The 1980s were considered by many to be a Golden Age for professional wrestling. It's not hard to see why. Thanks to the advent of cable television, pro wrestling could reach more homes than ever. Even though the old "territory system" of the NWA was dying, one former NWA territory managed to briefly thrive in this "Golden Age": World Class Championship Wrestling.
Based out of Dallas, Texas, WCCW was taken over in 1966 by professional wrestler Jack Adkisson, aka Fritz Von Erich. The early-80s were golden years for the territory, as it had a nationally syndicated television series, and it showcased wrestlers like "Gentleman" Chris Adams, Gino Hernandez, the Fabulous Freebirds, and "Iceman" King Parsons. Fun fact, Mick Foley, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, and even a young Shawn Michaels wrestled there (even before he and Marty Janetty became the Rockers).
The main stars of the promotion were Fritz Von Erich's sons: Kerry, Kevin, David, and Mike. The von Erich boys were practically gods in Texas during that time. Sadly, these days, the family is more known for a "curse", as several of the Von Erich boys had passed away from various causes at young ages. David died of enteritis at 25, Kerry and Mike killed themselves at 33 and 23. Another son, Chris, also killed himself at 21 years old. Of this group, only Kevin is still with us. The tale of the Von Erich family and their tragedies is seen as a cautionary tale regarding the dangers of the pro wrestling business.
The tale of the Von Erichs is now coming to the silver screen in the A24 film The Iron Claw (named for Fritz's finishing move, a hold that involves gripping the head with one hand. The idea is the hold presses down on pressure points on the recipient's head, causing immense pain). Written and directed by Sean Durkin, this was a passion project for him, as he was a fan of wrestling in his youth and was personally affected by the Von Erich's deaths. The film will star Zac Efron as Kevin, the sole surviving Von Erich. The cast also includes Jeremy Allen White as Kerry, Harris Dickinson as David, Stanley Simons as Mike, and Holt McCallany as Fritz. Let's look at the trailer!
"Don't Fear The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult! I love that song!
That song also bizarrely fits this family...considering its history.
Yeah, I'm going to end up wanting to strangle Fritz by the time this movie is over, huh?
The Von Erich guys being dudes.
The fun thing about a movie set in the 80s? You'll get some great songs in the soundtrack. Like "Tom Sawyer" by Rush. I think that was the Von Erich's entrance music back in the day. Also, the Von Erich/Fabulous Freebird rivalry was considered one of the greatest wrestling rivalries of its time.
FIGHT!
We're seeing the rise...
Yeah, I'm going to want to strangle Fritz by the time this movie is over.
...and now the fall.
I love the remix of "Tom Sawyer" used here. I would love to listen to the full thing. It brings a nice sinister vibe. This with the scenes of the Von Erichs tussling in the ring helps show how the pro wrestling world in the 1980s was a lot darker time than now. Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.
I admit, my connection to the Von Erichs is rather...distant. Their heyday was not long before I was even born. I became a wrestling fan at the tail end of the Attitude Era, when Kevin had long retired, I believe. I still want to watch this movie, as it looks like it will be very well-made film...even though I think it will be an emotional ride. Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home, wash your hands often, wear a mask, and get your vaccine/booster! See you next time!
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