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Bios

Mike Von Erich

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 200 lbs.

From: Denton County, TX

Birthday: Mar 2nd

Pro Debut: November 18, 1983

Feds Worked For: MSW, NWA, WCCW, Central States Wrestling (IA/KS/MO), New Japan Pro Wrestling (Japan), St. Louis Wrestling Club (MO)

Finisher: The Iron Claw

Signature Moves: Dropkick

Career Highlights: -NWA American Champion
-WCCW Middle Eastern Champion
-WCCW World 6-Man Tag Team Champion (5x; 3 w/ Kerry Von Erich & Kevin Von Erich, 1 each w/ Fritz Von Erich & Kevin Von Erich and Kevin Von Erich & Lance Von Erich)

Affiliates: Fritz Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, Lance Von Erich

Notable Feuds: Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts, Skandar Akbar, Gino Hernández, Brian Adias

Other Facts: -Real name was Michael Brett Adkisson
-Son of pro wrestler Fritz Von Erich, who trained him for pro wrestling
-Brother of pro wrestlers Chris Von Erich, David Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, and Kevin Von Erich
-Uncle of pro wrestlers Lacey Von Erich, Ross Von Erich and Marshall Von Erich and pro wrestling personality Hollie Von Erich
-Billed as the nephew of pro wrestler Waldo Von Erich. According to some sources, they were distantly related through marriage (Waldo was a distant cousin of Fritz's wife, Doris), but that cannot be confirmed or denied at this time.
-Lance Von Erich was originally billed as Mike's cousin when Lance started in WCCW
-Wrestled Buddy Roberts in his first professional match
-According to several wrestlers, including his own brother Kevin, Mike never wanted to be a wrestler. He was not a natural athlete like his older brothers, and wanted to work for his father's company as a cameraman. He also played guitar and wanted to be a musician away from the industry. After his brother David's death, he was forced into the industry. Kevin also said that Mike suffered from pressure of having to replace David after David's death.
-Holds the record for the longest WCCW World 6-Man Tag Team Title reign (w/ Kevin & Lance Von Erich; 10 months, 8 days)
-On August 22, 1985, Von Erich was operated at Granville C. Morton Cancer and Research Center in Dallas,TX for an injured shoulder. He was released four days later, with no complications, but later he has a 105 and 107 degree fevers. Unfortunately, Mike begins a battle with the rare disease toxic shock syndrome. Mike had to give up wrestling because of this disease. The Von Erichs were so popular by this point, numerous fans were offering to donate kidneys to save him.
-It was said in various publications and in the Heroes of World Class DVD, that he suffered some brain damage from his illness, and he lost a great deal of weight
-Voted Rookie of the Year by the readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 1984
-Voted Most Inspirational Wrestling of the Year by the readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 1985
-Won Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Feud of the Year (w/ David Von Erich, Fritz Von Erocj, Kerry Von Erich, & Kevin Von Erich vs. The Fabulous Freebirds [Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, & Buddy Roberts]) in 1983
-Won Wrestling Observer Newletter's Feud of the Year (w/ David Von Erich, Fritz Von Erocj, Kerry Von Erich, & Kevin Von Erich vs. The Fabulous Freebirds [Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, & Buddy Roberts]) in 1984
-Won Wrestling Observer Newletter's Match of the Year (w/ Kerry Von Erich & Kevin Von Erich vs. The Fabulous Freebirds [Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, & Buddy Roberts]) in 1984
-Committed suicide on April 12, 1987 at the age of 23, by overdosing of the tranquilizer, Placidyl.
-Buried at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas, TX along side his father Fritz and his brothers David, Kerry, and Chris
-Posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (w/ Fritz Von Erich, Chris Von Erich, David Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, & Kevin Von Erich as The Von Erichs) in 2009