The Story of The Von Erich Family

[@purodeathcore]

"I used to be the oldest brother and now I'm not even a brother"-Kevin Von Erich on the vice documentary about his family and if that quote isn't one the most depressing things you've ever seen idk what is...

[@spatiumettempus5118]

And technically he was a younger brother too!

[@ronaldneumann1187]

Did they all die? Or is there still one left?

[@spatiumettempus5118]

@@ronaldneumann1187 Kevin is still alive. He lives in Hawaii. Jack was electrocuted, David overdosed, Kerry shot himself, Mike overdosed, and Chris shot himself.

[@ziahamm1603]

@@spatiumettempus5118 Davids cause of Death is not really clear to be fair as its also claimed he died because of a stomach issue that was fatal. Either way its a real shame and a tragedy what happened to this family.

[@spatiumettempus5118]

@@ziahamm1603 True, it’s not clear. Something about his appendix erupting is another rumour.

[@Large23collectibles]

The Von Erich Family story always makes me sad.

[@piman70]

I agree, i always find it fascinating that they seem to have been forgotten about by the wrestling community.

[@_fabio1978]

Same

[@lickkittysplit3871]

They haven't been forgotten from the wrestling community. That was then, this is now. They in the HOF, what else would you want? Perhaps being mentioned every Monday night during boring talking angles? Just be happy that we got to watch them on TV or Live in person.

[@Thor-Orion]

Lick Kitty Split i am inclined to agree with you. It would be nice to have a Von Erich Memorial somewhere as a six man tag tournament once a year. They were definitely revolutionary and ahead of their time.

[@steadyc9277]

Wow, Kerry looked JUST like his Mom...and little Chris with those GORGEOUS curls. :-(

[@Vrinara]

The Von Erich name does still technically live on with Kevins sons. I am glad they are wrestling. just wish the rest of the family could of seen them. Even though they had their problems. They were and still are very loved. My dad would always talk about the claw and the Von Erichs. I lost my dad in 2009. 2 days after Christmas. His love for the Von Erichs lives on with me.

[@thinkinsidetheboxsquarecir3303]

I remember the von erichs the most when I first started watching wrestling.

[@Blackwolfninja89]

Don't forget Lacey Von Erich

[@stevelowe2647]

And Kerrys daughter wrestles

[@tijajaguar7785]

Tt

[@blokin5039]

Fake news buddy, you never met them.

[@aye_its_karate6169]

I've said before and I'll say it again. This is the best wrestling related channel on KZbin.

[@shittalkerskywalkertm9430]

agreed × 1000

[@grungyperry7530]

In no particular order: Wrestling Bios Wrestling With Wregret Cultaholic Wrestletalk

[@aye_its_karate6169]

@@grungyperry7530 I agree.

[@williamschutz4982]

OH HELL YEAH IT IS!!

[@seanshannon6314]

Yes this an osw review check it out

[@GibDozer1]

Wow, I never knew Kerry was missing a foot! The "Von Erich curse" is one of the saddest stories in an industry prolificicated by sad stories.

[@8_lives_left]

Did u see the new movie that just came out about them

[@GibDozer1]

@@8_lives_left No, what's it on?

[@8_lives_left]

@@GibDozer1 it’s in theatres rn it’s called the iron claw

[@euroamerican5189]

Shoulda been a Hollywood movie made about these guys a long time ago. They're legends and this story deserves more press from the mainstream.

[@zyonbariuan638]

Your wishes came true bro

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

The iron claw is coming out

[@MrXabungle]

Zac Efron is gonna blow minds as Kevin Von Erich. He seriously bulked up for the role and Chavo Guerrero trained the cast.

[@sleekelegancesuave]

@@MrXabunglei actually want to see the movie, never heard of them for i was born in 1998 way after their demise but i am a fan of wrestling and it coming out in December 6 days after my bday is nice

[@brokenteethalbumreviews5388]

Coming in December

[@countrydrummergirl7581]

The Von Erich's were one of the best wrestling families. I had the honor seeing Kerry wrestle live when he was in the WWF

[@ericarcieri3836]

So sad imagine if they lived the von ericks vs the harts would of been a amazing family feud the background story is already there fritz was trained by stu Brett and Kerry were became good freinds a match between Kevin and Owen would be classic this would sale out every where R.I.P fritz David Kerry Chris mike and Owen of the hart family

[@codyviz2436]

The Kennedys of the wrestling business only The Von Erichs story is more tragic

[@RebeccaFuji]

cody viz Yes I do agree! I’ll watch old school wrestling videos of each young Von Erich that passed on. Love and respect for the surviving family members. My heart always goes out to that family.

[@RebeccaFuji]

Every time I read or watch something of the Von Erichs breaks my heart. It’s still good to know there are fans that love and respect the family. I agree it’s not a curse! It’s just a sadden tragedy, my heart will always go out to that family. I was born in the 80s, and heard about the family in my teen years. I’ll definitely watch old school wrestling videos of each of the young men that passed on. They’re always loved and missed!

[@SpeedChamp467]

Kevin's sons Marshall and Ross are wrestling in MLW. Look it up. The Von Erich legacy lives on!

[@deborahmyers1289]

Totally agree so very sad they were great young men its tragic 3 of them felt they had to take their own lives the pressures fame injuries and drugs were all too much for the talented young men very heartbreaking

[@thepillcosbyspecial5782]

Thank you. For all seen and unseen work that goes into these.These are far by my favorite wrestling videos next to jim cornettes shoots on youtube.

[@philliplandry4139]

Besides the Brody and Benoit's incidents, this have to be the most tragic of them all in wrestling history. The Von Erichs was the last old school gem in wrestling before Hogan and the entertainment business took over.

[@josephallender9378]

Such a tragic story. Kerry Von Erich was one of my favorite wrestlers as a kid.

[@ArquiDenis]

They should make a movie about this because there's do much more of the story that we don't know. Is really sad when things like that happen to a family. I wonder how the father and mother felt when all that disaster happened. 💔😭

[@georgewilliams1470]

Doris divorced Fritz after Chris died blaming Fritz for all the family problems.

[@sniper5880]

@@georgewilliams1470 father pushed them and the 5-6 Chris and Mike Von Erich had no business in professional wrestling but father pushed them anyway. Father should of been satisfied and proud of his 3 gifted athletic sons in David,Kerry, and Kevin Von Erich

[@simplysteve68]

Plus Jack Adkisson (Fritz) being very distraught upon hearing the news of his first born, jack Jr., having been electrocuted at age 8, while Fritz was in Japan, probably pushed him over the edge and caused him to put unnecessary pressure on all the remaining boys.

[@joshuatraffanstedt2695]

I heard they're actually working on a von erich biopic right now!

[@TheFrogballz]

Agree 👍

[@manraisedbypuffins9080]

Ah good man :) superb wrestling family. Good memories of Kerry as the texas tornado

[@mikeborsum8881]

As a kid, I lived too far north to get WCCW. However, the first time I saw him on WWF, I knew he was special. In later years Ive gone back and watched many hours of wccw. Kevin was a prototype for modern cruiserweights. David was the best all around, but Kerry had the best poker hand of all. He had a good measure of in-ring talent, even if not as good as David. The good looks and the body of a Greek God. Ric Flair would say that Kerry could bench 500 lbs any day of the week. He wasn't awesome on the mic, but he could get by. If he had developed his on camera persona, Kerry could have been the top guy in any promotion.

[@bradcarter2072]

Thanks for shining a light on the two less successful von Erich brothers . Their stories tug at a heart string and is a shocking reminding of what peer pressure and depression . The impact it can have on your mental health . For anyone suffering from issues of any kind you are worth and please talk to someone . Peace and love always

[@ebtheceleb7933]

I blame that damn Fritz!! He failed his sons

[@mrfozz5209]

There story is heart breaking and tragic and brought a tear to my eye in the Dark Side of the Ring episode about the family...Kevin said 'I used to be a brother of 5...now I'm not even a brother) horrible series of events seeing them have it all, pretty much everything they want only to have the family torn apart

[@Artsensei86]

This was an amazing bio , all your videos are great but that part where you said the curse had become clickbait and you instead talked about how it was just a sad situation and honoring them the way you did is awesome.

[@frankh.9243]

Very tragic story of the Von Erichs ... God bless them. I'm happy Kevin is still alive and well.These are the greatest memories of wrestling that I have as a kid ... I was lucky to watch them live in my hometown against the Freebirds. Long live their legacy, long live the memory of the Von Erichs.

[@bernardmcdowell2454]

So So tragic. I did like The Texas Tornado..especially when he teamed with L O D and The Ultimate Warrior in Survivor Series.

[@tragiksituation]

Me and my friends always talk about that....Vince dropped the ball cuz they could have been a faction and Hawk was the best talker....it's crazy how Animal is the only one alive....

[@SoloDamon]

The best team in survivor series

[@WillStevens8]

@@tragiksituation Now none of them. Smh rip to all of them. They were a HUGE part of the Golden era of wrestling!

[@tragiksituation]

@@WillStevens8 sad bro 😓😓😓😓😓

[@marksanders2067]

Kevin's sons carry on the von erich story in wrestling with mlw hopefully a major promotion picks them up in future

[@stevelowe2647]

Kerrys daughter wrestles too. Lacey Von Erich

[@3332221000]

I will never get why every video that mentions who's the best of the Von Erichs always says David was the best of the brothers. He always looked clumsy in the ring and his promos were mostly cringey. I guess he died first not counting the brother that died as a child, so got to say he's the best. Kerry was the best than Kevin!

[@robertrodriguez787]

David was . you don't know what the hell your talking about when it comes to David

[@zyxwvut4740]

Bless your heart, sir. Bless "Kevin V.on Erich". …and more than _anything_ bless those Adkinsons…

[@olivierroy5540]

Watching his matches in the WWF, I find it amazing that Kerry was able to perform to that level with an amputated right foot.

[@Kas58223]

All the Von Erichs were so talented when I think of them I try not to think of the tragedies but the in ring talent I’m so happy to know the Von Erichs legacy has continued to this day

[@westdallasboy4454]

Saturday night at 10pm, it was channel 11, KTVT to watch WCCW and Mark Lawrence as the host!!!

[@stustewart3140]

Having grown up on WCCW and watching the family wrestle, being huge Kerry fan, you did this story justice. I agree, no curse, just a tragic tale of poor guidance and decision making. I was around 10 years old staying up late to watch these matches and made me a fan of the sport. Love the channel, great work!!

[@ianisaac2501]

Your comment is spot on! I used to watch WCCW too as a kid. They were awesome.

[@ferox965]

I kept tabs on it up here in Canada...it was sad watching the events unfold for the Von Erichs. So much potential.

[@TheFrogballz]

Yeah I used to get home from school and it would be on ESPN every day good old days back in the early 90s

[@VMpastore]

You are a machine, and I can’t get enough of these videos. Thank you.

[@TylerMorganShow]

Machine indeed!

[@bonelesshades8713]

i agree even my partner watches them with me and she doesnt do wrestling

[@ludlowbuckley5373]

I agree! This channel is excellent. I’ve been binge watching videos all week!

[@sol666]

Hart family suffered similar series of tragedies...two of the biggest royalties of wrestling were over taken by Vince McMahon who didn't even have one son in the wrestling ring let alone a dynasty.

[@machomansings-official3466]

as a man from louisiana,born and raised.I remember seeing the von erichs when i was really little on tv.my cousins who were older than my in the 80's would pretend and watch the von erich's and got me interested in the sport more and more as well as watching it with my grandpa.we would watch alot of stuff awa,mid south,new japan all japan,jim crocett produstions nwa alottt.i was born in 1982 but i hold the von erichs in high reguards as i love world class.allways wanted to go see a show but by the time i was able to go it was goneut all the boys.alot forget the first tragity about fritz jr.they will allways be in my heart.and let they never be forgotten.great video as allways :)

[@samuelparisi8763]

It's so sad to see such a good looking talented family fall apart like that. So many tragic events for one family to endure.

[@pamlyles8905]

Can you just take a moment to imagine how it would be to have six sons and lose five of them in your life time. Pure devastation.

[@williamblackwell8589]

Your videos on wrestling are the absolute best on KZbin hands down, l always look forward to my notifications when you put new ones to watch, I’ve watched all of them and they are so in depth and l always learn something from them. Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for the videos!!

[@B.K.-Rhodeazy]

Sad is an understatement!!! Can't imagine what the living brother thinks about day in and day out!!! Much respect

[@PUUN402]

Texas tornado with his tornado punch was one of my fav moves to watch as a kid. Not a great move or anything was just awesome to watch back then.

[@GongaDuck]

The Von Erichs and WCCW cemented my love of wrestling in the 80's. it was sad when David died, but then when Kerry took his own life it just became tragic. Loved Kerry in the ring for his energy, but Kevin's high flying work and bare feet really sold me. Loved the Von Erichs, and really mourn the passing of so many family members. This is, by far, the best and most informative wrestling channel on KZbin.

[@billysikes1374]

I loved The Von Erich family, Ice Man King Parsons, The Missing Link, The Freebirds, Gino Hernandez, Brody, Chris Adams, All of WCCW guys

[@genxtasy9914]

Kerry was actually suppose to wrestle Papa Shango in Summerslam. to job no doubt.

[@superlex611]

But he was gone a month before Summerslam and was desceased 7 months after

[@josephdelledonne2098]

I've always thought the Von Erichs story was fascinating. I didn't get into wrestling until around late 87, so I didn't get to see David until much later. From what I saw I agree he was easily the best interview, he owned the mic. I think he was the best worker too, and he would definitely have been the breakout star had he not died so young. I do think Fritz pressured his sons also.

[@ferox965]

I agree to a point. I think any of the three were worthy of breaking out. They all had a good look, were over and were great in the ring. I don't think Fritz needed to pressure Kevin, Kerry or David...

[@robertrodriguez787]

I disagree . I feel David was the best talker and worker

[@cdgee6399]

Wow! Kevin must be a strong person. I feel for him.

[@jarkoer]

The very first time I ever watched pro wrestling was WCCW, and I remember the David Von Erich memorial event. I was a total mark for the Modern Day Warrior. Thought he was the best thing next to Hulk Hogan. So sad those brothers couldn't beat their personal demons. Depression is a serious thing.

[@MikeDest]

6:18 - Very telling how the Freebirds look more sober than the Von Erichs in these photos.

[@KEICRUMBIE]

My favorite faction, every time I hear the story, it gets more sad. Extremely sad. Love those guys to this day 💔

[@beefgravystudios]

I appreciate how respectful you told their story. You're right to point out there is no Von Erich curse & they get used as click bait. I remember the Tornado/Perfect match. Intercontinental title golden age.

[@one4allall4one91]

As a kid growing I always waiting to watch the Von Erichs and Freebirds during the 80's. Missed those legendary days.

[@HavokMania]

Freebirds are mentioned in SOOO many of these videos have you done a video on them before? If not I think it's a must

[@michaelbradley8527]

My wife says they were her and her moms favorites back in the 80s

[@yankees29]

Every woman in Texas loved those boys. It was almost like Beatle-mania. They were basically as big or bigger than the Dallas Cowboys.

[@assadtanes8354]

Wherever they go whatever happened...they are always my beloved...they live in my Soul...👌🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Duke_Togo_G13]

The most tragic depressing story in wrestling. The Last Von Erich is a great bio to watch.

[@battlestarmarc]

1982 to late 1985 world class was the best. Freebirds von erichs was great. David was the best as a no nonsense rugged cowboy.

[@MrSmitty1074]

David was tough!

[@tonynobile6224]

My favorite wrestling channel on the internet. Love the videos. Keep up the great work

[@chiefelephanttuskbong8081]

What's even sadder is there were six sons total the oldest brother Jack died when he was 6 years old

[@tyronetaylorsr.9431]

I remember these guys back then i said this was such a tragic happening to a family. May they all rest in peace.

[@tythegolfer6279]

Saddest story in Wrestling. Thx for the share man. HBO doc on them is amazing

[@seanshannon6314]

Is this documentary on KZbin or Netflix

[@paulantoniuk3503]

There was the first born son, Jack Jr. that died at 6 or 7 years old.

[@RoyStantz]

Had he not died, I wonder if Jackie would've taken up wrestling.

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

Deep Ghoul more likely but more likely would’ve died. It’s a miracle Kevin didn’t off himself

[@dawhiteman1451]

@Ray Jones 6*

[@robertrodriguez787]

@@RoyStantz I wonder how good he would have been if he wrestled would he have been the best Von Erich brother or would it have been David

[@robertrodriguez787]

@@dawhiteman1451 7 have a book that says so

[@B33FY2011]

I absolutely love your wrestling content and bar none you're the best wrestling KZbin content creator going. There is nothing I can say about how good your content is that I haven't already said in previous videos.

[@danielproctor5237]

Growing up in Houston Texas in the 70s and 80s I have very fond memories of these guys. Thanks for covering this Epic Family!!!

[@breezy9297]

Thank you! This is what I've been waiting for.

[@Burger-urger]

Hey man do the feud between kevin Sullivan and Dusty in Florida. I am a little too young to have seen much of it on television. I'd love to hear your adaptation of it bro!

[@tamaragambill8470]

I had the displeasure of meeting Kerry kevin and Mike after they wrestled in the colosseum in Lawton Oklahoma....it was after the event and they were in one of the more popular bars in town and they seemed to bring their act along with them...They were the rudest and most arrogant ,hell raisers I've ever had to deal with....Sad story but not nice guys back then

[@Kat-pr7qm]

Kevin will always have brothers. As long as he’s alive they will be alive in his heart…it’s so nice to see that Kevin’s son’s will carry on the name and Their legacy will live on.

[@GryHen-pg9iy]

I'm back to watch a classic wrestling bios video..... brilliant

[@chrisg1915]

Feel sorry for Kevin honestly losing all his brothers like that.

[@CarlosMartinez-bd8cj]

Those guys left great memories in the ring.

[@stephenbroster3206]

Yeah man asked for this a while ago. This is guna be good story telling mate. 👍

[@Thor-Orion]

If only Chris and Mike had one another’s bodies. Mike could have been a cameraman without being forced to wrestle and Chris could have had the body to actually wrestle.

[@polopopolo2197]

From 82-86 I was a huge mark for the Von Erich’s and WCCW. The wrestling was stiff and therefore realistic and it had me sucked in

[@jasoncutshaw8401]

Even tho Kevin is alive inside I would bet he's a dead soul. Ps It's a sad thing because I look at them as a lost dynasty

[@brianmitchell4101]

I grew up in Oklahoma during the 80s and the Von Erichs were huge here. The stories or rumors I heard were crazy, thank you for making this and setting the story correct with me.

[@karlepaul6632]

Alright bruddah. I expect greatness in this video, which I'm sure it will most definitely be. Plus I'm going to send Kev the link and see what he thinks. So no pressure or anything. 😉

[@dalesides1490]

My all time favorites. I loved watching old classic reruns of WCCW back int the day.

[@ArticulatedDoom]

Honestly I didn't get into wrestling til I was about ten. At that point I didn't know how to get a hold of older wrestling stuff and in a naive way I didn't know there even WAS wrestling before I discovered it. Once I found these guys in my teen years my mind was blown.

[@MrSmitty1074]

Good times!

[@tylers7048]

Do a video on yourself! Great content man! Your likes and dislikes , favorite wrestler's, managers , announcers, creative, venues, brands etc. ! Good stuff always coming from Wrestling Bios 👑 💯👍👍

[@Fangsinurface]

It always makes me sad hearing about the brothers.

[@sergiogrimaldo3480]

I know one day there will be a movie made about them and I hope it's a good one so the new generation can know who the Von Erichs were if this movie happens 🤞there's gonna be alot of tears in the theater

[@MrUltimatemaniac100]

Really like your knowledge on these subjects 👍

[@adamofgrayskull7735]

Did anyone see dark side of the ring 🤘😃🤘

[@MrAdal206]

Such an amazing family. Wish they’d make a movie on them

[@calebwaters8400]

Well they are now!

[@antwilder]

I met some von erich's in Dallas when i was little i was friends with 1 and he stayed with his grandfather who wrestled in the indys back in the day...he was an alcoholic and was abusive to his grandson...one day he spit in his grandson face and threw his belongings over the banister...he was crazy and hella mean

[@thunderchaser2042]

How long ago was this?

[@brandyyolidio4213]

Their poor mother and family having to bury all those young men, very sad. They were definitely plagued with grief

[@chperezjr]

I miss the good ol days

[@MigrantAssassinationSquad666]

Don't we all ????

[@mrf19741]

Another Fantastic video! It's a real shame about Wrestling's First Family. Tragically, everything for them started to unravel with David's untimely passing. RIP David, Mike, Chris, Kerry, and Fritz Von Erich.

[@1survivor566]

It's not a "curse", it's a tragedy. So much life to live lost :(

[@robertcullen7042]

Probably the saddest story I’ve ever heard. I can’t imagine what it’s like being Kerry and having 3 dead brothers all in mid 20s

[@nzgersfan]

This is just tragic such a sad story about the Demise of one of the most loved families in wrestling

[@t8r507]

I can remember watching the Von Eric's on AWA back in the early 80's also watching re-runs of older shows on ESPN they would also show airings from other sections like WCCW, UCF, NWA, few others,I know all the Von Eric's had the "The Claw" move, but seems I can remember Kevin von Eric doing alot of off the top rope moves and was mostly barefoot like Jimmy Snuka, Am I remembering that right, cause that's when I was just started liking and watching wrestling I was like 9 or 10

[@yankees29]

Yes he was a flyer

[@chrischar1969]

Only AWA connection is at the late 80s

[@gerberbernstein7360]

The father told the surviving son, he never had the guts to kill himself. Pathetic.

[@Jimmy_Hopkins15]

Another great Bio the glad the Von Erich family is in the HOF they well deserved R.I.P to all the brothers

[@Wisconsin_Local_139_Crane_Guy]

Seen them live almost every month growing up. They were gods!!

[@adidasdavis2454]

my only question how would shawn michaels and triple h know about david von erich rise when they werent even in the wrestling business at that time...

[@cortneywalker459]

To start the weekend right all right thank you for all that you do for these wrestling bios .

[@Michael_Chandler_Keaton]

This is gonna be good, I'm excited!!! Arn Anderson next please!!!

[@pickettpride6980]

Chandler Keaton I agree ☝️

[@85Zeroangel]

Yes, please👍

[@capsortee]

what about the daughter? she wrestled in TNA I think and was part of the beautiful people.and was VERY hot.

[@issacrudio989]

This is not a curse but a blessing. The Von Erichs legacy lives on forever, and they touched the 💕 hearts of many families

[@teashdrinks714]

You didn’t mention Kevin’s 2 sons are up and coming they look pretty good

[@TheJoaniejoancansew]

So that's who's sons those are. I should've known because one if them wrestles barefooted

[@teashdrinks714]

J SaundersSewing ya apparently they don’t wanna go to WWE they may end up in AEW

[@dermzcantu9337]

They in mlw

[@derek-64]

no mention of lacey either. she's kerry's daughter and had a brief run in Impact(TNA at the time). yeah i know, she's not one of the famous sons, she's a girl, blah blah, etc. whatever. she still deserves some credit, though.

[@teashdrinks714]

derek221122 I didn’t know looks like there’s lots of material for a part 2

[@borrowedgnat7576]

The von Erich name will live on forever

[@juanfigueroa9967]

The von Erich were awesome wrestlers, but the dark side rob them of their gifted talent they'll always be remembered.

[@daveg7948]

It blew my mind hearing Taker tell the story of getting booked by Fritz because he looked just like David, just after David died. In a morose way, David put Undertaker on the path that lead to an insanely successful career and to become an icon of the industry. Which David would have been himself in time. If you haven't seen footage of David wrestling, you definitely should. He was one of the greats. No doubt about it. RIP DVE

[@davidnewell7183]

Love the early 90s wrestling would love to see more videos on them guys like bushwakers,warlord,berserka barbarian,Jake the snake,superfly,ultimate warrior,nasty boys,macho man,undertaker,mouth of the South Jimmy heart,slick,Mr Fuji, that era of wrestlers my favourite during that time was undertaker for singles and legion of doom for tag...Love these videos keep up the good work