Mike Von Erich

Mike Von Erich
Birth name Michael Brett Adkisson
Born (1964-03-02)March 2, 1964
Dallas, Texas, United States
Died April 12, 1987(1987-04-12) (aged 23)
Lake Dallas, Texas, United States
Cause of death Suicide
Family Von Erich
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s) Mike Von Erich
Trained by Fritz Von Erich
Debut 1983

Michael Brett Adkisson (March 2, 1964 – April 12, 1987) was an American professional wrestler under the ring name Mike Von Erich. His four brothers, David, Kerry, Kevin and Chris, also wrestled. He was the son of longtime Texas wrestler and wrestling promoter Fritz Von Erich and a member of the Von Erich family.

Professional wrestling career

Mike had five brothers: David, Kerry, Kevin, Jack Von Erich and Chris.[1] His father, longtime Texas wrestler and wrestling promoter, Fritz Von Erich, trained all his sons in professional wrestling.[1] Several wrestlers associated with Mike, such as his brother Kevin, King Kong Bundy, "Gentleman" Chris Adams, Gary Hart and Jake Roberts, have all stated that he never wanted to be a wrestler. Instead, he wanted to work for his father's company, World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), as a cameraman.

Mike made his debut on November 24, 1983, winning a match against Skandor Akbar during "WCCW Wrestling Star Wars" at the Reunion Arena. He was then involved in several encounters with The Freebirds. Von Erich and Michael Hayes brawled on October 17, 1983, in Ft. Worth, after Hayes ripped a jacket given to Mike by his brother Kerry. Mike teamed up with his brother Kevin against Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts on December 25, 1983. The only time Mike ever teamed up with his brother David was in January 1984 when, along with Kerry, they battled the Freebirds. Mike took David's place teaming with Kerry after David's death in February 1984.

WCCW tried to give Mike a feud of his own against Brian Adias in October 1986, since Kerry was out of wrestling with an ankle injury. Mike and Adias were to battle in a match at Parade of Champions on May 3, 1987, but Mike died on April 12 of that year. His final match took place at the Sportatorium on April 3, 1987, against Mike Williams.

Personal life

Mike was married on February 14, 1985, to Shani Garza.[2] He was a born-again Christian.[1]

He underwent shoulder surgery on August 22, 1985, due to an injury suffered during a wrestling tour of Israel.[3] He was released from the hospital but later he developed a fever of 107 °F (42 °C).[1] He was later diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome.[1] He suffered some brain damage as a result of his illness and lost a great deal of weight.[4]

In 1986, he suffered head injuries from a car accident in which his vehicle overturned after he lost control. In addition, Kevin cited an incident in which Mike attacked a streetlight in frustration over his current condition. Kevin once said that Mike also suffered from the pressure of having to "be David" after his brother's death. Since the beginning of his career, the pressure was on for Mike to succeed on the same level as his brothers.[1]

A few days before his death, Mike was arrested after a DWI.[1] On April 12, 1987, he left a suicide note for his family, then went to Lewisville Lake, where he drank alcohol and overdosed on the sleeping aid Placidyl.[1][5] His body was found four days later and buried at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas.

Championships and accomplishments

  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Hollandsworth, Skip. "The Fall of the House of Von Erich (February 1988)". D Magazine. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Texas Marriages".
  3. ↑ Associated Press (August 30, 1985). "Mike Adkisson, 21, Critical After Surgery : Wrestler Has Toxic Shock Syndrome". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
  4. ↑ Heroes of World Class (DVD).
  5. ↑ Cohen, Eric. "Who's who in the Von Erich Family?". Retrieved 19 April 2009.
  6. ↑ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Inspirational Wrestler of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on 2006-03-16. Retrieved 2008-07-27.
  7. 1 2 "PWI 500 of the PWI Years". Willy Wrestlefest. Retrieved 2012-08-28.
  8. ↑ "NWA American Heavyweight Title history". wrestling-titles.com.
  9. ↑ "Christmas Star Wars 1982". Pro Wrestling History. December 25, 1982. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  10. ↑ Royal Duncan & Gary Will (2006). "(Texas) Dallas: World Class 6-Man Tag Team Title". Wrestling Title Histories (4th ed.). Archeus Communications. pp. 271–272. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  11. ↑ Royal Duncan & Gary Will (2000). "Texas: WCCW Middle Eastern Title". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. p. 396. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
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