michael hayes talks about von erichs

michael hayes talks about von erichs and freebirds

[@MrIZZYDAM]

The birds were so great because they didn't have egos when it came to winning or losing . They knew their roles n did them perfectly .

[@he-mansuncle7661]

Someone having an ego on winning a fixed match is hilarious.

[@arjuken8]

​@@he-mansuncle7661It's actually understandable. Back then losing on tv could potentially hinder your future success in the company or other territories, especially if it's a squash loss. I don't agree with but understand why some wrestlers tried to look strong on tv all the time

[@petersansone7153]

Freebirds vs Von Erich's was def one of the best rivalries in pro wrestling history....

[@haroldplemons2566]

Peter Sansone I believe it was the most intense,longest running rivalry in wrestling.Before national tv there could have been a fued where the wrestlers traveled to territory to territory though.

[@biffroberts1007]

So true. I still have em going in my NWA tabletop wrestling game!!! lol

[@jdmitchell2]

better than most of the stuff that the wwe puts out

[@shakurleday9205]

Nothing bigger!

[@owiz9212]

It was. The only one that comes close (and might be better) was the Rock N Roll Express and the Midnight Express. The RNR was so over in the Mid-Atlantic territory, it was ridiculous.

[@michaell874]

Michael Hayes was without a doubt one of the greatest heels of all time, and maybe the best interviews. I would have loved to have seen him in his prime with the Freebirds to have feuded with Roddy Piper because just those face to face interviews would have been off the charts. It is still heart wrenching to think of what happened to the Von Erichs because they were so talented.

[@snackasmversion2752]

I met Michael Hayes a few years ago at my old job working at an airport...class act beyond a shadow of a doubt!

[@zobanga2800]

When I was 5 or so they came to my town I got to get in the ring and hold Kevin's belt.... I was shy and star struck I just dropped it and look around. I look back now and think how crazy that was to be close to a legend like that. They just picked so Lil black boy out the crowd. They loved their fans and their state.

[@charlescarter4608]

Zo banga That's a cool story bro! Was that at the Sportatorium?

[@glorymosbyfloyd3878]

Zo banga : Lucky you!! Cherish those memories

[@SupesMe]

That is a awesome sorry man. You're lucky :o

[@1980bwc]

Shut up wannabe cowboy Jim Ross! You need a white suit and hat. Then you will be Boss Hogg. You're alot more like him than you are a cowboy!

[@coreyhall1150]

Hell yeah bro. I met R-Truth when he was still in TNA before he REALLY blew up. I knew him as K-Quick and he asked if I was gonna be a wrestler I couldn't speak and my face turned red and all I could say was Y-Y-Yeah he laughed and said "Good to meet you little man" and I was so star struck.. He wrestled a show in my dad's organization. Those were the days. But by that time Vince killed the indies and ppl just didn't go to wrestling shows outside of WWE........ It didn't help we had incompetent morons promoting it. They were as bout as good at advertising as Vince was good at keeping his hands to himself.

[@sullyb23511]

Growing up and watching wrestling on TV in Texas, the Von Erichs were my idols. Classic faces. However, without the Freebirds, they never would have made it as big.

[@unknownunknown-wc1jj]

Ying and Yang...

[@Jason-ft9oy]

The Pride of Texas. That's why Fritz wouldn't let his boys lose.

[@roxydog2004]

I still have about 40 hrs of WCCW on VHS from the early 80's!

[@t100base]

roxydog2004 how you got it?

[@soulscompendium4769]

Copy it to digital. Itll be even harder to find now. You might have matches only you have recorded. Never know

[@danielvick3527]

Can you upload those?

[@bosley5614]

Convert to digital and upload the 40 hours to KZbin.

[@jamescoatesp]

Saturday nights watching the Von erichs and the Freebirds free for alls I loved watching them.

[@CadenBlaker]

I was lucky enough to see The Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs LIVE at the Dallas Sportatorium when I was 8 years old. My time there are my fondest memories as a child.

[@martinone9]

Me too! 😊

[@Ma007rk]

Ah, Those were the days. I'm talking 82-83 watching cable TV, Eating spaghetti and watching championship wrestling out of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Watching and listening to Michael Hayes makes me feel like an anachronism.

[@1969ryson]

+Ma007rk At that time I was watching the NWA in Florida. Dusty Rhodes, Harley Race, The Funk Brothers etc. Great times in wrestling history for the fans. For wrestlers it seems like it was a horror story.

[@bubbapacha7672]

For me it was wccw on ch 11....eating popcorn ...slightly burned...and wrestling with my dad during commercials

[@double00shotgun]

I remember watching Hee-Haw and the Grand Ole Opry, then The Rasling at 10 PM on ch11

[@Michaelbrian777]

I grew up watching WCCW and the Von Erichs. The Von Erichs were superstars. WCCW was the greatest.

[@larrystevens4631]

I can't believe how many WCCW legends are gone now

[@gokathygo]

I know, they all died young

[@Atomykpimp]

Arguably the greatest feud ever in pro wrestling history!!!

[@gokathygo]

Yes!!!!

[@A_YouTube_Commenter]

Barry Horowitz and the Big Boss Man was. Every Saturday morning it was on after cartoons.

[@philliphwillis2854]

I do agree with you.

[@thechosen481]

The greatest feud ONLY in WCCW, definitely not the world.

[@bobnewfart7630]

@@thechosen481 bs dude

[@Stonecoldcwbys]

lol that was me as the officer at 23yrs old wow I use to walk these guys to the ring!!! wow I'm now 56yrs old

[@samluke8121]

Stonecoldcwbys Which time slot? If it is the picture I think it is you look like an old 23 year old all due respect.

[@Stonecoldcwbys]

time I think was 3:04 min in but ive always looked older.. that was 1983 I think?

[@Stonecoldcwbys]

Yes and it was a lot of fun lol

[@Cameo718.]

awesome revelation

[@geraldmyers6618]

Stonecoldcwbys when I was watching in the 80's i told my dad i didn't want to be a wrestler, but i wanted to be the guy wearing the Stetson

[@Styme2002]

as a true wrestling fan i'm blessed that i grew up in this era of wrestling...territory wrestling is what's always been where it's at...man to remember world class, mid south, southeastern and georgia championship wrestling truly had a treat...although the high flying isn't like it is now but wrestling has always supposed to be on the mat right? but the promos, the way the commentators told the story of the in ring action and made it entertaining is how it's supposed to be

[@timm441]

Those were the days that got me into wrestling in the first place. Growing up in that area, the Von Erichs and The Freebirds were the top draws. WCCW went down fast after all those guys were gone.

[@jspdrcrmach5]

The Freebirds were the greatest heels of all time, there has never been anyone like them before or since. As Michael Hayes Himself once described them, "often imitated, never duplicated".

[@pgtcf7806]

Considering that World Class was drawing higher ratings than the then-WWF in Vince's own territory, I think that the sky would have been the limit for WCCW, especially had David and all of the brothers could have lived. There would still be wrestling on t.v. today in the Dallas market at the very least.

[@davestuddaman8127]

It was mentioned in the heroes of world class documentary by wccw referee and office worker David Manning. So don’t know for sure since I was 2 when world class was at its peak. So long story short he’s not talkin out his ass, but as far as proof goes. He has a source

[@nwojunkie]

Kerry was still good, it was years later that anybody outside his family knew he was wrestling with only one foot.

[@supahip]

Had David lived, it would have been interesting to see him come to the WWF as a heel, to challenge Hulk Hogan.

[@Sargebri]

I don't think that would have happened. David was pretty much an NWA guy and would have probably gone to Crockett before the WWF. Kerry, on the other hand, was seriously being looked at by the WWF to at least come in and be in the hunt for the Intercontinental championship.

[@kevinwright5106]

David dying really set the downward spiral into motion. Had he not died there's no telling how wccw would've fared ir the family for that matter. I think they would've resisted WWF, but if fritz only have had a little broader business vision the sky would have been then limit, instead he has these kids running all over east Texas doing high school gyms two shows a day sometimes in different little towns.

[@Sargebri]

@@kevinwright5106 yup. In fact David was the one who really had a mind for the business. He pretty much was learning at the feet of his dad and Gary Hart.

[@thomasswafford250]

​@@SargebriI listen to some of Hart's book on audio. He really loved those boys and they loved him and thought of him as an uncle. He saw and acknowledged things that their father refused to admit.

[@Sargebri]

@@thomasswafford250 yup. In fact, when Hart talked about Kerry he said that he called him "Uncle Gary".

[@paulgarcia2180]

Huge fan of both the Freebirds and The Von Erichs. Absolute Legends...❤

[@gokathygo]

They had the best feud ever

[@paulgarcia2180]

@@gokathygo goin down the rabbit hole tonight.

[@badmoforamon5989]

I respect both of these families

[@getoutandfish2005]

The Sportatorium was like a second home to us as kids and Kerry Von Erich and the Dingo Warrior were gods!

[@todbeard8118]

Michael Hayes- one of the greatest wrestlers- entertainers ever. Such a talent! I think it takes so much more talent to sell the bad boy character, especially when the villians are actually good guys.

[@thomasswafford250]

Hayes wasn't the greatest in ring worker but he had an excellent knowledge of the business.

[@jmyronsmith1583]

Back 🔙 in the 80s, u had the lakers vs the Celtics and the freebirds vs the von erichs

[@TNAROHfan]

For several years after World Class as a territory. I think Dave would have probably realized that he himself was a transitional type champion and that if he could keep Kerry in line that he was definitely the best bet to have a national star. David seemed to be the glue more than Fritz IMO from what I have heard. Kerry and Kevin definitely seemed kind of adrift without him. Dave always seemed like the big brother even though he was younger than Kevin.

[@nathanjedrej792]

Classic

[@phantom270]

I was seven years old when I got to see the Von Erich's wrestle. Kerry and Kevin in a tag team against Chris Adams and someone else that for the life of me I can't remember. I got to have my picture taken with both Kerry and Kevin and I remember asking Kevin if the claw was real and he picked up an apple and crushed it. I remember being so excited and getting to see these guys, I'll always cherish that memory and the photo. Such a tragedy what happened to the Von Erich family members, wish these guys would have been able to get the help the needed, at least we still have Kevin.

[@GreggF65]

Fritz could bend quarters with his hand.i always remember one of his sons ,I think Kerry talking about that

[@doubledare84527]

wow thats intense....

[@mikedavis8872]

gino Hernendez

[@quentinseals4898]

gino Hernandez

[@bubbapacha7672]

phantom270 prob gino hernandez

[@donwilcox3928]

"Well don't get hot about it" line had me laugh out loud. Not easy to do.

[@harryzimmerman7991]

One thing i found interesting, i was listening to the Steve Austin podcast with Michael Hayes, he mentioned it briefly, he ended up becoming a booker or assistant booker in World Class, kinda suprised Fritz would have him in that spot being the heel against his boys, seems like he trusted his judgement more than his sons i guess, don't know all the details, Michael Hayes's influence in Wrestling cannot be understated, there wouldn't be Stone Cold Steve Austin without him, he planted that seed, told him about Jake the Snake's promo on him, Steve took the ball from there and came up with Austin 3:16 on the spot, boom there you go, he also showed him what became the Stunner, it goes on and on, that's why someone like me who had grew up watching World Class and 10 years later saw WWF attitude era, that attitude came from WCCW, very similar at the time, to me that's Michael PS Hayes legacy right as far as I'm concerned

[@Fistandantilusdh]

god i miss these days...i remember seeing the Von Erichs and the Freebirds throw down in the ring. Always a good match between the two factions.

[@mab1959]

Same.

[@TravisLoneWolfWalsh]

I wasn't even around when David died or when the von Erich's were at their peak but they are even now to me are a huge inspiration

[@westyraviz]

How?

[@TravisLoneWolfWalsh]

@@westyraviz Kevin more than the rest I suffer from depression and aspergers and I’m a suicide survivor Kevin gave me inspiration to keep going

[@westyraviz]

@@TravisLoneWolfWalsh that is very good. Best wishes!

[@riveroakstexas2345]

One time I saw the freebirds at Wet and Wild ( waterpark) in Arlington Texas..They were pushing their way in line and people were booing them but wouldn't say a word when they went by..We were laughing..Damn I loved watching them Wrestle even though I was always hoping they would lose.My friends would get drunk and all of a sudden break out into a routine of the Freebirds talking and acting just like them.We would die laughing....

[@bossfan49]

WWF was the best AND worst thing to happen to wrestling. I grew up in Chicago where we could see only AWA (from Minneapolis) on tv for a long time. Then when WWF went national (WFLD..a FoX owned station), the local stations started broadcasting NWA and WCCW. I though WCCW had a great talent pool, some of whom they shared with other territories. Bruiser (King Kong in AWA) Brody, Jake the Snake, Iceman King Parsons, The Great Kabuki, Chris Adams, Gino Hernandez, Tully Blanchard, One Man Gang and of course The Freebirds and Von Erichs. I was a huge Von Erich fan....Kevin was my favorite.

[@mab1959]

You’re right! You should read Gary Hart’s book.

[@Abigail_Wyatt]

Side note: WHO isn’t more wild when their parent isn’t around?

[@markobrien678]

Best TV wrestling match ever; Kerry Von Erich and Terry Gordy. No foot stomp punches, no fist next to the head punches, no dancing and no prancing. Straight up ass kicking fight.

[@gokathygo]

I know, it was the best, wccw was awesome, von erichs vs freebirds was the best fued

[@AngelRodriguezFritoLay]

David did win the NWA title

[@seaverrene6486]

The Von Erich’s where without in doubt my favorite wrestlers when I was a kid. They where rockstars

[@mmcpa]

I hated the Freebirds because of how this feud was just so epic, it felt personal. No better feud in wrestling history IMO. The Von Erich story is also the fastest ever in wrestling.

[@yankees29]

The Von Erich boys were rock star gods in Texas.

[@mab1959]

Louisiana, too. We didn’t get them as often in MidSouth as I wished, though.

[@thomasswafford250]

A friend of mine is originally from there and she said everybody had their posters up on their wall. She said all the girls went to sleep with them and all the boys wanted to be them.

[@timsciolaro5147]

If David would have lived he would be what Vince McMahon became, people would not even know the name Vince McMahon

[@JerryCalvert-x9u]

I was born and raised on this, from that exact place and time period, so, just like others in comments here, we were part of a very special place and time period. I mean, wrestling was merely one aspect of our lives then and there. We also just so happened to be the center of the entire universe when it came to rock and roll and this in its heyday. I was born in Dallas, and spent my time growing up either in Denton or Grand Prairie or in East Texas in my aunts ranch just a few miles down the road from the Von Erich's ranch. And Id watch them on tv every week and I had no idea that the Sportitorium was just right there the entire time! Nor did I know I couldve walked right over to the Von Erich's house and said hello. So it makes more sense now why there was this massive buzz around the WCCW when I was growing up. Just about every performer or promoter or anybody who had anything to do with that time, place and era back then I consider to be a genuine and decent and well grounded individual. True heros too of you ask me. Just damn good people. Some of the best there ever was or ever will be. I have a MASSIVE amount of respect for each of these people who were there and made it all possible. My own life would be completely different if not for them. Also, wonder if there is anybody else out there who lived in an apartment complex directly across from Grand Prairie High School? It was called Valley View. On the other side you could look across the interstate and see the entrance doors to the original wax museum. And remember the ZOO? Q102 Texas Best Rock & Roll? Is was a very cool place and we had very cool times! Those of you who were there know exactly what Im talking about.

[@gokathygo]

I wished I was there, it made me happy just watching it, I wanted to go to Texas so bad and see them

[@diegodeleon8477]

Loved this era of wrestling

[@gokathygo]

Me too, it was my favorite, im going to see the iron claw movie

[@TheJohnnyCotts]

Agreed. According to Kevin's shoot interview, Mike never wanted to be a wrestler and Chris was an asthmatic with brittle bones, as well as being much smaller than the others.

[@xjp1998]

I can still remember those matches, I was a small kid and dad was paster to haystack calhoun and every christmas we would come down to dallas to see family and we always went to see the von erichs and wccw. That was such a fun time in my life.

[@mikeruben9601]

did the Von Erichs and the Freebirds always get along backstage?

[@cgillit]

Growing up in Texas at this time, I remember girls would have pinups of the Von Erichs on their bedroom walls like they were Justin Bieber or something. Hard to explain how over these kids were in Texas. You can find footage of Kevin Von Erich getting injured at the Cotton Bowl and someone jumped on the PA and screamed "We're going to need an ambulance" and you could just hear girls screaming their heads off.

[@gokathygo]

I remember that, Chris Adams smashed a folding chair on his head and he really got hurt. I remember all the girls would grab them and kiss them when they were walking to the ring. They had so many groupies chasing them.

[@HepCatJack]

@@gokathygo I saw the footage on DVD's released by the WWE. It was a lot like when the Beatles arrived in a town in the 1960's. If Hogan had faced off against Kerry in Texas at the top of his popularity Hogan would likely have been booed.

[@lawrencecrayton9844]

Grew up in Ft worth with WCCW! Loved the Free Bird angle. Couldn't have a ReB flag out these days

[@rotagbhd]

I remember being a kid in Jacksonville, Florida, and my mom was going to take us to Disney World, and I begged and pleaded not to go because I was not going to miss a triple tag team match of the Von Erichs vs the Fabulous Freebirds...worth it!

[@gokathygo]

Yes I was worried about missing wrestling too when we went on vacation, my mom tried to stop me from watching wrestling, and take away the only fun thing in my life I looked forward too

[@thomaswillingham4084]

Long Live the Freebirds!! Greatest ever

[@gokathygo]

They were the best

[@williamholt8810]

Will Rogers coliseum on monday nights in Fort Worth during the early to mid eighties were great shows. Best 5 dollars you could ever spend. Thanks for the memories.

[@gokathygo]

It was only $5??? Wow

[@williamholt8810]

It was 5 dollars when the gates opened. If you got there about an hour late, you could walk right in for free. They recorded those shows to play on Saturday night TV. They wanted full house for the main event matchup. Great times back then...@@gokathygo

[@shaileshpotula2870]

Five Von Erichs and Gino Hernandez have died when they were young. If David didn't die, he would've been champion WCCW would still go out of business because Vince Jr is conquered all the promotions. The Von Erichs would've wrestled in the Golden Era, New Generation Era, and would've wrestled in WCW in the 80s as well.

[@glensobchyshyn7483]

the von erichs are sorely missed but damn it they and the free birds not only could sell themselves but with one look from any of them created riots in the streets the von erichs are in the hof desevely so and it's good to see the free birds are going in this year

[@joeayala4812]

My opinion about that whole controversy was that the Freebirds came in and saved the promotion I believe at that time skandor Akbar was brought in also he had a hand in Saving that promotion also I got tired of the Von Erichs winning every match there have to be a balance it just got out of hand not even the great Ric Flair could win

[@paulcarlin5181]

Man Kerry had it all. Luger before Luger

[@gokathygo]

Yes he did, if he lived I wonder how far he’d go

[@philliphwillis2854]

I do remember the Personal Feud between the Fabulous Free Birds and the Von Eriches in World Class Championship Wrestling in the 1980,s. I can remember it very well in 1980,s.

[@gokathygo]

It was the best fued

[@campbellmarty36]

He’s damn near unrecognizable!!!☝️😳

[@marshallrogers8011]

JR spoke the truth,Only The Cowboys were Bigger Than thw Von Erichs in Dallas!! My brother+i went to those matches at The Sportatorum on Friday Night!! Great times...When Wrestling was Great!!😊

[@gokathygo]

I wish I could have gone there, my dad worked for an air line and he got tickets for free, I asked if we can go to Dallas and see them, he told me no, he could have 😔

[@paulquick8806]

It's weird to think as a kid I was so fooled and frustrated because Vince shielded these things in the early 80s

[@SuperGeneralhawk]

Agree. Kevin was not the best behind the Mic but neither was Bret Hart or Chris Benoit.

[@hi1000ish]

Kerry was my favorite

[@Gambino_Crime_Family]

RIP Von Erichs and RIP Gene

[@broadcastingstorms]

David was probably the most talented overall. Kevin was very good in the ring, and Kerry probably had the most charisma.

[@taniaanderson1929]

I agree with all of that,but I think David had just as much charisma..but I am biased,as he was my favorite.

[@yardlet6]

True. What might have been.

[@haroldplemons2566]

Tania Anderson David was great at getting the piont across on the mic. He also had great knowledge of the biz. I truly believed WCCW would have survived if he had not died as the quality of the product he could have produced is timeless.

[@uberdavez]

David had the charisma. Kevin had the athletic ability. Kerry had the look.

[@Van2Dan]

Yeah the Von Erich's they were like the Hart Family of Texas.

[@Ricobaca]

yep

[@StuUngar]

Hart’s in Calgary doesn’t come close to what the Von Erich’s were in Dallas. To this day, people still consider themselves huge fans of the Von Erichs. If you’re not from the area, I honestly don’t think you can really grasp how insanely popular they were/are.

[@mab1959]

@@StuUngar Same with Stu & Stampede.

[@StuUngar]

@@mab1959 Being gods in Dallas compared to being gods in Calgary is like a rock band selling out Wembley Stadium compared to an indie group selling out a barn.

[@mab1959]

@@StuUngar Dude, I live in Mid South country and have family in the business. What you’re saying is how you perceive it. It’s subjective. 🙄

[@lawrencemalloy9673]

They had some great matches none better this was what I was watching before WCW and WWE

[@Davidhgi]

I think those are Garvin's best days too but that Flair feud was hot and made him a name in Crockett and it carried over when he came back to WCW. By late 86, all the significant territories were either on the way to splitting off or already had, Dusty wouldn't have had much to worry about but some vicious eye rolling. In defense of Ron Garvin, he was way over in Mid Atlantic and fans in that territory saw him as a threat to Flair.

[@lawrence142002]

David was the cream of the crop in terms of actual talent. Kerry was also a great talent before his accident. Kevin was good but nothing special, IMO. Poor Mike and Chris were both not cut out at all for it, really.

[@ChristopherElli-cc1ly]

Baddest Street in the whole U.S.A.

[@gokathygo]

Yes I just saw that music video again

[@bubbapacha7672]

I loved the von erichs.....they were almost godlike. Its sad that the people of Tx got to see em grow up and within 9 yrs or so all but 1 were gone. Like they say though the brightest stars burn out quickest. They came to temple tx and the gentleman went out to eat with us. Then came and hung out at my cousins house. That man actually "play wrestled" with me on the floor. Rip gentleman

[@theprocessbeginshere]

He's not talking shit. He's telling the truth. Everyone in the business knew the Von Erichs were a train wreck after David's death. They were great guys but they had issues. That's not talking shit, that's telling the truth.

[@biffroberts1007]

I have to thank Jim Ross for the mention of the amusement park because of that, it gave me a great idea & that was to come up up with the Amusement Park match for my NWA tabletop wrestling game. Not only did it go over so well, it went over well enough that I came out with a 2nd Edition Amusement Park match. And yes, I have the Von Erichs & the Freebirds in my NWA. Come to think of it, I have EVERYBODY in my NWA including Bobo Brazil, the Big Show & many more. EVERYBODY!!! Gotta LOVE IT!!!!

[@NewMadrid01]

Biff Roberts What is this game you speak of? It sounds awesome!

[@allancove4483]

@@NewMadrid01 I also came out with a lot of new "gimmick matches" as well. The Shipyard match takes place on a ship, the Old School match takes place in a school, & my Chicago Street Fight match can spill over to the high school football field & even over to the car wash complete with a hot wax. And these are just a few of the wild ways my NWA can raise hell every night. And these are only a few of the "gimmick match" ideas I've come up with. Also, props to the fellers on the forum for sharing their ideas by adding their own "gimmick match" ideas as well. We all have a blast & that's what its all about. Just saying!

[@thewilliamgregg]

I used to buy those 3 magazines every month for years.

[@christianlawrence1694]

thank you micheal bam bam and buddy i loved hating you the best maches was you and one of the von ericks thanks alot i mean it

[@westyraviz]

Did Bret Hart know the Von Erich’s? His silence is palpable. It’s like he’s thinking “we never shut down Six Flags in Calgary.”

[@mab1959]

Undoubtedly, as Stu Hart was a major player in the wrestling universe. Bret wrote in his book that Kerry confided in him not long before his suicide that he’d made up his mind to join his brothers. The Hart kids made annual trips to hang out with the Funks. Seems like they were tight with them more so than Fritz.

[@SmittyHeWasNumber1]

Michael hays was the david lee roth of the southern wrestling scene

[@Youre_Right]

I used to really like WCCW when I was a kid. I never liked the VonErics though. I was an odd young fan, I liked the Freebieds, loved the Four Horseman. I don’t know why, but I always liked heels. My favorite wrestler was Tully Blanchard.

[@ipresnell]

Great versions of this

[@oveidasinclair982]

The Von Eric boys were great wrestlers, but old man Fritz knew in the deep dark crevices of his mind that his boys were not wrapped to tight

[@larrystevens8037]

WCCW was the greatest federation at one time

[@Davidhgi]

By late 86, there was no real board for Dusty to worry about. Whatever Jim Crockett wanted, he got. Thankfully, Dusty understood his time as World champ was over and Flair was "the man". Magnum getting hurt opened the door immediately for Jimmy Garvin, who went from a midcard heel to headlining with Flair at the GABash that next year.

[@jasoneaton9477]

Hayes is the only person to wrestle 5 von erichs..

[@gokathygo]

Wow I never realized that

[@jasoneaton9477]

@@gokathygo ric flair 4

[@gokathygo]

@@jasoneaton9477 oh yeah him too. But did he wrestle Chris and Mike too?

[@jasoneaton9477]

@@gokathygo flair wrestled mike but never fritz.. when cris got In flair was in wcw and maybe wwf

[@GreggF65]

Even though I'm in NY I was able to watch wccw from Texas

[@rockvilleraven]

Watching it in the 80s on WFTY Independent Channel 50 Tuesdays at 6pm. Wrestling Monday-Friday NWA, World Class, UWF, POWW and GLOW. WCCW went downhill when the Jarrett's bought it and turned it into USWA. Back then I could watch Memphis on Saturday Nights on FNN/Score which was the first sports cable competition to ESPN.

[@theprocessbeginshere]

Maybe, buy Kevin never had the charisma that David had. As someone who had met and watched them I can honestly say WCCW was doomed the minute David died. It just so happens it was a somewhat slow death. It really started to show after the Freebirds turned face and eventually left WCCW.

[@islammansour7280]

Rip bam bam terry gordy

[@Davidhgi]

I wasn't expecting much from the Luger/Simmons main event but it was surprisingly good, especially considering this was Ron's first big main event and Luger was never a guy known to be able to carry anyone.

[@TNAROHfan]

I actually think Kerry was the total package before he lost his foot. Looks, Charisma, athletic and good in the ring. Totally different after the accident and the drugs. David was the ring general, smart, and would have undoubtedly been the guy who should have taken over the business from Fritz who was too old school for the new era. Beyond that, he didn't have the mass market appeal of Kerry.

[@larrystevens8037]

Love the Six Flags story

[@cmurphy0707]

I think when it came down to in ring talent and interviews David was the best one.

[@rosario508]

When WWE 24/7 when off the air it was the saddest day of my life.

[@leoconchola3163]

I only saw Kerry Von Erich when he was in the WWF but just sad that all the Von Erich's except Kevin passed on they were a good group

[@erichoward1731]

They used to fight like cats and dogs 😜😜😜 Great wrestling entertainment ☺️

[@europeanamerican1360]

Man what the hell happened to wrestling? Talk about gone down the tubes.

[@don62snodgrass]

Vince McMahon happened to wrestling! I only watched the WWF when Roddy Piper went there as a heel and that's it! When Piper went babyface I quit watching it! I was NWA and WCCW only. I can't stand the McMahon's!

[@biffroberts1007]

Thank that greedy arrogant prick Vince McMahon for that.

[@donwilcox3928]

Pro wrestling died in 1984!!!! Vince McMahon=WWF=WWE=A GIANT PILE OF CRAP!!!!!

[@mab1959]

Two words: Vince McMahon. That Triple H has so much power is just mind blowing-it’s all gone way down hill. It will never be what we had in the 80s.

[@dolfnrch13]

it's a shame how so many of the von erichs have died

[@raybass1938]

I like Michael and a lot of truth in what he says BUT the Von Erichs were already over before the Freebirds arrived. if you don't believe me just go watch WCCW in 82 before they arrived and the Sportatorium was rocking.

[@HepCatJack]

Fritz had a good relation with Hayes but probably wished they worked for Free as their group name implied.

[@gokathygo]

lol probably

[@mikeferr107]

Awesome clip. Thanks for posting that.

[@timhannah2321]

FREEBIRDS VS. VON ERICHS ONE OF THE GREATEST RIVALRIES IF NOT THEY GREATEST WRESTLING FEUD OF ALL-TIME 👊 ❤ 👊 ❤

[@timhannah2321]

@Zack Smith Gonna miss these 💎

[@thewilliamgregg]

Those were the days.I used to love reading the wrestling magazines too.

[@Davidhgi]

Yep. And what was left of the NWA knew that Flair was the best bet as a long term champion. David might have gotten a run to keep the peace between the Crocketts and the Von Erichs but it would have ended up back on Flair.

[@Davidhgi]

Definitely. Magnum can be said to have been moved up after David Von Erich died with Lex and Nikita moving up after Magnum went down. Nikita had main evented in Charlotte and Lex in Florida but neither was seasoned and experienced as Magnum. Sting was right behind those guys but his athleticism pushed him faster.

[@TNAROHfan]

The AWA was dying at this time. The WWF was going to rise regardless. Lets just say that Dave had lived, Fritz turned over the business to him and they went out like David and the boys wanted to. I think it pretty easy to assume that they could have competed with Crocket or at least have done better than the USWA who somehow managed to survive.

[@shaileshpotula2870]

They are making the iron claw movie

[@gokathygo]

Yes I can’t wait, finally