Based on a true story, “The Iron Claw” is a movie based on the story of inseparable Von Erich brothers. There was a family of wrestlers that was known as the Von Erich’s who fought for the championship in order to become the champion.
From humble beginnings in rural Texas all the way to becoming Hall of Famer wrestlers at the highest levels, their family rose from humble beginnings. Among the Von Erich family are brothers Kevin, David, Kerry, and Mike, as well as their parents. To begin with, let’s go back to the beginning.
The professional wrestler Fritz Von Erich lost his firstborn child to in an accident when he was only four years old, but Fritz worked hard to make sure his five younger sons grew into star athletes who could never be hurt by anyone. From the very beginning of their life, they were poor, buying things more costly than they can afford.
Kevin Von Erich is technically the second son but is the eldest of all the brothers. Kevin’s career has mostly been in World Class Championship Wrestling because of his dad. As soon as his father retired, despite wanting to be World Class Champion, he couldn’t from old age. Kevin had been married to his current and only wife Pamela since 1980. They currently have four kids together and many grandchildren. Kevin is the sole son out of all the Von Erich brothers. And later sold the WCCW footage to Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment.
David Von Erich is the third son, and he worked for World Class Championship Wrestling with his brother Kevin. David won both the singles and tag team titles during this run. His marriage to Candy L. McLeod ended in divorce on July 12, 1979, after their daughter Natosha Zoeanna died in infancy. Patricia A. Matter was his second wife. They stayed together until David died. He died in Tokyo, Japan, on February 10, 1984. He died of acute enteritis; it was undiagnosed.
Kerry Von Erich was by far the most well-known of the Von Erich family, known as “The Modern Day Warrior” and “The Texas Tornado”. The majority of Kerry’s career was spent wrestling in World Class Championship Wrestling. Back in high school, he was an All-American in track and field and possessed a record-breaking discus throw. His goal was to compete in the 1980 Summer Olympics, but he couldn’t because of the boycott imposed by the President at that time. Kerry won the NWA World Heavyweight Title from Ric Flair at the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions. Kerry got his right leg badly injured in a motorcycle accident. It ended up having to be amputated. Kerry continued to perform without revealing he had only one foot after recovering from the accident. He was married to Catherine “Cathy” Murray. They have two daughters together. In 1993, Kerry shot himself through the heart on his dad’s ranch.
“Inspirational Warrior” Mike Von Erich was Von Erich’s fifth son. After David died, Mike took over the Von Erich feud with The Fabulous Freebirds. In the ring full-time isn’t his dream, but he does it for his family. In the wake of David’s death, Fritz pushed him in. Shani Danette Garza was Mike’s wife. Following a tour, he got toxic shock after injuring his shoulder. He tried wrestling again after partial recovery, but he gave up because of weakness. He took tranquilizers before committing suicide.
Chris Von Erich was the youngest son of the Von Erich family and the only one not in the movie. Because of his short stature, asthma, and brittle bones. His father and brothers were more successful than him. In spite of numerous injuries, he kept trying to succeed in the squared circle because he loved wrestling. Chris became depressed and frustrated after years of not succeeding in wrestling. Mike, his brother, passed away too, and he was heartbroken. At a young age he shot himself in the head.
Along the way, the brothers built inseparable bonds and became one of wrestling’s most iconic dynasties.
