Who Is Kerry Von Erich? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Kerry Von Erich was born on February 3, 1960, making him 65 years old as of 2025. He was a member of the famed Von Erich wrestling family and made a significant impact on the wrestling scene in the 1980s and early 1990s. Known as "The Modern Day Warrior," he achieved great success in various wrestling promotions, including World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
Despite his fame, Kerry faced numerous personal challenges, including a battle with addiction, which ultimately led to his tragic passing on February 18, 1993. His legacy continues to be honored through various tributes and memorials, ensuring that his contributions to wrestling are never forgotten.
Occupation | Football Players |
---|---|
Date of Birth | February 3, 1960 |
Age | 33 Years |
Birth Place | Niagara Falls, New York, U.S. |
Horoscope | Aquarius |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 18 February, 1993 |
Died Place | Denton, Texas, U.S. |
Popularity
Kerry Von Erich's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kerry Von Erich stood at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighed approximately 245 pounds (111 kg) during his wrestling career. His athletic build and physique made him a standout performer in the ring. While specific body measurements may vary, he was known for his muscular frame, contributing to his reputation as a formidable competitor.
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.
They would meet at an interpromotional event, SuperClash III, to settle the dispute. Prior to this match, Kerry accidentally cut his arm causing it to bleed. During the match, he also received a cut to the head.
When he later had Lawler in a clawhold on the mat with Lawler's shoulders down, 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. This would mark the end of Kerry's WCWA run.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Kerry Von Erich was married to his high school sweetheart, *******, and together they had three children: a son, ******, and two daughters, ****** and ******. Unfortunately, Kerry's personal life was not without its challenges. His struggles with addiction affected his relationships and family dynamics. In 2025, his children, along with other family members, continue to uphold his legacy, dedicating their efforts to remember him positively.
Kerry Gene Adkisson (February 3, 1960 – February 18, 1993), better known by his ring name Kerry Von Erich, was an American professional wrestler. He was part of the Von Erich family of professional wrestlers.
He is best known for his time with his father's promotion World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he spent the first 11 years of his career, and his time in World Wrestling Federation (WWF), under the ring name Texas Tornado. Adkisson held forty championships in various promotions during his career.
Among other accolades, he was a one-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, four-time WCWA World Heavyweight Champion, and one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Kerry Von Erich's net worth was estimated to be around $300,000. In 2025, while his individual earnings are no longer relevant, his estate and the ventures undertaken by his family continue to generate interest and revenue. Memorial events, merchandise, and documentaries about his life ensure that his financial legacy remains a topic of discussion among wrestling fans.
In October 1991, Von Erich renewed his old rivalry with Ric Flair, being among the first names to face him in the ring after the NWA World Champion joined the WWF that August. Flair defeated Von Erich multiple times during the WWF's October tour of the UK.
The following month, "The Texas Tornado" suffered his first lopsided loss when he was squashed by The Undertaker in less than four minutes on the November 10, 1991, episode of Wrestling Challenge. At Survivor Series, 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. He made his last pay-per-view (PPV) appearance at the Royal Rumble in 1992; he participated in the Royal Rumble match for the vacant WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
He was eliminated by the eventual winner Ric Flair, the man Von Erich beat eight years before for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Kerry's push continued to subside in early 1992. He was relegated to a house show feud with Skinner in which he came out victorious; in February he began a house show series with Rick Martel and was winless.
Career, Business, and Investments
Kerry Von Erich's wrestling career began in the late 1970s, quickly rising to fame due to his captivating in-ring ability and charismatic persona. He was a prominent figure in the thriving Texas wrestling scene, and his championship reigns, including winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, solidified his place in wrestling history.
After retiring from wrestling, Kerry pursued various business opportunities, which included endorsing wrestling products, participating in memorabilia exhibitions, and being the subject of documentaries. His family's wrestling promotions and ongoing fan interest in the Von Erich legacy continue to contribute to the family's presence in the wrestling industry.
Kerry's biggest career highlight was at the 1st Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions on May 6, 1984, when he beat the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair in a historic match, in front of over 45,000 fans at Texas Stadium to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
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.
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.
According to Ric Flair, Kerry lost the belt because he 'no showed' at least one night and possibly two, and thus Flair was told by an NWA official to get to Japan because he was getting the belt back. Apparently, Kerry was becoming unreliable and thus why he was allowed a short reign only.
Kerry was told to drop the belt to Flair before the Night of Champions encounter on May 29 between Flair and Ricky Steamboat.
Social Network
Though Kerry Von Erich passed away, his legacy endures on social media platforms. Fans of the wrestling world share memories, photos, and tributes on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. His family members also maintain social media presence to celebrate his life and influence on the wrestling community.
After an absence of two months following the real life breakdown of his marriage and subsequent divorce, Von Erich returned to action following WrestleMania VIII and defeated Marc Roberts on the April 18, 1992, episode of Superstars.
However he now found himself as an opening card act programmed against low level competition like Barry Horowitz, Kato, and Skinner. While undefeated against them in multiple matches, Von Erich was unable to move back up into contention as he suffered several losses against Rick Martel, Nailz, and Kamala.
Von Erich's final wrestling appearance on WWF TV was a loss to Shawn Michaels on the July 26, 1992, edition of WWF Prime Time Wrestling. Although Von Erich was announced to face Papa Shango at the SummerSlam PPV card in London, UK, he was replaced by El Matador and he officially left the WWF in August 1992.
Education
Kerry Von Erich graduated from high school in Texas and initially pursued a career in sports before transitioning to professional wrestling. Although specific details about his education are limited, his commitment to fitness and athleticism was evident throughout his wrestling journey.
In conclusion, Kerry Von Erich remains an iconic figure in the wrestling world. While he faced personal struggles during his lifetime, his contributions to the industry and the memories he created continue to resonate with fans. The ongoing legacy of Kerry Von Erich serves as a reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world of sports entertainment.
His brothers, David, Kevin, Mike, and Chris, were also wrestlers. Kerry was also a standout in high school track and field and possessed a record-breaking discus throw. Later during his tenure in the WWE, his finishing move would be a spinning discus punch. He trained to compete in the 1980 Summer Olympics, but was unable to attend because of the boycott imposed by U.S. President Jimmy Carter.