Summary

  • Kerry Von Erich's feud with Ric Flair led to a historic victory as the youngest NWA World Heavyweight Champion in 1984.
  • The Iron Claw film, starring Zac Efron, portrays the famous Von Erich wrestling family's real-life story, with some entertainment changes.
  • The Von Erichs' rivalry with The Fabulous Freebirds added drama and excitement to the world of wrestling, captivating fans.

The Iron Claw made some changes to the Von Erich’s for entertainment purposes.

Kerry Von Erich was the fourth son of famous professional wrestler Fritz Von Erich. Among the Von Erich brothers, Kerry was the one who seemed most likely to bring a world championship title home. The professional wrestler earned many accolades, including the WCWA Heavyweight Champion and WWF Intercontinental Champion. However, Kerry is mostly famous for his feud with the real-life Ric Flair from The Iron Claw which earned him the NWA World Heavyweight championship.

Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich from The Iron Claw in a custom background
Related
The Iron Claw: What Happened To The WCCW After Kevin Von Erich Sold It

In The Iron Claw, Kevin Von Erich sells the family's wrestling company after the deaths of his brothers. In reality, things happened differently.

How Kerry Von Erich's Feud With Ric Flair Started

Kerry Von Erich Was Not The One Who Was Supposed To Fight Ric Flair

The rivalry between Kerry Von Erich and Ric Flair is one of the most talked about feuds in wrestling. At the time it began, Ric Flair had been the NWA World Heavyweight Champion for a year until David Von Erich was tapped to take his place. Unfortunately, David died in Japan before he had the chance to face Flair and thus claim his championship. After his untimely death, his brother, Kerry Von Erich, was the one that became Ric Flair's new rival (via THESPORTSER)

Of the Von Erich brothers, Kerry showed the most star power, which explains why he was the one chosen to take over as the new champion from his brother. The Iron Claw stays true to that for most of the story. However, the movie does not depict the number of times that Kerry had to defend his championship against people who were vying for it.

Kerry's Feud With Ric Flair Grew Into A Von Erich Rivalry Against The Fabulous Freebirds

The Von Erichs And The Fabulous Freebirds Started As Allies

Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron) Versus Ric Flair (Aaron Dean Eisenberg) in The Iron Claw (2023)

The feud between the Von Erichs and The Fabulous Freebirds has a reputation as one of the greatest wrestling rivalries. The Von Erichs and The Fabulous Freebirds were initially presented as allies until the battle for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship between Kerry and Ric Flair changed the dynamic between the two tag teams. In 1992, Kerry challenged Ric Flair to a cage match where Michael Hayes was going to be a special referee. During the match, Flair knocked Kerry into Hayes, but Hayes mistakenly thought that Kerry had attacked him. Gordy then slammed the door on Kerry, and thus began their storied rivalry (via Business Insider).

The feud between the Von Erichs and The Fabulous Freebirds ended in 1988 when the WCCW went out of business.

The feud between the Fabulous Freebirds and the Von Erichs was great entertainment and the WCCW made sure to capitalize on it. The WCCW set up unique fights such as singles bouts between a Von Erich and a Freebird, or they would add allies to their matches. However, the most popular matches were the six-man tag team because they added to the rivalry that wrestling fans had come to enjoy (via THESPORTSTER).

Kerry Von Erich's Biggest Wrestling Match Against Ric Flair Happened In 1984 - Who Won?

Kerry Von Erich Became The Youngest NWA World Heavyweight Champion

Aaron Dean Eisenberg as Ric Flair in The Iron Claw's trailer.

40 years ago, on May 6, 1984, one of wrestling's biggest and most famous matches took place at the Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. Kerry Von Erich made history when he defeated Ric Flair and became the youngest NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Kerry’s victory against Ric Flair was made even sweeter because it was his late brother, David, who was supposed to be the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion before he died. His victory meant that the Von Erichs could keep the title which had been their dream in the family (via THESPORTSER).

The only other people besides Kerry who had shorter NWA World Heavyweight Champion reigns include Gary Steele, Tommy Rich, Rhino, Ray Gonzales, and Shane Douglas.

Unfortunately, Kerry’s reign as the NWA World Heavyweight Champion was short-lived. Kerry only held onto the title for 18 days before losing it to Ric Flair on May 24, 1984, in Yokosuka, Japan. Despite his short reign, Kerry had the chance to defend his title against several opponents, and he held his own (via Wrestlingheadlines). The Iron Claw is an especially important movie because it pays homage to the Von Erichs, especially Kerry, who died in 1993 and was recognized as a former world champion, a feat that few wrestlers have achieved.

Kerry eventually made it to the WWE, where he won the Intercontinental Title from Mr. Perfect as The Texas Tornado.

Sources: THESPORTSER, Business Insider, Wrestlingheadlines.

The Iron Claw (2023)
The Iron Claw
R
Biography
Sports
Drama
8/10
8.0/10
Release Date
December 22, 2023
8/10
8.0/10

Cast
Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons, Lily James, Maxwell Friedman, Brady Pierce, Aaron Dean Eisenberg, Kevin Anton, Cazzey Louis Cereghino, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Ryan Nemeth, Scott Innes
Director
Sean Durkin
Writers
Sean Durkin
Studio(s)
A24, House Productions
Distributor(s)
A24