Kerry Von Erich

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Kerry Adkisson
Statistics
Ring name(s) The Modern Day Warrior[1][2]
Texas Tornado[1][2]
Kerry Von Erich
Cosmic Cowboy#2
Billed height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[1][2]
Billed weight 254 lb (115 kg/18.1 st)[1][2]
Born February 3, 1960[1][2]
Niagara Falls, New York
Died February 18, 1993 (aged 33)[3][1][2]
Denton, Texas[3]
Trained by Fritz Von Erich[1]
Debut June 17, 1979[4][1][2]

Kerry Gene Adkisson (February 3, 1960 – February 18, 1993)[1][2] was an American professional wrestler under the ring names Kerry Von Erich, The Modern Day Warrior, and The Texas Tornado and was part of the popular Von Erich family of professional wrestlers.[1][2][5] He is best known for his time with his father's promotion World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he spent eleven years of his career and World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

Adkisson was a 1 time NWA World Heavyweight Champion[6][7] and 1 time WWF Intercontinental Champion.[8][7]

Contents

[edit] Career

Kerry was the son of legendary wrestler Fritz Von Erich. His brothers, David, Kevin, Mike, and Chris and his 1st cousin, Mark, were also wrestlers. Kerry was also a standout in high school track and field, and possessed a record-breaking discus throw. Kerry was set to represent the United States in the 1980 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, 1980 was the same year that President Jimmy Carter boycotted the games. [9][5]

See also: Athletics at the 1980 Summer Olympics

[edit] NWA Texas (1979-1980)

Kerry debuted in his father's promotion, NWA Texas/Big Time Wrestling on June 17, 1979 against Gary Hart.[4] In Big Time Wrestling, he held many Texas Tag Team and American Tag Team titles.[2]

[edit] World Class Championship Wrestling (1980-1982)

[edit] Modern Day Warrior (1980-1982)

Most of Kerry's fame was made in Texas' World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he was nicknamed "The Modern Day Warrior." On December 28, 1980, his first WCCW American Heavyweight Championship reign came after he defeated Gino Hernandez for the vacant title.[10] He lost the title to Ken Patera before winning his second WCCW American Heavyweight Championship from Masked Superstar.[10][11] In May and June 1981, Kerry exchanged the WCCW American Heavyweight Championship with Ernie Ladd.[10][12] On October 25, he teamed with Terry Orndorff and they defeated The Great Kabuki and Chan Chung to win the NWA American Tag Team Championship.[13][14] After having short angles as a singles wrestler, he began teaming with his brother Kevin. On March 15, 1982, the two brothers wrestled Gary Hart and King Kong Bundy to a double disqualification.[15] On June 4, Von Erich defeated former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race and elevated himself to main event status.[16]

Kerry started feuding with the NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair. On August 15, he got his very first shot at the NWA title against Flair in a two out of three falls match, which Flair won to retain the title.[17] On December 25, Kerry got his next title shot against Flair in a no disqualification steel cage match, with Michael "P.S." Hayes, as the special guest referee. Fabulous Freebirds helped Kerry to win the match, but he refused to take the help of Freebirds and said that he didn't want to win by cheating.[1] Hayes slammed the cage door in Kerry's head, which lead to Flair winning the match and retaining the title.[18] This culminated in a historic feud between the Von Erichs and the Freebirds that lasted for over five years.

[edit] St. Louis Wrestling Club (1983)

He also worked for St. Louis Wrestling Club in 1983, where he once held the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship.[19]

[edit] World Class Championship Wrestling (1983-1989)

[edit] Feud with the Fabulous Freebirds (June 1983 - January 1984)

On June 17, 1983, he teamed with Bruiser Brody to defeat Fabulous Freebirds for the NWA American Tag Team Championship.[13][20]

On July 4, Kerry and his elder brothers Kevin and David defeated Fabulous Freebirds in a two out of three falls match to win the NWA Texas Six-Man Tag Team Championship.[21][22] They lost the titles back to Fabulous Freebirds on August 12.[23] On September 5, the brothers took on Fabulous Freebirds in a rematch for the titles, which Freebirds won by pinning Kerry and retained their titles.[24] On November 24, Kerry defeated Michael Hayes in a loser leaves Texas steel cage match.[25]

On December 2, the Von Erichs defeated Freebirds for their second NWA Six-Man Tag Team Championship.[21][26] On December 25, Kerry defeated Kamala by disqualification.

On January 30, 1984, he teamed up with his brothers Mike and David against Fabulous Freebirds in a six-man tag team match, which the Von Erichs lost by disqualification.[27]

[edit] NWA World Heavyweight Championship reign (May 1984)

Kerry's biggest career highlight was on May 6, 1984, when he beat "Nature Boy" Ric Flair in a historic match, in front of a capacity crowd at Texas Stadium to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.[6][28] Kerry's victory was a tribute to his brother David, who had died three months earlier and for whom the event, the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions, was named.[1][2][29]

He lost the belt 18 days later in Yokosuka, Japan, back to Flair in a bout that was marred by controversy: Von Erich's feet were on the bottom rope following a reversed rollup, but the referee ignored this and made the count. Kerry has the 12th shortest NWA World title reign in history. In reality, the NWA only allowed Kerry a short reign due to his substance abuse, and was told to drop the belt to Flair before the May 24 encounter between Flair and Ricky Steamboat.[2]

[edit] Feud with the Fabulous Freebirds (July 1984 - September 1984)

On July 4, the Von Erichs lost the six man tag titles to Fabulous Freebirds.[30] The titles were held up due to Freebirds winning after interference by Killer Khan.

On September 3, they defeated Freebirds in a handicap steel cage Loser Leaves Texas match for his fourth six man tag title reign.[21][31]

[edit] Feud with Gino Hernandez, Chris Adams and Jake "The Snake" Roberts (October 1984 - December 1984)

After ending their rivalry with Fabulous Freebirds, Von Erich brothers next feuded with Gino Hernandez, Chris Adams and Jake "The Snake" Roberts.

On October 27, Hernandez, Adams and Roberts defeated the Von Erichs to win the Six Man Tag Titles in a match that saw Bobby Fulton substitute for an injured Kevin.[32] On October 29, he defeated Gino Hernandez for his fifth NWA American Heavyweight Championship.[10][33] On November 22, he teamed with Iceman Parsons to defeat Jake Roberts and Kelly Kiniski.[34] He later refereed a Texas Deathmatch between longtime rival Terry Gordy and Killer Khan, which Gordy won, via Kerry's decision. On December 25, Kerry again got a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a title he had lost many months ago. The champion Ric Flair intentionally got disqualified to retain the title.[35] On December 31, the Von Erichs defeated Hernandez, Roberts and Adams to regain their NWA Six-Man Tag Team Titles.[21][36]

[edit] 1986 motorcycle accident and foot amputation (June 1986)

On June 4, 1986, Kerry was in a motorcycle accident that nearly ended his life and left him with a dislocated hip and a badly injured right leg. Doctors eventually had to amputate his right foot. (According to brother Kevin, Kerry injured the foot following surgery by attempting to walk on it prematurely, crushing the bones beyond repair and thus forcing the doctors to amputate it.) He was able to continue wrestling after the accident with a fused ankle.

Kerry was able to keep his amputation secret for a while. However, during a match on an AWA card in Las Vegas against Colonel DeBeers, Kerry's secret was exposed. During the bout, DeBeers ended up on the outside, but he grabbed Kerry's foot and tried to pull him out of the ring. However, he ended up pulling off Kerry's boot with the prosthetic foot attached.

[edit] Feud with Jerry "The King" Lawler (December 1988)

During his last days in WCCW, Kerry Von Erich would be embroiled in a feud with Jerry "The King" Lawler (AWA World Heavyweight Champion) over who would be the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Kerry was then the WCWA (World Class Wrestling Association (World Class' final used name before the USWA days)) Heavyweight Champion.[37] They would meet at an interpromotional event called SuperClash III to settle the dispute. Prior to this match, Kerry accidentally cut his arm causing bleeding before the match even started. During the match, Kerry's head would get busted open. He then during the end of the match had Jerry Lawler in a clawhold on the mat with Lawler's shoulders down. However, the referee saw the blood on Kerry's head, thought it was excessive and stopped the match. The crowd thought Kerry won by submission but instead 'due to excessive bleeding' the referee stopped the match and awarded the decision and the WCWA Championship to Jerry Lawler.[38] This would mark the end of Kerry's WCWA run.

[edit] United States Wrestling Association (1989)

Kerry did continue to wrestle at the Dallas Sportatorium under the USWA banner, which acquired World Class in early-1989. He formed a tag team with Jeff Jarrett, and won the Texas heavyweight title twice.[39][40] In 1990, Kerry feuded violently with Matt Borne, who turned heel during a ringside interview; and during one match, the two battled outside the Sportatorium into the parking lot during a thunderstorm. Manager Percy Pringle also turned heel, and began feuding with Kerry.

During the height of their angle, Kerry abruptly left the USWA and joined the WWF, billed as The Texas Tornado, leaving the Von Erich tradition to older brother Kevin (who was considered semi-active) and Chris. Honorary Von Erich Gentleman Chris Adams then became the Sportatorium's main headliner, feuding with Pringle, Steve Austin and Jeannie Clark.

[edit] World Wrestling Federation (1990-1992)

[edit] Intercontinental Champion (1990)

Near the end of his career in summer of 1990, he signed a contract with Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and debuted on July 28, 1990 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event as a babyface named Texas Tornado, defeating Buddy Rose, who coincidently was older brother Kevin's opponent when he made his wrestling debut in 1976.[41] At SummerSlam 1990, Tornado substituted for the injured Brutus Beefcake and defeated Mr. Perfect to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship.[42][43] After he became IC Champion, Tornado defended the title for 3 months including a match against Haku on October 13 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event[44] before dropping the title back to former champion Mr. Perfect in a rematch on December 15 (taped November 19) edition of Superstars.[45] Kerry lost this match, and the title to Perfect due to interference from "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.[45]

[edit] Sporadic feuds / Jobber to the Stars (1991-1992)

At Survivor Series 1990, he wrestled in a Survivor Series match where he teamed with the WWF Champion Ultimate Warrior (formerly The Dingo Warrior in World Class) and the Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal). He was eliminated by long-time rival Mr. Perfect but his team won the match.[46][47] At Royal Rumble 1991, he participated in the 1991 Royal Rumble match where he entered fifth and was eliminated by The Undertaker (Punisher in USWA, whom Kerry had defeated for the Texas Heavyweight Title in 1989)[40] after lasting nearly half an hour.[48] He made his WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania VII, defeating Dino Bravo following a Tornado Punch.[49] At SummerSlam 1991, he teamed with the British Bulldog and Ricky Steamboat in a six-man tag team match to defeat the team of The Warlord and Power and Glory (Paul Roma and Hercules).[50]

At Survivor Series 1991, he teamed with Sgt. Slaughter, Jim Duggan and Tito Santana against Colonel Mustafa, The Berzerker, Skinner and Hercules. He did not eliminate anyone, but his entire team survived.[51] He made his last pay-per-view (PPV) appearance at Royal Rumble 1992, he participated in the Royal Rumble match for the vacant WWF Championship where he was eliminated by the eventual winner Ric Flair, the man Von Erich beat eight years before for the NWA World Heavyweight Title.[6][52] Kerry's push eventually ended as he moved to the status of jobber to the stars (JTTS), putting over upcoming stars such as The Undertaker, Ted DiBiase, Rick Martel and Shawn Michaels.[53][54] He left WWF in the summer of 1992.

[edit] Post-WWF (1992-1993)

Kerry then went back to Texas and claimed the USWF Texas Heavyweight Championship, which he lost to Dynamite Dixon in November. This would be Kerry's last championship belt. Kerry returned to Dallas to compete in the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), where he began teaming with former arch-rival Chris Adams. Kerry's final match took place on January 23, 1993 at an ECW/WWA show in Philadelphia, where he fought a double disqualification with Salvatore Bellemo.[55] During that event he was managed by Nancy Sullivan, aka Woman.

[edit] Death and family

Kerry had a history of drug problems, and drugs may have been a factor in the motorcycle crash in 1986 that cost him his right foot. Von Erich committed suicide at his father's ranch in Denton, Texas, on February 18, 1993 only one day after being indicted on a cocaine possession charge.[3] He is survived by two daughters, Lacey and Hollie. Lacey was briefly involved in professional wrestling, having signed a developmental deal with the WWE in mid-2007, but left before the end of 2007. Lacey has since returned to the sport, and will be involved in a match later this year with Missy Hyatt in Lacey's corner.

A memorial service for Kerry was held at the Dallas Sportatorium the day after his suicide, with both Chris Adams and Marc Lowrance delivering emotional speeches to the crowd. Two months later, a memorial wrestling card in his honor was held at the Sporatorium, which featured the last-ever match between the Freebirds and the Von Erichs.

[edit] In wrestling

  • Finishing and signature moves
  • Nicknames
  • "The Modern Day Warrior" (WCCW)
  • "The Texas Tornado" (WWF)

[edit] Championships and accomplishments

  • United States Wrestling Federation
  • USWF Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Kerry Von Erich Profile. Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Kerry Von Erich Bio. Accelerator 3359. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.
  3. ^ a b c "Power Slam", This Month in History: February, SW Publishing, January 1999, p. 28. 55. Retrieved on 2007-07-14. 
  4. ^ a b Dananay, John (1979-06-17). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Kerry Von Erich beat Gary Hart”
  5. ^ a b Von Erich Family Profile. Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.
  6. ^ a b c d N.W.A. World Heavyweight Title. The Great Hisa's Puroresu Club. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
  7. ^ a b c d Lopez, Richard (2008-05-08). Kerry Von Erich's Title History. Blogger. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
  8. ^ a b WWE Intercontinental Championship official title history. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-05-08.
  9. ^ Foley, Mick (1999). Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks. New York: Regan Books, 129. ISBN 0060392991. 
  10. ^ a b c d e NWA American Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  11. ^ Dananay, John (1980-12-28). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Kerry Von Erich beat Gino Hernandez to win American Heavyweight Title”
  12. ^ Wrestling Star Wars 6/81 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-07. “World Class American Champ Ernie Ladd vs. Kerry Von Erich”
  13. ^ a b c NWA American Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  14. ^ Wrestling Star Wars 10/81 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-07. “Kerry Von Erich & Terry Orndorff beat The Great Kabuki & Chan Chung (20:08) to win the World Class World Tag Title when Orndorff pinned Chung”
  15. ^ Wrestling Star Wars 3/82 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-07. “Kevin & Kerry Von Erich DDQ Gary Hart & King Kong Bundy in a "Texas death steel cage" match”
  16. ^ Texas Stadium 1982 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-07. “Kerry Von Erich pinned Harley Race in a "no DQ" match”
  17. ^ Slamboree 1998 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-07. “NWA World Champ Ric Flair beat Kerry Von Erich in three falls”
  18. ^ Christmas Star Wars 1982 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-07. “NWA World Champ Ric Flair beat Kerry Von Erich in a "no DQ steel cage" match. Michael Hayes was the special referee. Hayes slammed the cage door in Kerry's face and started the Von Erichs vs. Freebirds feud”
  19. ^ a b NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  20. ^ Wrestling Star Wars 06/83 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-07. “Kerry Von Erich & Bruiser Brody beat Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy to win the World Class American Tag Title when Von Erich pinned Hayes”
  21. ^ a b c d e World 6-Man Tag Team Title (Texas) history At wrestling-titles.com
  22. ^ Independence Day Star Wars 1983 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-07. “Kerry, Kevin, & David Von Erich beat The Freebirds in three falls”
  23. ^ Dananay, John (1983-08-12). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts & Michael Hayes beat Kerry, Kevin & David Von Erich to win Six-Man Tag titles”
  24. ^ Dananay, John (1983-09-05). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts & Michael Hayes beat Kerry, Kevin, & David Von Erich”
  25. ^ Dananay, John (1983-11-24). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Kerry Von Erich beat Michael Hayes, cage match, loser leaves Texas”
  26. ^ Dananay, John (1983-12-02). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “David, Kevin & Kerry Von Erich beat Ric Flair, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts to win Six-Man Tag titles”
  27. ^ Dananay, John (1984-01-30). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts beat David, Mike (sub for Kevin, injured in pre-match attack) & Kerry Von Erich DQ (per stipulation, win allows Hayes and Gordy to return to WCCW)”
  28. ^ 1st Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-07. “Kerry Von Erich pinned Ric Flair (11:24) to win the NWA World Title”
  29. ^ Parade of Champions. 411mania. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
  30. ^ Dananay, John (1984-07-04). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts beat Kevin, Kerry & Mike Von Erich in Badstreet match to win Six-Man Tag titles”
  31. ^ Dananay, John (1984-09-03). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Kevin & Kerry Von Erich beat Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts to win Six-Man Tag titles in cage elimination match”
  32. ^ Dananay, John (1984-10-27). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Chris Adams, Jake Roberts & Gino Hernandez beat Kerry & Mike Von Erich & Bobby Fulton (sub for injured Kevin Von Erich) to win Six-Man Tag titles”
  33. ^ Dananay, John (1984-10-29). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Kerry Von Erich beat Gino Hernandez DQ to win American Title”
  34. ^ Dananay, John (1984-11-22). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Terry Gordy beat Killer Khan, referee's decision, Texas Death Match, special referee Kerry Von Erich. Kerry Von Erich & Iceman Parsons beat Kelly Kiniski & Jake Roberts”
  35. ^ Dananay, John (1984-12-25). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Kerry Von Erich beat Ric Flair DQ”
  36. ^ Dananay, John (1984-12-31). WCCW Results. World Class Memories. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. “Kevin, Kerry & Mike Von Erich beat Gino Hernandez, Chris Adams & Jake Roberts to win Six-Man Tag titles”
  37. ^ a b World Class Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  38. ^ SuperClash III results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “AWA World Champ Jerry Lawler beat Kerry Von Erich (18:53) to win the WCCW Title when the referee stopped the match due to Von Erich's excessive bleeding”
  39. ^ a b World Class Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  40. ^ a b c Texas Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  41. ^ Saturday Night's Main Event results - July 28, 1990. WWE (1990-07-28). Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “Texas Tornado def. "Playboy" Buddy Rose”
  42. ^ SummerSlam 1990 official results. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “Intercontinental Championship Match: Texas Tornado def. Mr. Perfect to become champion”
  43. ^ Texas Tornado's first Intercontinental Championship reign. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
  44. ^ Saturday Night's Main Event results - October 13, 1990. WWE (1990-10-13). Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “Intercontinental Championship Match: Texas Tornado def. Haku”
  45. ^ a b WWF Superstars Results (1986-1997). Angelfire. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
  46. ^ Survivor Series 1990 results. Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “Kerry von Erich was eliminated by Mr. Perfect”
  47. ^ Survivor Series 1990 official results. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “The Warriors: Ultimate Warrior, "The Texas Tornado" Kerry Von Erich & The Legion of Doom def. The Perfect Team: Mr. Perfect & Demolition. Sole Survivor: Ultimate Warrior”
  48. ^ Hulk Hogan (spot No. 24) wins the Royal Rumble Match. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “Kerry Von Erich by Undertaker”
  49. ^ WrestleMania VII official results. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “The Texas Tornado def. Dino Bravo”
  50. ^ SummerSlam 1991 official results. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “6-Man Tag Team Match: Ricky Steamboat, Davey Boy Smith and Texas Tornado def. The Warlord and Power & Glory”
  51. ^ Survivor Series 1991 official results. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Sgt. Slaughter, The Texas Tornado Kerry Von Erich & Tito Santana def. Col. Mustafa, The Berzerker, Skinner & Hercules. Survivors: Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Sgt. Slaughter, The Texas Tornado Kerry Von Erich, Tito Santana”
  52. ^ Ric Flair (spot No. 3) wins the Royal Rumble Match to become WWE Champion. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “Kerry Von Erich by Ric Flair”
  53. ^ WWF Show Results 1991. Angelfire. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
  54. ^ WWF Show Results 1991. Angelfire. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
  55. ^ ECW results - January 23, 1993. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. “Kerry Von Erich DDQ Salvatore Bellomo”
  56. ^ Texas Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  57. ^ National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Title (Texas) history At wrestling-titles.com
  58. ^ World 6-Man Tag Team Title (Texas) history At wrestling-titles.com

[edit] External links

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