Kevin Von Erich, a name synonymous with professional wrestling, has a net worth of approximately $10 million. Best known for his time in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), Kevin made a significant impact as both a singles and tag team wrestler.
He’s not just a former wrestler; he’s a key figure in one of the most iconic wrestling families in history.
This article explores Kevin Von Erich’s journey from his wrestling roots to his impressive net worth, as well as his legacy in the world of sports entertainment.
Early Life and Family Background
Born Kevin Adkisson on May 15, 1957, in Belleville, Illinois, Kevin came from a family entrenched in the world of professional wrestling. His father, Fritz Von Erich (real name: Jack Adkisson), was a former wrestler and promoter who ran Big Time Wrestling, later known as World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW).
Kevin was the second of six brothers, with siblings including Jack Jr., David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris. Unfortunately, Kevin’s brother, Jack Jr., tragically passed away at a young age, but the rest of the Von Erich brothers followed their father into the wrestling business.
Kevin was a talented athlete from an early age. He attended North Texas State University with aspirations of a football career and played as a fullback. However, a serious injury ended his football dreams, and he soon turned his attention to wrestling, which would become the foundation of his wealth and legacy.
Biography
| Full Name | Kevin Adkisson |
|---|---|
| Ring Name | Kevin Von Erich |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Belleville, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Wrestler, Businessman |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | 242 lbs (110 kg) |
| Spouse | Pam Adkisson (married 1980) |
| Children | 4 (including Ross and Marshall Von Erich) |
| Father | Fritz Von Erich |
| Known For | World Class Championship Wrestling, WCWA Heavyweight Champion, NWA Texas Tag Team Champion |
| Wrestling Debut | 1976 |
| Retirement | 1995 |
| Signature Move | The Iron Claw |
| Business Ventures | Commercial real estate, K.R. Adkisson Enterprises |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
Wrestling Career Beginnings
In 1976, Kevin Von Erich entered the world of professional wrestling, joining his father’s promotion Big Time Wrestling, which later became World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). Adopting the ring name Kevin Von Erich, he became one of the most popular wrestlers in the promotion.
Known for his athleticism and good looks, he quickly built a reputation in the ring. His decision to wrestle barefoot also became one of his signature characteristics, further adding to his unique persona.
Kevin’s early success was in the tag team division, where he frequently teamed up with his brothers David and Kerry.
Together, they captured multiple championships, including the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship and the NWA American Tag Team Championship. Kevin’s singles career also flourished, culminating in winning the NWA American Heavyweight Championship in 1978.
Rise to Fame in WCCW
By the 1980s, WCCW was gaining national attention, and Kevin Von Erich was at the forefront of its success. His popularity skyrocketed as he continued to win both singles and tag team titles.
The Von Erich family became the face of WCCW, and Kevin was a central figure in the promotion’s glory days. He won the prestigious WCWA Heavyweight Championship and remained a top competitor throughout the 1980s.
The Von Erichs’ feud with the Fabulous Freebirds, which included Terry Gordy, Michael Hayes, and Buddy Roberts, was one of the most memorable rivalries in wrestling history.
This rivalry, known for its intense and often violent matches, helped cement Kevin’s status as a wrestling icon. The free-for-all battles between the two teams kept fans on the edge of their seats and were a defining aspect of his career.
Later Career and Retirement
In the late 1980s, World Class Championship Wrestling merged with the Continental Wrestling Association to form the United States Wrestling Association (USWA).
However, due to internal disputes, WCCW was eventually pulled from the USWA in 1990. Kevin tried to revive the promotion but faced many challenges, leading to its closure later that year. He then began wrestling in various independent promotions, including WWF and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in Mexico.
Kevin Von Erich officially retired from wrestling in 1995 after competing in CMLL. Despite his retirement, his influence on the sport remained significant. In 2005, he made a surprise appearance on WWE Raw, where he performed his signature Iron Claw move on Rob Conway.
Kevin later returned to wrestling alongside his sons, Ross and Marshall, in several events, including appearances in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Involvement in Media
The Von Erich family’s wrestling legacy has been chronicled in various documentaries and films. Kevin appeared in documentaries like “The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class” and “The Most Powerful Families in Wrestling,” which were produced by WWE. In 2023, Kevin and his family’s story was adapted into the biographical film “The Iron Claw”, where Kevin was portrayed by actor Zac Efron.
Personal Life and Business Ventures
Kevin Von Erich has been married to his wife Pam since 1980, and the couple has four children, two of whom, Ross and Marshall, have followed in their father’s footsteps and become professional wrestlers. Kevin currently resides in Hawaii with Pam, where they run a family investment business. Outside of wrestling, Kevin is involved in commercial real estate and owns K.R. Adkisson Enterprises, further diversifying his wealth.
Kevin Von Erich’s Net Worth
Kevin Von Erich’s estimated net worth stands at around $10 million. His wealth has been accumulated through his successful wrestling career, business ventures, and his family’s enduring influence in the wrestling industry. Despite the highs and lows of his wrestling career, Kevin’s financial success is a testament to his lasting impact on the sport and his ability to diversify into other areas of business.
Conclusion
Kevin Von Erich’s career as a wrestler, coupled with his business ventures, has earned him a net worth of $10 million. From his rise to fame in World Class Championship Wrestling to his continued involvement in wrestling with his sons, Kevin’s legacy as a member of one of wrestling’s most influential families is secure. His wealth and enduring influence in the sport make him a significant figure in the history of professional wrestling.
People May Ask
What is Kevin Von Erich’s net worth?
Kevin Von Erich’s current net worth is estimated at $10 million, which he accumulated through his wrestling career and various business ventures.
How did Kevin Von Erich become famous?
Kevin Von Erich rose to fame in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he became one of the promotion’s top stars, winning multiple championships and engaging in legendary feuds with teams like the Fabulous Freebirds.
Is Kevin Von Erich still involved in wrestling?
While Kevin Von Erich officially retired from wrestling in 1995, he continues to make occasional appearances in the wrestling world, including matches with his sons Ross and Marshall in promotions like TNA and AEW.
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