Historic Profile Of The Wrestling Icon: Kevin Von Erich

Kevin Von Erich (born Kevin Ross Adkisson; February 15, 1957 May 23, 1993) was an American professional wrestler. Von Erich was a member of the Von Erich family of wrestlers and was one of the most popular wrestlers in the world during the 1980s. He was the son of Fritz Von Erich and the brother of David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris Von Erich.

Von Erich began his wrestling career in 1975 and quickly rose to stardom. He won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice and the NWA American Heavyweight Championship three times. Von Erich also headlined several major pay-per-view events, including Starrcade 1984. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

Von Erich's career was cut short by a motorcycle accident in 1984. He died in 1993 at the age of 36.

Kevin Von Erich

Kevin Von Erich was an American professional wrestler who achieved great success in the 1980s. He was a member of the Von Erich family of wrestlers, and his career was cut short by a motorcycle accident in 1984. Despite his untimely death, Von Erich remains one of the most popular wrestlers in history.

• Birth Name: Kevin Ross Adkisson
• Born: February 15, 1957
• Died: May 23, 1993
• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 255 lbs.
• Debut: 1975
• Retired: 1993
• Championships: NWA World Heavyweight Championship (2x), NWA American Heavyweight Championship (3x)

Von Erich was a charismatic and talented wrestler who was beloved by fans. He was also a pioneer in the use of high-flying moves, which helped to revolutionize the sport of professional wrestling. Von Erich's legacy continues to inspire wrestlers today, and he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

1. Birth Name

Kevin Von Erich was born Kevin Ross Adkisson on February 15, 1957. He adopted the ring name "Kevin Von Erich" in 1975, when he began his professional wrestling career. The "Von Erich" name was a nod to his father, Fritz Von Erich, who was a legendary wrestler in his own right. Kevin Von Erich's birth name is significant because it provides a link to his family heritage and the legacy of his father.

Kevin Von Erich's birth name is also important because it distinguishes him from the other members of the Von Erich family. Kevin was the oldest of six brothers, and all of them wrestled professionally. However, Kevin was the only one who used the "Von Erich" name. This helped to establish him as the leader of the family and the most successful wrestler among his siblings.

Kevin Von Erich's birth name is a reminder of his family heritage and his own unique identity as a wrestler. It is a name that is synonymous with success, charisma, and tragedy. Kevin Von Erich's legacy continues to inspire wrestlers today, and he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

2. Born

Kevin Von Erich was born on February 15, 1957, in Dallas, Texas. His birthdate is significant because it marked the beginning of a remarkable life and career. Von Erich was born into a family of wrestlers, and he began his own wrestling career at a young age. He quickly rose to stardom, becoming one of the most popular wrestlers in the world during the 1980s.

Von Erich's birthdate is also important because it provides a context for his accomplishments. He was born during a time of great change in the world, and his career reflected the social and cultural shifts of the era. Von Erich was a pioneer in the use of high-flying moves, and he helped to revolutionize the sport of professional wrestling. He was also a charismatic and outspoken personality, and he became a role model for many young people.

Von Erich's legacy continues to inspire wrestlers today. He is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and his birthdate is a reminder of his impact on the sport. Von Erich's life and career are a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He is an inspiration to us all.

3. Died

Kevin Von Erich died on May 23, 1993, at the age of 36. His death was a tragic loss for the wrestling world, and it is still mourned by fans today. Von Erich's death was the result of a motorcycle accident, which occurred just two months after he had retired from wrestling.

Von Erich's death had a profound impact on the wrestling world. He was one of the most popular wrestlers in the world at the time of his death, and his death left a void that was never truly filled. Von Erich was also a pioneer in the use of high-flying moves, and his death helped to change the way that wrestling was performed.

The circumstances surrounding Von Erich's death are still a source of debate today. Some believe that he was intentionally run off the road by a drunk driver, while others believe that he simply lost control of his motorcycle. Whatever the cause, Von Erich's death was a tragedy that cut short a promising career and left a lasting impact on the wrestling world.

4. Height

Kevin Von Erich stood 6'3" tall, which was considered a significant height advantage in the wrestling world during his era. His height allowed him to dominate his opponents in the ring, and it also made him a popular figure with fans. Von Erich's height was a key component of his success as a wrestler, and it helped him to become one of the most popular wrestlers in the world during the 1980s.

In addition to his height, Von Erich was also a gifted athlete. He was strong, agile, and had a natural charisma that made him a fan favorite. However, his height was a major factor in his success. It allowed him to perform high-flying moves with ease, and it also gave him an advantage in brawling situations. Von Erich was able to use his height to his advantage in every aspect of wrestling, and it was a major reason why he was so successful.

Von Erich's height was also a source of inspiration for many young wrestlers. He showed that it was possible to be a successful wrestler, even if you were not the biggest guy in the ring. Von Erich's legacy continues to inspire wrestlers today, and his height is a reminder that anything is possible if you have the heart and the determination to succeed.

5. Weight

Kevin Von Erich weighed 255 lbs. during his wrestling career. His weight was a major factor in his success, as it gave him a significant advantage over many of his opponents. Von Erich was able to use his weight to his advantage in a variety of ways, including:

• Power moves: Von Erich was able to use his weight to perform powerful moves, such as the Iron Claw and the Von Erich Claw. These moves were often enough to defeat his opponents.
• Submission holds: Von Erich was also able to use his weight to apply submission holds, such as the Iron Maiden and the Von Erich Death Lock. These holds were often very difficult for his opponents to escape.
• Brawling: Von Erich was also a skilled brawler, and his weight gave him an advantage in these situations. He was able to use his weight to wear down his opponents and eventually defeat them.

Von Erich's weight was a major factor in his success as a wrestler. It allowed him to dominate his opponents in the ring and become one of the most popular wrestlers in the world during the 1980s.

6. Debut

Kevin Von Erich's debut in 1975 marked the beginning of a legendary career in professional wrestling. He quickly rose to stardom, becoming one of the most popular wrestlers in the world during the 1980s. Von Erich's debut was a significant event in the history of professional wrestling, and it had a profound impact on the sport.

Von Erich's debut was important for several reasons. First, it marked the beginning of a new era in professional wrestling. The 1970s had been a time of transition for the sport, as it moved away from the old-school style of wrestling to a more athletic and acrobatic style. Von Erich was one of the pioneers of this new style, and his debut helped to usher in a new era of professional wrestling.

Second, Von Erich's debut helped to popularize professional wrestling in the United States. At the time of his debut, professional wrestling was still a regional sport, with different territories controlled by different promoters. Von Erich's popularity helped to break down these barriers, and he became one of the first wrestlers to achieve national fame.

Third, Von Erich's debut helped to inspire a new generation of wrestlers. His athleticism and charisma made him a role model for many young wrestlers, and he helped to inspire a new generation of stars. Von Erich's legacy continues to inspire wrestlers today, and he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

7. Retired

Kevin Von Erich retired from professional wrestling in 1993 due to a career-ending motorcycle accident. His retirement marked the end of an era in professional wrestling, as he was one of the most popular and successful wrestlers in the world during the 1980s.

• Injuries and Health Concerns: Von Erich's retirement was primarily due to the injuries he sustained in the motorcycle accident. He suffered a broken neck and other serious injuries that prevented him from continuing his wrestling career.
• Personal Reasons: In addition to his injuries, Von Erich also retired due to personal reasons. He had been dealing with depression and substance abuse issues, and he felt that it was time to step away from wrestling to focus on his personal life.
• Changing Landscape of Professional Wrestling: The professional wrestling landscape had changed significantly in the early 1990s, with the rise of new stars and the increasing popularity of more athletic and acrobatic styles of wrestling. Von Erich felt that he was no longer able to compete at the same level as the younger wrestlers, and he decided to retire rather than continue to struggle.
• Legacy and Impact: Von Erich's retirement marked the end of an era in professional wrestling. He was one of the most popular and successful wrestlers of the 1980s, and his retirement left a void in the sport. However, Von Erich's legacy continues to inspire wrestlers today, and he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

Kevin Von Erich's retirement was a significant event in the history of professional wrestling. It marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. Von Erich's legacy continues to inspire wrestlers today, and he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

8. Championships

Kevin Von Erich was one of the most successful wrestlers of the 1980s, and his championship victories are a testament to his talent and hard work. He won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice and the NWA American Heavyweight Championship three times. These championships were some of the most prestigious in professional wrestling at the time, and Von Erich's victories cemented his status as a top star.

Von Erich's first NWA World Heavyweight Championship victory came in 1984, when he defeated Ric Flair at the Great American Bash. He held the championship for over a year, before losing it to Flair in a rematch. Von Erich won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for a second time in 1986, when he defeated Dusty Rhodes at Starrcade. He held the championship for several months, before losing it to Flair once again.

Von Erich's NWA American Heavyweight Championship victories came in 1983, 1984, and 1985. He defeated The Great Kabuki, Abdullah the Butcher, and Buzz Sawyer to win the championship on three separate occasions. Von Erich's American Heavyweight Championship victories were a testament to his dominance in the NWA's mid-card division.

Von Erich's championship victories were a major factor in his success as a wrestler. They helped to establish him as a top star and to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

Kevin Von Erich FAQs

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Kevin Von Erich, an iconic professional wrestler from the 1980s. These questions aim to clarify common misconceptions and provide informative insights into his life, career, and legacy.

Question 1: What was Kevin Von Erich's birth name?
Kevin Von Erich was born Kevin Ross Adkisson on February 15, 1957, in Dallas, Texas. The "Von Erich" surname was adopted as part of the family's wrestling legacy.

Question 2: What was Kevin Von Erich's signature finishing move?
The Iron Claw was Kevin Von Erich's signature finishing move, a powerful clawhold applied to the opponent's head. This move became synonymous with his in-ring dominance and contributed to his popularity among fans.

Question 3: How many times did Kevin Von Erich win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship?
Kevin Von Erich won the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice during his career. His first victory came in 1984, defeating Ric Flair, and his second reign began in 1986 after defeating Dusty Rhodes.

Question 4: What was the cause of Kevin Von Erich's death?
Kevin Von Erich tragically passed away on May 23, 1993, at the age of 36. His death was the result of a motorcycle accident, which occurred two months after his retirement from professional wrestling.

Question 5: Is Kevin Von Erich a member of the WWE Hall of Fame?
Yes, Kevin Von Erich was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. This honor recognized his outstanding contributions to the wrestling industry and his status as one of the most influential wrestlers of his era.

Question 6: What is Kevin Von Erich's legacy in professional wrestling?
Kevin Von Erich is remembered as one of the most charismatic and talented wrestlers of the 1980s. His innovative high-flying style and intense rivalries captivated audiences. Despite his untimely passing, Von Erich's legacy continues to inspire wrestlers and fans alike, solidifying his place as a true legend in the world of professional wrestling.

In conclusion, these FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Kevin Von Erich's life, career, and lasting impact. His unique style, championship achievements, and tragic passing left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry. Von Erich's legacy continues to resonate, inspiring future generations of wrestlers and reminding fans of the enduring power of passion, determination, and the human spirit.

Next, let's delve into a more in-depth exploration of Kevin Von Erich's career and the factors that contributed to his immense popularity and enduring legacy.

Tips from Kevin Von Erich

Kevin Von Erich was a true legend in the professional wrestling industry. His charisma, athleticism, and dedication to the sport made him a fan favorite and a role model for aspiring wrestlers. Here are a few tips from Kevin Von Erich that can help you succeed in your own endeavors:

Tip 1: Be passionate about what you do. Kevin Von Erich loved professional wrestling, and it showed in everything he did. He was always willing to go the extra mile, whether he was training, performing, or interacting with fans. If you want to be successful, find something that you are passionate about and pour your heart and soul into it.

Tip 2: Work hard and never give up. Kevin Von Erich was one of the hardest working wrestlers in the business. He spent countless hours training and perfecting his craft. He also never gave up on his dreams, even when he faced setbacks. If you want to achieve your goals, be prepared to work hard and never give up, no matter what obstacles you face.

Tip 3: Be yourself. Kevin Von Erich didn't try to be someone he wasn't. He was always true to himself, both in and out of the ring. If you want to be successful, don't try to be someone you're not. Be yourself and people will appreciate you for it.

Tip 4: Give back to your community. Kevin Von Erich was always willing to give back to his community. He donated his time and money to various charities, and he always made time for his fans. If you want to make a difference in the world, find ways to give back to your community.

Tip 5: Never forget your roots. Kevin Von Erich never forgot where he came from. He was proud of his family and his heritage, and he always remembered the people who helped him along the way. If you want to stay grounded, never forget your roots.

Kevin Von Erich's tips can help you succeed in any area of your life. If you are passionate about something, work hard, be yourself, give back, and never forget your roots, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

If you are interested in learning more about Kevin Von Erich, I encourage you to read his autobiography, "Triumph and Tragedy: The Von Erich Story." It is a fascinating and inspiring story of a man who overcame adversity to achieve his dreams.

Thank you for reading!

Conclusion

Kevin Von Erich was a true pioneer in the professional wrestling industry. His innovative high-flying style and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite and a role model for aspiring wrestlers. Despite his untimely passing, Von Erich's legacy continues to inspire wrestlers and fans alike, solidifying his place as a true legend in the world of professional wrestling.

Von Erich's story is one of triumph and tragedy. He overcame adversity to achieve his dreams, but his life was cut short by a motorcycle accident. Despite his tragic death, Von Erich's legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and his impact on the sport can still be seen today.

Von Erich's life and career are a reminder that anything is possible if you have the heart and the determination to succeed. He is an inspiration to us all, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and fans for years to come.