Wrestling legend Kevin Von Erich has shared the latest on his sons Ross and Marshall following their recent, impactful appearance on AEW Collision. During the July 20, show, the legendary family aligned with Dustin Rhodes and Kevin made clear that his boys could learn a lot from the former Goldust.
Speaking to Third League Radio, Kevin, the subject of the A24 biopic The Iron Claw, Kevin said he’d gotten “choked up” watching Ross and Marshall in the ring for their matches in AEW and Ring of Honor. Kevin was also asked whether fans can expect to see more of his son in Tony Khan’s company (h/t Fightful.)
“I don’t know what I can say or can’t say. I know they are in negotiations right now. They’re talking to different people… I really like AEW. That’s kind of where I’m leaning right now, but it’s up to the boys, so we’ll just see. We’ll find out.”
The Von Erichs in AEW/ROH
Across both AEW and Ring of Honor, Ross & Marshall Von Erich have six matches to their name and boast an impressive 6-0 record. The pair’s most recent match saw them defeat Alex Reynolds and John Silver during the latest ROH Honor Club TV taping and Kevin taught the Iron Claw to Katsuyori Shibata. Joining AEW/ROH full-time would be a huge step for Ross & Marshall, who are former MLW World Tag Team Champions, and add another incredibly talented tag team to Tony Khan’s roster.
Shibata may be adding another move to his repertoire and it came courtesy of the legendary Kevin Von Erich.
Marshall and Ross Von Erich reunited with Dustin Rhodes on the latest episode of AEW Collision as the company finds itself deep in the heart of Texas which means their father was not far off. The family was backstage with Rhodes who made clear that he had his generational good brothers’ backs.
They may soon have another ally as it was caught by fan footage during Ring Of Honor tapings that Kevin Von Erich was showing Shibata the proper way to administer the treachorous Claw, a move that has put many a many down at the notorious Sportatorium.
Shibata was clearly excited and honored for the moment as the Japanese star was in the ring with Kevin, the brothers and Dustin.
There could be a good trio feud forthcoming as Chris Jericho and The Learning Tree recently had an angle where they took out Shibata, Samoa Joe and HOOK one by one.
Marshall & Ross Von Erich have always been an ultimate babyface tag team as they cut a great deal of their pro wrestling teeth in Major League Wrestling and Japan. The brothers even became the MLW World Tag Champions by defeating MJF and Richard Holliday years back.
Dustin Rhodes continues to wrestle for AEW as he’s been in a select bit of high-profile matches, even competing in a World Title eliminator match. He also recently made clear he has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Kevin Von Erich is all too familiar with what it takes to run a wrestling promotion and the wrestling legend credits Tony Khan for a strong ability to hit the reset button.
Speaking on the A2TheK, Von Erich talked about what he thought of AEW, who happened to showcase his sons, Ross and Marshall on their programming.
“I love those people. It’s a great company. I know this isn’t anything, but the catering was great! What good food. The people are really nice.
“Tony Khan is something else. Every company needs a guy like that. Somebody that loves the business. That can look at the business like it was his first day every morning. That’s that guy. I have a lot of admiration for him. The wrestlers, all great, old friends,”
The Von Erichs starting appearing on AEW programming back when The Iron Claw was being released in theaters. Marshall and Ross actutally recently appeared on an episode of AEW Rampage as they teamed with Dustin Rhodes in triple tag action.
The Von Erichs would certainly be a great fit for the upcoming AEW World Tag Team Title Tournament. Already in the mix is Orange Cassidy and Trent Barretta as well as the AEW EVPs, The Young Bucks, who inserted themselves into the equation. Both Ross and Marshall are former MLW World Tag Team Champions as they actually defeated Richard Holliday and MJF to become the champions.
If you haven’t gotten to see The Iron Claw, we have several reviews on the site, including a recent write-up from B.J. Bethel.
While The Rock and Roman Reigns aim to bolster The Bloodline on Friday Night SmackDown, Dustin Rhodes and The Von Erichs continue their own familial legacy on AEW Rampage.
Rhodes will be teaming up with Ross and Marshall Von Erich in trios action as AEW is in the thick of “Von Erich Country” down in Texas. The Von Erichs, who are the sons of Kevin Von Erich, expressed their excitement ahead of teaming with Rhodes as Marshall thanked Tony Khan for making the pairing happen.
Ross and Marshall weren’t the only ones excited for the opportunity as Dustin himself was pumped to team up with another legacy family in the “one true sport.”
Rhodes took to social media and was informed by AEW’s Alex Marvez of the additional historical significance that “The Natural” is teaming up with Ross and Marshall.
“A little history lesson for you. Our own Alex Marvez told me last night that their dad Kevin tagged one and only one time with my pops back in 1978. So you can imagine how special this meant to me. #VonErichsAndRhodes #TexasBoys whooping tail!! Trios anybody? Thanks Tony Khan for making this happen. Historical and honored. #keepsteppin and see you tomorrow night on #AEWRampage baby!!!”
A little history lesson for you. Our own @alexmarvez told me last night that their dad Kevin tagged 1 and only 1 time with my pops back in 1978. So you can imagine how special this meant to me. #VonErichsAndRhodes#TexasBoys whooping tail!! Trios anybody? Thanks @TonyKhan for… https://t.co/Yzlrh74bRX
Marshall and Ross Von Erich have already competed in ROH, but the brothers, along with Kevin, shared a good deal of experience in Major League Wrestling. Ross & Marshall actually became the World Tag Team Champions for the promotion when the brothers beat Richard Holliday and former AEW World Heavyweight Champion MJF.
Popular film company A24 has been praised for their biographical drama The Iron Claw, based on Kevin Von Erich and the rest of the Von Erich family. The film was released in the United States on December 21, 2023, and is currently enjoying critical and financial success. To celebrate the film’s performance, A24 has announced the upcoming release of their action figure based on the film.
On Twitter, A24 revealed an action figure of Zac Efron’s portrayal of Kevin and shared that it will be available for pre-order soon. It will be the first merchandise released from the film on their website.
“Bringing the Iron Claw to YOU. Available for pre-order on the A24 Shop next month: the official Zac Efron-as-Kevin Von Erich Action Figure,” wrote A24.
The film company added that it will also come with a warm-up jacket for the action figure seen in the movie. It’s unclear if A24 plans to release other action figures based on The Iron Claw, like Jeremy Allen White’s role as Kerry Von Erich.
The back of the package for their upcoming action figure, besides Efron and White, also has Holt McCallany(Fritz Von Erich), Harris Dickinson (David Von Erich), and Stanley Simons(Mike Von Erich). The success of their first action figure could possibly lead to more with the rest of the Von Erich Family featured in the film.
No official release date has been shared from A24. However, fans in the comment section have pointed out that the film has yet to be released worldwide.
The Iron Claw Box Office & Future Release In Other Countries
Business Report’s Dillion Lowe shared that the film was made on a $15 million budget. According to Box Office Mojo, it has grossed over $29 million in the United States. Although The Iron Claw has made a profit, it hasn’t been available to people in different parts of the world.
The film is slowly being released in other countries this year and three countries in the last two weeks. Box Office Mojo has shared that the film has been released in the United Arab Emirates(January 4), Russia (January 11) and Iceland (January 12). All three countries boosted sales for a combined over $181 thousand.
Digital Spy’s Sam Warner reported that the film will go to theaters in the United Kingdom on February 9. It’s unclear if the movie will go to other markets like Japan, France, and Mexico. A24’s film could cross well over $30 million at the box office, but it may not be as much as it could’ve been. The long wait will have the film competing with newer releases in different countries.
Regardless, A24’s The Iron Claw is already a success and will try to add more revenue with their upcoming action figure.
If you have a brother or a sister you’re close to, get ready to text them after you see “The Iron Claw.” I was fortunate enough to have mine sitting right beside me to catch an advance screening of the film, and both of us being ardent wrestling fans, it hit several different notes.
The looming tragedy of the Von Erich’s is immediately set in the first scene of the film with Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, battling in “Raging Bull” black and white, showing the raw brutality that pro wrestling fanatics of yesteryear yearned for. The punishment wrestlers put on their bodies is a lingering backdrop to the sad story that’s on tap. Director Sean Durkin does a beautiful job at making it a visual necessity, giving the viewers the feeling that they’re the ones taking the elbows and backdrops. The cinematography is foreboding and immersive throughout the majority of the film.
Dominic DeAngelo of SEScoops is joined by his wrestling podcast brother, Marcus DeAngelo, to give their advanced (spoiler-free) review of “The Iron Claw” – including if it hits with wrestling fans, if it hits with the non-wrestling fans, the standout performances and what was missing.
The Acting ‘Does The Work’ In “Iron Claw”
From a performance standpoint, there isn’t a weak link in “The Iron Claw.” McCallany (from “Mindhunters” the amazing short-lived FX boxing series “Lights Out”) is prideful, blunt and frustratingly cold as patriarch Fritz. Zac Efron will surprise people with the range he shows playing the title role of Kevin Von Erich, bringing a caring naivety to a person who ultimately endures so much. Jeremy Allen White delivers as Kerry, so much that it feels like he doesn’t get enough screen time. However, the low-key stars of the Von Erich brothers are the portrayals of David and Mike.
Harris Dickinson gives the role of David his just due, the Von Erich brother who really defined the familial identity that so many World Class fans were drawn to. He’s positioned in a supporting role, but his efforts are imperative to displaying the loving kinship the brothers have with one another, making his passing all the more devastating.
Stanley Simons is spot-on at portraying the unnecessary loss that became Mike Von Erich. Due to his lack of desire to wrestle, Mike was a lighting rod for the cruelty of Fritz. Simons is excellent as the funny, sweet son who could have been an invaluable asset to the family’s success without ever having to step inside the ring. He, for many reasons, defines the tragedy as a whole.
Familiar Faces & Heels
When it comes to the wrestler cameos, they are there, but they don’t necessarily stand out to the un “mark”-ed eye. Ryan Nemeth has brief dialogue as Gino Hernandez and you see Chavo Guerrero Jr. working smoothly against Efron as The Original Sheik. “Iron Claw” executive producer MJF gets just a sip rather than a full “cup of coffee” as Lance Von Erich. The fake family cousin has literally a second of screen time (but the AEW Champ does makes the most of that).
Two legends do get their promo time in the film. We have a full monologue from Ric Flair, portrayed by Aaron Dean Eisenberg. His mannerisms, cadence and body type are pretty accurate to that of The Nature Boy’s and it’s likely the closest you can get without grabbing a time machine. It’s hard to nail Ric Flair without actually having Ric Flair.
The other talent to get a spotlight was Harley Race and it’s with good reason. Kevin Anton nails it as “The Greatest on God’s Green Earth.” Fans will also enjoy seeing the Fabulous Freebirds get their screen time, but may also come away not being fully satisfied considering how big that rivalry was for WCCW. The late Jerry Jarrett gets a hat-tip with a portrayal near the end of the film.
Music Puts You In A “Stranglehold”
Music in “The Iron Claw” is, quite simply, great. You want those 1979 vibes? The film delivers and Von Erich fans will absolutely eat up the “Tom Sawyer”-fueled montage mid-film (I know I did). It should be a sought-after playlist on Spotify. Coinciding with this vibe, is the film’s first showing of Allen White as Kerry. In true pro wrestling fashion, Durkin makes you wait in anticipation for your first sight of the late great Texas Tornado.
Significant Differences From The Full Story Down In Denton, TX
From a historically accurate standpoint, “The Iron Claw” takes its fair share liberties; primarily its biggest one is not including the youngest brother, Chris Von Erich, at all in the film. Like Kerry and Mike, the smaller Chris also committed suicide in 1991 after not being able to compete in the ring due to health issues.
In addition to that glaring omission, timelines are shifted and occurrences are substituted in an effort to streamline the story for the masses. Fans super in tune with the Von Erich history may come away frustrated, but local Pittsburgh wrestler, Shawn Blanchard, a WCCW diehard, didn’t let that deter his overall enjoyment of the film. In turn, fellow wrestling journalist Tom Letergy noted it may be difficult for the regular movie goer to keep track of all the “who, where, and when” (Note: We were watching it on a Dolby surround screen and the bottom part of the film was cut off, so there could have been significant notations us viewers didn’t see.)
While it’s touched upon, the wild lifestyle of all the Von Erich brothers was mostly burdened onto Kerry in an effort to show his own unraveling. Like Kerry, Kevin also had the tendency to get crazy and miss shows. More of an effort could have been made to embrace the fun (yet ultimately destructive) side of the business that the brothers were known for, simply to give viewers a break from all that heartache.
Family Comes First In “The Iron Claw”
As expected, the overall story of the film is drastically sobering. That’s all the more accentuated if you grew up in a family of siblings, have experienced loss, or are concerned with losing someone. There were several moments where I wanted to turn to my own brother and tell him how much I love him, but I followed the unhealthy method of the callous Fritz by expressing no feelings. It’s certainly moving for a wrestling fan looking through such a prism. Therefore, the ending of the film makes a very unique choice to lighten all the sadness the family endured and if you loved the Von Erichs, you’ll be grateful for the effort made.
If you’re an old school wrestling fan, you’ll have plenty to appreciate. If you have a brother you can talk to afterwards, you’ll have even more.
“The Iron Claw” releases everywhere on December 22. Follow Dominic DeAngelo on X @DominicDeAngelo.
The Von Erich family is one of the most iconic lineages in professional wrestling, with its origins dating back to 1953.
The Von Erichs have seen both highs and lows throughout their lives, so it’s only fitting that a biopic about the legendary family is set to be made.
‘The Iron Claw,’ named after Fritz Von Erich’s iconic finishing move, will see Zac Efron (Firestarter, The Greatest Showman) involved, but he’ll be working without the family.
No Involvement
SEScoops has learned that the surviving members of the legendary Von Erich family are not involved with the production of The Iron Claw.
Kevin Von Erich is the last surviving son of Fritz Von Erich. His sons, Marshall and Ross Von Erich, currently wrestle as a tag team for Major League Wrestling (MLW).
Even without the Von Erich’s involvement, the film will go ahead, produced and financed by A24 (Euphoria, Ramy.)
Sean Durkin (The Nest) is on board to direct.
A synopsis for the film is as follows:
“Based on the true story of the Von Erichs, the film follows the rise and fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport from the 1960s to the present day.”
Synopsis for The Iron Claw
The Von Erich Family tragedy
The Von Erich name began in wrestling when Fritz Von Erich entered the industry in the early 50s.
Fritz would have six children, almost all of whom would meet tragic ends.
Jack Adkinson Jr. died aged 6 after being shocked unconscious and drowning in a puddle, and David Von Erich died in 1984, which many believe was due to an overdose.
Kerry Von Erich, who would have a reign as WWF Intercontinental Champion, died via suicide in 1993, and his brother Mike would also end his own life four years later.
After the death of Mike, Chris Von Erich took his own life in 1991, leaving Kevin Von Erich as the only surviving son of Fritz.
The third generation of Von Erichs includes Lacey Von Erich, who wrestled for TNA Wrestling and retired in 2010, and Ross and Marshall Von Erich, who compete to this day for MLW.
The Viceland episode of the Dark Side Of The Ring
documentary titled “Last of the Von Erichs” took a look at the Von Erich family
and it referred to Kevin Von Erich who is the last surviving member of the
family after the untimely deaths of his brothers.
During a recent interview with WrestlingInc, Kevin discussed
a number of things and he also talked about losing three of his brothers to
suicide, a fact that was also the main focus of the documentary.
Von Erich said that it’s good if someone else can benefit
from it. He went on to advise people to not entertain such stupid thoughts and
told them to be a winner:
“If someone else can benefit from it and realize, don’t
commit suicide. There is never a reason to commit suicide. Don’t listen to that
crap and don’t entertain those stupid thoughts, don’t be a loser. Be a winner
and fight. If you give the easy way, then you’ll get loser’s pay. If you fight
for it, then you’ll get winner’s pay. That’s the only way I can put it.”
Apart from this, Kevin Von Erich also talked about his sons Ross and Marshall and their impending wrestling debut, claiming that he will be at their corner but not as a manager. You can check out his full interview at this link.
Kevin Von Erich was featured recently in the Vice documentary “The Last of the Von Erichs.” He was a guest recently on Busted Open Radio.
“Do your best and trust God. It works for me and I’m sure it’ll for you too,” Kevin said on the show. “I just that hope my story can help some other people so that it’s a benefit to the world.”
Kevin’s boys Marshall and Ross also appear in the documentary and were recently signed to Major League Wrestling and will debut for the promotion on June 1st. He spoke about how his story is now an uplifting one despite the tragedy which has occurred in the past.
“This is more beautiful than the blessing of silk,” Kevin spoke of his current situation. “To have all my children with me out here. We all live on one 27-acre farm out here.”
Kevin and his family moved to the Hawaiian island of Kauai in 2007. Ross and Marshall are still based out of the island.
“They take care of me, all the kids take care of me,” he continued. “They live by themselves, you know, but it’s love. We live like Hawaiians lived 1000 years ago, I think. A village is like a family.”
The full interview can be listened to in the player below:
– As noted, WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair will be coming out with his own podcast in the near future. The name of the show will be “Woo Nation.”
– WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Von Erich noted on social media that his sons Ross and Marshall have tryouts with WWE this May. Von Erich tweeted the following:
– WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Von Erich announced via social media that the ESPN “30 for 30” piece on his family will air on Friday night’s edition of SportsCenter at 6pm EST.
– The latest edition of Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” podcast features part one of an interview with Lance Storm, as well as a review of Sunday’s WWE Fastlane pay-per-view. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– Below is a video of Big Show singing “Happy Birthday” to his former WrestleMania opponent, boxing champion Floyd Mayweather.
– TNA President Dixie Carter announced on social media that Ross and Marshall Von Erich, sons of the legendary WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Von Erich, will be making their return at next month’s Impact Wrestling television taping at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Their father, Kevin Von Erich, is also scheduled to appear.
Dixie wrote the following on Twitter about the return of the Von Erichs:
– Drew Galloway, the former Drew McIntyre in WWE, wrote the following on his official Twitter account regarding his official TNA debut at the Impact Wrestling television taping in Glasgow, Scotland earlier this week.
WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Von Erich recently posted the following on his official Facebook account regarding his sons Ross Von Erich and Marshall Von Erich wrestling at this past Sunday night’s TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view:
“What a great feeling to see your sons rise to the occasion. The media blitz before the show, I watched the pressure build, and build, I saw the pressure on the boys faces, I was nervous for them, even though I’ve seen that look on my own face and on my brothers, they were tough, and rather than be fearful, they trusted Him and attacked. That is what a Father wants from his son, to do his best in the face of incredible odds. They had their first real match, the pressure was on and they poured their guts into it. From here they will grow, & experience things that will sharpen them, until they are just like we were. That show was beautiful to me, the response from the fans, awesome, and this first step by my sons is to be the first step into a great new chapter in our lives. They didn’t step away they stepped up, and can only go onward and upward from here. For sure I just had the best Father’s Day a man could ask for.”
– TNA is still heavily pushing the idea of a Slammiversary appearance by former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Rebel. The Menagerie does not have a match announced for tonight’s show, outside of Crazzy Steve’s involvement in the X-Division Title match, so it’s possible that they have another segment on tonight’s pay-per-view.
– TNA president Dixie Carter tweeted the following about having dinner with WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Von Erich this weekend:
