Doris Von Erich is a name that holds tremendous significance in the world of professional wrestling. As the matriarch of the legendary Von Erich family, Doris played a crucial role in raising her six children, who went on to dominate the wrestling scene in the 1980s. However, with fame and success came tragedy, as five of her six children met untimely ends.
This post delves into the life of Doris Von Erich, exploring her background, her relationship with her husband, and the significant role she played in the unique family saga.
Doris Von Erich Biography
Born Doris Adkisson, Doris Von Erich was more than just the wife of a wrestling legend and the mother of wrestling prodigies. She was a woman of strength who held her family together in the face of unimaginable tragedies. Doris was born on July 17, 1936, in Texas, where she was raised with the values of hard work, resilience, and family.
She married Jack Adkisson, better known as Fritz Von Erich, in 1950, and together they had six sons: Jack Jr., Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris. All of her sons, except Jack Jr., who died at a young age, followed in their father’s footsteps into the wrestling ring. Doris always supported her husband and sons in their wrestling careers, despite the dangers and sacrifices it entailed.
Family Background
The Von Erich family is a name synonymous with wrestling. Fritz Von Erich, born Jack Adkisson, was a wrestling pioneer who launched his own promotion, the World Class Championship Wrestling. He was a three-time world champion and a 20-time NWA United States Champion. Despite his demanding nature, Fritz was a dedicated father and husband who instilled a love of wrestling in his sons.
However, the family also experienced its fair share of tragedies. Jack Jr. died in a tragic accident at the age of six. Later, David, Mike, and Chris died prematurely, leaving a lasting impact on the family. Despite these losses, Doris remained a pillar of strength for her family, providing much-needed emotional support and stability.
Doris Von Erich and Fritz Von Erich Wrestling Romance
Doris met Fritz in high school, and they married shortly after. Their relationship, though marked by love and mutual respect, was not without its challenges. Being married to a wrestling legend and raising six boys, especially in a family where wrestling was more than a sport, was no easy task.
Over the years, their relationship was tested by the demanding nature of the wrestling industry, the tragic deaths of their sons, and Fritz’s eventual health problems. After 42 years of marriage, Doris and Fritz divorced in 1992. Despite their divorce, Doris remained close to her ex-husband and continued to support her sons in their wrestling careers.
Children of Doris Von Erich
Doris Von Erich and her husband, Jack Adkisson, had six children together: Jack Jr., Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris. These six siblings, known as the Von Erich brothers, formed one of the most iconic families in wrestling history.
They were all trained by their father and became known for their athletic prowess and innovative moves, such as the Iron Claw, which was passed down through the family. The Von Erich brothers left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry and inspired countless future wrestlers with their dedication and talent.
What Happened To Doris Von Erich and Her Family After the Iron Claw
The Iron Claw, the Von Erich family’s signature move, became a symbol of their dominance in the wrestling world. However, as the years went on, the family began to experience a series of personal tragedies. Five of Doris Von Erich’s children passed away under various circumstances, including suicide, drug overdose, and a tragic accident.
These devastating losses took a heavy toll on Doris and the surviving family members, causing them to distance themselves from the wrestling world. Despite the pain and heartache they endured, the Von Erich family’s legacy in the wrestling industry remains strong, with the children’s accomplishments still celebrated by fans today.
Death Of Doris Von Erich
Doris Von Erich passed away on September 10, 1992, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and perseverance. Her life was marked by unimaginable tragedy, as she lost five of her six children in a span of just a few years.
Despite these devastating losses, Doris remained a pillar of strength for her family, supporting her husband and their surviving son, Kevin, through the most challenging times.
Is Doris Von Erich Still Alive?
As mentioned earlier, Doris Von Erich is no longer with us, as she passed away in 1992. However, her impact on the wrestling world and her family’s legacy continue to live on.
Kevin Von Erich, the sole surviving son, has carried on the family tradition, training his own children in the art of wrestling and ensuring that the Von Erich name remains synonymous with excellence in the industry.
Conclusion
Doris Von Erich was an extraordinary woman who played a vital role in one of wrestling’s most famous families. She was the glue that held the family together during their most challenging times. Despite the tragedies they faced, Doris’s love for her family never wavered. She passed away in 2015, but her legacy lives on in the wrestling world through her sons and grandchildren. Her story serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of a woman who stood at the heart of a wrestling dynasty.
Doris Von Erich’s life was a mixture of triumph and tragedy. As the matriarch of the legendary Von Erich family, she played a pivotal role in raising her children to become wrestling icons. Despite facing unimaginable losses and heartache, Doris remained a symbol of strength and resilience. Today, her legacy lives on through her surviving son, Kevin, and the generations of wrestlers who continue to be inspired by the Von Erich family’s indomitable spirit.
As we remember Doris Von Erich, we honor a woman of incredible strength and tenacity, a true matriarch of the wrestling world.
