FRITZ VON ERICH

by Ron Mullinax

Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw is the story about the life and times of Jack Adkisson, also known as pro wrestling legend Fritz Von Erich, and the famous Von Erich wrestling dynasty. -Not since the Kennedys of Massachusetts has an American family publicly suffered personal tragedy after personal tragedy like the Von Erichs of Denton County, Texas.-

While the Kennedy family became famous worldwide for their political accomplishments and the tragedies of their sons, the Von Erich family became famous worldwide for their athletic accomplishments and the tragedies in their family.

Read how Fritz Von Erich and his five sons impacted the wrestling world with their family's show World Class Championship Wrestling, which at one time was syndicated in 66 U.S. television markets, Japan, Argentina, and the Middle East. The story, as told to Ron Mullinax by Jack Adkisson himself, follows his wrestling career and family tragedies beginning in the 1950s and continuing until his death in 1997.

196 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2005

About the author

After graduating from high school at the Army & Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California, Ron spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps with a tour in Vietnam. After coming back to Texas Ron attended Junior College at Henderson County J.C. in Athens, Texas. Ron's background has been mostly and Computers and Real Estate spending 7 years with GTE in Dallas, Texas. The Major Influence in my life and the motivation behind my writing was a very interesting person by the name of Jack Adkisson, aka, Fritz Von Erich (The Master of the Iron Claw). Fritz was a Professional Wrestler and my childhood hero. Later in my life I would not only meet my childhood hero, but would be by his side and hold his hand as he passed from this world. Before Jack Adkisson passed away he related to me his life story and family tragedies, and made me promise that I would write his story in his own words so all the Von Erich fans around the world could hear this amazing but sad life story from "Fritz Von Erich" himself.

Reviews

[Jacqueline Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I have been a fan of the Von Erichs since I was a child. It is an easy read, and was glad that Fritz Von Erich decided to tell his story. Keep in mind, I felt that this story has a slanted bias viewpoint. But I do believe that his story came from a genuine place. I appreciate the author actually using newspaper articles to validate information. I would love for Kevin Von Erich to tell his reality. I do believe that it will be a little different. All in all a great read, any fan of the Von Erichs would enjoy.

[Eric Keyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all grew up with the American past time of wrassling.
Whether it's Andre The Giant, Ric Flair, The Rock or Fritz
Von Erich, these characters are larger than life. That is key
to Ron's first hand experience of this larger than life family.

You won't be able to put this book down.

[Joe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is it possible to give a book zero stars?

[Krystal Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best ive read this year. I grew up watching wrestling with my dad. I dont remember the Von Erichs but i think if i saw them in costume i would. Reading how he got his start in wrestling, marring the love of his life, ups and downs and more ups and downs. Tragedy after tragedy. Losing 5 of his 6 sons (3 to suicide) such a hard and sad life. Then getting a terminal illness and passing in 1997. How he built the Von Erich dynsty for his children to inherite. Then not having any buisness backgroud and then declaring bankrupsy.
As sad as this story is, it may be my favorite of the year.

[Barrie]

Enjoyed reading about Fritz von Erich and his family from the wrestling legend's perspective just months before he lost his battle with cancer.

[Ozwald Leibovitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this shit man. I couldn’t read this book without crying

[Di · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely easy read for anyone that was a fan growing up. It brought back a lot of childhood memories. The tragedy this family dealt with is bone chilling and heartbreaking.