The Untold Stories of the Von Erich Family: Missing Pieces in The Iron Claw

The Von Erich Family: A Tragic Tale

A24's The Iron Claw is a poignant portrayal of the Von Erich family's struggles and triumphs, loosely based on real-life events. The film shines a light on the trials and tribulations of parents Fritz and Doris Von Erich, as well as their sons Kevin, Kerry, David, and Michael. However, there are other members of the Von Erich family who received little to no screen time, leaving behind a trail of untold stories and missing pieces.

Fritz, Kevin, Kerry, David, and Michael Von Erich embrace in the center of the ring in a scene from The Iron Claw.

Set between the late 1970s and the early 1990s, The Iron Claw follows the second-oldest Von Erich, Kevin, as he grapples with the challenges of keeping his family and himself afloat amidst the Von Erichs' pursuit to become the greatest wrestling family of all time. While the film strikes a balance between fact and fiction, it raises questions about the overlooked aspects of the Von Erich family history, shedding light on the untold chapters of their lives.

Zac Efron and Lily James as Kevin Von Erich and Pam Adkisson in The Iron Claw.

The Unseen Von Erichs: Jack Jr. and Chris

The Iron Claw focuses on the more famous sons of Fritz Von Erich: Kevin, Kerry, David, and Michael. Yet, in reality, Fritz had a total of six sons, with Jack Jr. and Chris receiving little attention in the film. Jack Jr. is briefly depicted in a scene where Kevin shares the tragic family accident that claimed Jack Jr.'s life, attributing it to the Von Erich family curse. However, the film overlooks the youngest member of the family, Chris, who is entirely missing from the narrative.

Chris' absence from The Iron Claw leaves behind a significant untold story. Despite his small stature and struggle to establish himself as a wrestler, Chris faced severe depression, compounded by the tragedy of his brother Michael's suicide. In 1991, Chris tragically took his own life, adding another layer of sorrow to the Von Erich family saga. Writer-director Sean Durkin's decision to omit Chris' story raises questions about the representation of the Von Erich family's complete history in the film, leaving a void of untold experiences and emotions.

Legacy of the Von Erich Family

The Iron Claw ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing Kevin's resilience and ability to overcome adversity. However, the film's conclusion fails to capture the continuation of the Von Erich legacy in the wrestling world. After the events depicted in The Iron Claw, Kevin and Pam's sons, Ross and Marshall Von Erich, followed in their father's footsteps and achieved success as wrestlers. Additionally, Kerry's daughter, Lacey Dawn Adkisson, briefly continued the family's wrestling legacy, further extending the impact of the Von Erich family in the world of wrestling.

The untold stories of the Von Erich family members who continued to pursue wrestling after the events of The Iron Claw shed light on the enduring legacy of the Von Erich name. Their resilience and determination to carry on the family tradition add a profound layer to the narrative, showcasing the ongoing impact of the Von Erich family in the wrestling arena.