Mike Von Erich was a professional wrestler who belonged to the famous Von Erich family. He was the son of Fritz Von Erich, a wrestling promoter and legend, and the brother of David, Kerry, Kevin and Chris, who also wrestled. Mike had a promising career in the ring, but he also faced many personal challenges and tragedies that led him to take his own life at the age of 23. This article will explore the life and death of Mike Von Erich, and how he became a victim of the so-called Von Erich curse.
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Early Life and Wrestling Debut
Mike Von Erich was born Michael Brett Adkisson on March 2, 1964, in Dallas, Texas. He was the fourth son of Fritz and Doris Von Erich, who had six sons in total. Mike had a happy childhood, but he also witnessed the death of his oldest brother Jack Jr., who drowned in a puddle after being electrocuted by a wire when he was six years old.
Mike grew up watching his father and brothers wrestle, and he developed a passion for the sport. He was trained by his father and made his wrestling debut on November 24, 1983, at the age of 19. He adopted the ring name Mike Von Erich, as part of the family tradition. He quickly became a fan favorite, and won several titles in his father’s promotion, World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). He also wrestled in Japan for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1987.
Health Problems and Suicide Attempt
Mike’s wrestling career was cut short by health problems that started in 1985. He underwent shoulder surgery to repair an injury he sustained in the ring, but he contracted a rare form of toxic shock syndrome that nearly killed him. He spent several weeks in intensive care, and lost a lot of weight and muscle mass. He also suffered from brain damage that affected his memory and coordination.
Despite his condition, Mike returned to wrestling in 1986, but he was not the same performer as before. He struggled to keep up with his opponents, and he lost his confidence and charisma. He also became addicted to painkillers and alcohol to cope with his physical and emotional pain.
In October 1986, Mike attempted suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills. He left a note saying that he felt like a failure and that he wanted to join his brother David, who had died in Japan in 1984 from acute enteritis. Mike was found unconscious by his brother Kevin, who rushed him to the hospital and saved his life.
Final Days and Death
After his suicide attempt, Mike went to rehab and tried to recover from his addiction and depression. He also resumed wrestling, but he was still unhappy and dissatisfied with his life. He felt that he could not live up to his family’s legacy, and that he had disappointed his fans and himself.
On April 12, 1987, Mike decided to end his life for good. He drove to Lake Dallas, Texas, where he had spent many happy moments with his family. He left a note in his car saying that he loved his family and friends, but that he could not handle the pressure anymore. He then walked into the woods near the lake, where he overdosed on Placidyl (a sedative) and alcohol. His body was found two days later by a hiker.
Mike’s death was ruled as a suicide by the Denton County Sheriff’s department. He was buried next to his father and brothers at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas.
Legacy and Impact
Mike Von Erich’s death was a huge shock and loss for the wrestling world. He was mourned by his family, friends, colleagues and fans, who remembered him as a talented and charismatic wrestler who had a bright future ahead of him. His death also added to the tragedy of the Von Erich family, who had already lost three sons before him.
Mike’s death also raised awareness about the dangers of toxic shock syndrome, which is a rare but serious complication of bacterial infections. It also highlighted the issues of drug abuse and mental health problems among wrestlers, who often face physical and emotional stress in their profession.
Mike Von Erich is remembered as one of the stars of WCCW, where he had memorable feuds with The Fabulous Freebirds, Brian Adias and others. He also held several championships, including the NWA American Heavyweight Championship, the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (Texas version), and the WCCW Middle Eastern Championship.
Mike Von Erich was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 as part of The Von Erichs group. He is also honored by Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI), who named him Rookie of the Year in 1984 and Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year in 1985. He also ranked 23rd in the PWI Years Top 100 Teams in 2003, along with his brothers Kevin, Kerry and David.
Mike Von Erich was a wrestling star who had a tragic end. He was a victim of the Von Erich curse, but he was also a hero who inspired many people with his courage and charisma. He will always be remembered as a legend of the sport, and as a beloved member of the Von Erich family.
