Summary
The Iron Clawfeatured the famous wrestling rivalry between Kerry Von Erich and Ric Flair. Led by Zac Efron, The Iron Claw cast brought the real-life story of the famous wrestling family, the Von Erichs to life. The captivating drama was a hit with both audiences and critics and is now one of Zac Efron’s best movies. Even though it is based on a true story,The Iron Clawmade some changesto the Von Erich’s for entertainment purposes.
Kerry Von Erich was the fourth son of famous professional wrestler Fritz Von Erich. Among the Von Erich brothers, Kerry was the one who seemed most likely to bring a world championship title home. The professional wrestler earned many accolades, including the WCWA Heavyweight Champion and WWF Intercontinental Champion.However, Kerry is mostly famous for his feud with thereal-life Ric FlairfromThe Iron Clawwhich earned him the NWA World Heavyweight championship.
The Iron Claw: What Happened To The WCCW After Kevin Von Erich Sold It
In The Iron Claw, Kevin Von Erich sells the family’s wrestling company after the deaths of his brothers. In reality, things happened differently.
How Kerry Von Erich’s Feud With Ric Flair Started
Kerry Von Erich Was Not The One Who Was Supposed To Fight Ric Flair
The rivalry between Kerry Von Erich and Ric Flair is one of the most talked about feuds in wrestling. At the time it began,Ric Flair had been the NWA World Heavyweight Champion for a year until David Von Erich was tapped to take his place. Unfortunately, David died in Japan before he had the chance to face Flair and thus claim his championship. After his untimely death, his brother, Kerry Von Erich, was the one that became Ric Flair’s new rival (viaTHESPORTSER)
Of theVon Erich brothers,Kerry showed the most star power, which explains why he was the one chosen to take over as the new champion from his brother.The Iron Clawstays true to that for most of the story. However, the movie does not depict the number of times that Kerry had to defend his championship against people who were vying for it.
Kerry’s Feud With Ric Flair Grew Into A Von Erich Rivalry Against The Fabulous Freebirds
The Von Erichs And The Fabulous Freebirds Started As Allies
The feud between the Von Erichs and The Fabulous Freebirds has a reputation as one of the greatest wrestling rivalries.The Von Erichs and The Fabulous Freebirds were initially presented as alliesuntil the battle for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship between Kerry and Ric Flair changed the dynamic between the two tag teams. In 1992, Kerry challenged Ric Flair to a cage match where Michael Hayes was going to be a special referee. During the match, Flair knocked Kerry into Hayes, but Hayes mistakenly thought that Kerry had attacked him. Gordy then slammed the door on Kerry, and thus began their storied rivalry (viaBusiness Insider).
The feud between the Von Erichs and The Fabulous Freebirds ended in 1988 when the WCCW went out of business.
The feud between the Fabulous Freebirds and the Von Erichs was great entertainment andthe WCCW made sure to capitalize on it. The WCCW set up unique fights such as singles bouts between a Von Erich and a Freebird, or they would add allies to their matches. However, the most popular matches were the six-man tag team because they added to the rivalry that wrestling fans had come to enjoy (viaTHESPORTSTER).
Kerry Von Erich’s Biggest Wrestling Match Against Ric Flair Happened In 1984 - Who Won?
Kerry Von Erich Became The Youngest NWA World Heavyweight Champion
40 years ago, on July 12, 2025, one of wrestling’s biggest and most famous matches took place at the Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. Kerry Von Erich made history whenhe defeated Ric Flair and became the youngest NWA World Heavyweight Champion.Kerry’s victory against Ric Flair was made even sweeter because it was his late brother, David, who was supposed to be the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion before he died. His victory meant that the Von Erichs could keep the title which had been their dream in the family (viaTHESPORTSER).
The only other people besides Kerry who had shorter NWA World Heavyweight Champion reigns include Gary Steele, Tommy Rich, Rhino, Ray Gonzales, and Shane Douglas.
Unfortunately, Kerry’s reign as the NWA World Heavyweight Champion was short-lived.Kerry only held onto the title for 18 daysbefore losing it to Ric Flair on June 15, 2025, in Yokosuka, Japan. Despite his short reign, Kerry had the chance to defend his title against several opponents, and he held his own (viaWrestlingheadlines).The Iron Clawis an especially important movie because it pays homage to the Von Erichs, especially Kerry, who died in 1993 and was recognized as a former world champion, a feat that few wrestlers have achieved.
Kerry eventually made it to the WWE, where he won the Intercontinental Title from Mr. Perfect as The Texas Tornado.
