Why is Chris Von Erich Not in Iron Claw? Who was Chris Von Erich?
by Sangamithra
Updated Jan 03, 2024
Why is Chris Von Erich Not in Iron Claw?
Chris Von Erich is notably absent from the movie "The Iron Claw" due to director Sean Durkin's decision to omit certain aspects of the Von Erich family story for the sake of time and narrative focus. The film primarily centers on Fritz Von Erich and his sons, depicting the family's prominence in the wrestling world during the 1980s.
Chris, the youngest of the six Von Erich brothers, had a brief wrestling career, turning professional in 1990. Unfortunately, his aspirations were hindered by health challenges, including being 5-foot-5-inches tall, asthmatic, and having brittle bones due to medication. Tragically, Chris died by suicide on September 12, 1991, at the age of 21, marking the fourth sibling loss for the Von Erich family.
Durkin explained that the decision to exclude Chris was one of the toughest choices he had to make, acknowledging the complexity and tragedy of the Von Erich family history. The director cited time constraints, stating that the reality of the Von Erich story is even more relentless than what could be portrayed in the movie. To craft a manageable narrative, Durkin made choices about what elements could fit within the movie's scope, leading to the omission of Chris Von Erich from "The Iron Claw."
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Who was Chris Von Erich?
Chris Von Erich, born Christopher Barton Adkisson on September 30, 1969, in Dallas, Texas, was a professional wrestler from the renowned Von Erich family. Trained by his father, Fritz Von Erich, he debuted on June 22, 1990, in the wrestling world. Standing at 5 ft 5 in and weighing 175 lb, he adopted the ring name Chris Von Erich.
Sadly, his life was cut short at the age of 21 when he died by suicide on September 12, 1991, in Denton, Texas, through a gunshot. His tragic death marked a sorrowful chapter in the history of the wrestling dynasty, known for its successes and adversities.
When did Chris Von Erich Die?
Chris Von Erich died on September 12, 1991, around 9 P.M., at the age of 21. His brother Kevin and his mother found him outside their family farm in Edom, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Earlier that night, Chris approached Kevin to retrieve a videocassette recorder (VCR) he had borrowed. During their conversation, Chris expressed suicidal thoughts due to his broken arm.
Despite Kevin's pleas, Chris assured him he wouldn't harm himself. However, after Kevin left, Chris shot himself. He was rushed to the East Texas Medical Center and passed away shortly after 10 P.M., just 18 days before his 22nd birthday. Toxicology reports revealed the presence of cocaine and valium in his system. Chris Von Erich was laid to rest at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas.
Chris Von Erich Career
Chris Von Erich, the youngest and smallest of the Von Erich family, nurtured dreams of becoming a wrestler, inspired by his successful brothers, including Mike, David, Kerry, and Kevin. Growing up around World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), Chris took on various backstage roles, even winning his first amateur wrestling match at the tender age of six. In the 1980s, he played minor roles in wrestling storylines, supporting his brothers against rivals like The Fabulous Freebirds.
Chris officially entered the wrestling scene in 1990, engaging in a feud with Percy Pringle in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA), featured nationally on ESPN. Despite not being highly athletic, he endeared himself to fans who passionately cheered him on during matches. Chris faced challenges, such as an attack by Matt Borne and Pringle, causing a prolonged headache. Tragically, his wrestling career was brief, as he passed away at the age of 21 in 1991.
The Iron Claw
"The Iron Claw" is a 2023 biographical sports drama film directed and written by Sean Durkin. It revolves around the life of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich and the Von Erich family. The cast includes Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Holt McCallany, and Lily James.
Premiering at the Texas Theatre in Dallas on November 8, 2023, the film was released in the United States by A24 on December 22, 2023, and is set to be released by Lionsgate UK in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2024. The movie, spanning 132 minutes, received positive reviews from critics and earned a spot in the National Board of Review's top 10 films of 2023. With a budget of $15.9 million, it surpassed expectations, reaching a box office revenue of $18.2 million.
Why is Chris Von Erich Not in Iron Claw - FAQs
Chris Von Erich is not in the movie due to directorial decisions to streamline the narrative, focusing on the prominent Von Erich family.
Chris Von Erich, born in 1969, was the youngest of the Von Erich wrestling family. His aspirations for a wrestling career were cut short tragically when he died by suicide in 1991 at the age of 21.
Chris Von Erich died on September 12, 1991, at 21, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His struggles and tragic end marked a sorrowful chapter in the Von Erich family's history.
Chris entered wrestling in 1990, facing challenges due to health issues. Despite a short career, he gained fan support and engaged in storylines, supporting his brothers against rivals.
"The Iron Claw" is a 2023 biographical sports drama film focusing on wrestler Kevin Von Erich and his family's prominence in the wrestling world. The film received positive reviews.