The Tragic True Story of The Iron Claw and the Von Erich Family

Sean Durkin’s The Iron Claw, now streaming on Netflix, tells the devastating true story of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty. Starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, and Harris Dickinson, the A24 film explores the rise of the family in the 1980s and the tragedies that later overshadowed their legacy.

Fritz Von Erich: The Patriarch

Born Jack Barton Adkisson Sr. in 1929, Fritz Von Erich transitioned from discus throwing and football to professional wrestling in the 1950s. He became a villainous character in the ring, winning multiple championships and later founding World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) in Dallas. His relentless drive pushed his sons into the sport, shaping them into stars.

The Von Erich Brothers

Fritz and his wife Doris had six sons: Jack Jr., Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris. Most followed their father into wrestling, becoming household names in Texas and beyond. Their signature move, the “iron claw,” and their charisma made them fan favorites.

Kevin Von Erich, portrayed by Zac Efron, was the eldest surviving brother and remains the only living sibling today. His brothers each faced tragic fates that came to be known as the “Von Erich curse.”

The Von Erich Curse

• Jack Jr. (1952–1959): Died in a freak accident after being electrocuted and drowning.
• David (1958–1984): Passed away at 25 from ruptured intestines while touring in Japan.
• Mike (1964–1987): Suffered toxic shock syndrome after surgery, later died at 23 from a tranquilizer overdose.
• Chris (1969–1991): Struggled with asthma and injuries, died by suicide at 21.
• Kerry (1960–1993): The most accomplished wrestler of the family, lost his foot in a motorcycle accident, continued wrestling with a prosthesis, and died by suicide at 33.

By the time Fritz died in 1997, five of his six sons had predeceased him.

Kevin Von Erich Today

Kevin, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009, lives in Hawaii with his wife Pamela. They have four children, including wrestlers Marshall and Ross Von Erich, and 11 grandchildren. Kevin continues to honor his family’s legacy while acknowledging the painful history.

The Film’s Impact

Durkin’s The Iron Claw recreates real-life matches with authenticity, training its cast under pro wrestler Chavo Guerrero Jr. While the film omits Chris Von Erich for runtime reasons, it captures the family’s triumphs and tragedies with emotional depth. Kevin admitted watching the film was difficult but praised its portrayal of the love within his family. “There are painful spots, but there are beautiful ones too,” he said.