at the Von Erich home in Denton, Texas.  That left Kevin the last remaining son of Fritz Von Erich.  World Class Championship Wrestling would fold.  It wouldnt be long before Fritz Von Erich was diagnosed with cance,r and was given months to live.  Kevin admits in the documentary Heroes of World Class that Fritz went nuts on Kevin once and tried to shoot him.  Fritz died in 1997. Kevin's mother Doris passed away on October 23, 2015.  Kevin Overcame the Odds like no other. He lost his Family Business, all his brothers, and his own Father al most tried to shoot him not long before he passed. Yet Kevin carries his Family's Legacy with Pride and Dignity and Without Complaint, and Thanks Everyone who gave him the Chance to be a Performer. His own sons are now Wrestlers!! Watch Heroes of World Class with this link It Never Gets Old to me!!! Kevin overcame the odds after losing all his brothers, father and Family Business but he doesn't complain!! 

The recent movie 'The Iron Claw (2022)' was inspired by his story. Go and see it if you haven't already!