Kevin Ross Adkisson, better known as Kevin Von Erich, stands as a storied figure in the world of professional wrestling. Born on May 15, 1957, in Belleville, Illinois, Kevin emerged from a lineage renowned for its contributions to wrestling. As the son of Fritz Von Erich, a legendary wrestler and promoter, Kevin carved his path in the wrestling arena, carrying forward the family legacy with passion and determination. Today, he remains the last surviving son of Fritz Von Erich and continues to embody the spirit of the Von Erich wrestling family.
Personal Information Summary:
- Full Name: Kevin Ross Adkisson
- Date of Birth: May 15, 1957
- Age: 67 years (as of 2024)
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Place of Birth: Belleville, Illinois, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Mixed
- Sexuality: Straight
- Religion: Christianity
- Height: 6’3’’ (191 cm)
- Parents: Fritz Von Erich (father), Doris Adkisson (mother)
- Siblings: Five (all deceased)
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Pam Adkisson
- Children: Four (Kevin Marshall, David Michael Ross, Kristen Rain, Jillian Lindsey)
- Education: Lake Dallas High School, University of North Texas
- Profession: Retired Professional Wrestler, Businessperson
- Net Worth: $10 million (as of 2024)
Early Life and Family Background
Kevin Von Erich was born into a family deeply rooted in the wrestling world. His father, Fritz Von Erich, was not only a three-time world champion and a six-time NWA United States Champion, but he also founded and owned World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), a promotion that became a hub for many future wrestling stars. Kevin’s mother, Doris Adkisson, played a supportive role, raising their six sons in a household where wrestling was a way of life.
Kevin was the second oldest among his five brothers: Jack Jr., David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris. Tragically, his eldest brother, Jack Jr., died in a freak accident in 1959 at the age of six. His other brothers—David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris—all followed their father into professional wrestling, each achieving varying degrees of success. However, Kevin witnessed each of them pass away under tragic circumstances, leaving him as the last surviving member of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty.
The Wrestling Career of Kevin Von Erich
Kevin Von Erich began his wrestling career in 1976, following in his father’s footsteps. He wrestled under his father’s World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) promotion, quickly becoming one of the standout stars of the family. Kevin’s unique style—he famously wrestled without boots—set him apart in the ring and became one of his trademarks. His agility, athleticism, and high-flying maneuvers made him a fan favorite and a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling world.
During the late 1970s, Kevin rose to prominence as a tag team wrestler, often partnering with his younger brother David. Together, they won the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship twice in 1978, solidifying their reputation as formidable competitors. Kevin’s career continued to flourish in the 1980s, where he competed against some of the most notable names in the industry, including Chris Adams, Ric Flair, and The Fabulous Freebirds, who were long-standing rivals of the Von Erich family.
Kevin’s wrestling prowess was not confined to tag team bouts. He also achieved considerable success as a solo competitor, capturing the WCWA World Heavyweight Championship and other regional titles. Despite his success, the tragic deaths of his brothers—David in 1984, Mike in 1987, Chris in 1991, and Kerry in 1993—cast a long shadow over his career. In interviews, Kevin has often spoken of how these losses took an emotional toll on him, ultimately influencing his decision to retire from wrestling in 1995.
A Brief Retirement and Subsequent Returns to the Ring
After retiring in 1995, Kevin Von Erich distanced himself from the wrestling world, citing the emotional strain caused by the loss of his brothers and the changing landscape of the wrestling industry. In a WWE Network interview, he expressed his feelings: “My situation was so different because I lost my brothers. I knew I didn’t want to get old in the ring. The real thing that took me out of the business was that it wasn’t fun anymore. Everything reminded me of my brothers.”
However, Kevin did not stay away from the ring forever. He returned for a brief appearance in 2005 and again in 2017. In 2017, he teamed up with his sons, Ross and Marshall, to wrestle in Tel Aviv, Israel, where they defeated Marty Jannetty, Jumping Lee, and Gery Roif at The Rage Wrestling Mega Show. The event was a significant moment for Kevin, allowing him to wrestle alongside his sons and continue the Von Erich family tradition.
Kevin and his sons also appeared on All Elite Wrestling’s Dynamite and Rampage episodes on December 13, 2023, further solidifying their connection to the modern wrestling scene. Kevin’s participation in these events showcases his enduring love for the sport and his desire to share it with the next generation of his family.
Life Beyond Wrestling: Business Ventures and Personal Life
Beyond his wrestling career, Kevin Von Erich has successfully ventured into various business endeavors. He owns the rights to Southwest Sports, the distributor of World Class Championship Wrestling, now known as K.R. Adkisson Enterprises. In recent years, he has also dabbled in commercial real estate, including placing his Texas ranch up for sale with a price tag of $17 million in 2022. These ventures have helped build Kevin’s net worth, which is estimated at around $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth and Wealthy Gorilla.
Kevin’s personal life has been marked by stability and happiness. He has been married to Pam Adkisson since August 1, 1980. The couple has four children: two sons, Kevin Marshall and David Michael Ross, and two daughters, Kristen Rain and Jillian Lindsey. His sons, Ross and Marshall, have followed in his footsteps, becoming professional wrestlers under the tag team name “Marshall and Ross Von Erich.” Together with his wife, Kevin resides in Kauai, Hawaii, where they run a family investment business.
Legacy and the Von Erich Family’s Continued Influence
The legacy of the Von Erich family is one of both triumph and tragedy. Kevin Von Erich has remained committed to honoring his family’s contributions to wrestling while coping with the profound personal losses he has endured. In 2015, ESPN featured Kevin and his family in an episode of “30 for 30 Shorts” titled “Wrestling the Curse,” which highlighted the highs and lows of the Von Erich family’s wrestling dynasty.
Kevin’s presence at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in 2016 for the induction of The Fabulous Freebirds, one of the Von Erich family’s fiercest rivals, underscored the deep respect and admiration he holds for those who shared the ring with him and his family. Despite the tragedies that have marked his life, Kevin remains a symbol of resilience and determination in the wrestling community.
In 2023, Kevin announced plans to return to his roots, moving back to a ranch near Boerne, Texas, with his family. This decision reflects his desire to reconnect with the place where he and his brothers first developed their love for wrestling, a sport that has given him much and taken much from him.
Conclusion
Kevin Von Erich’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of family, passion, and perseverance. As the last surviving son of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty, he has carried forward the legacy of his family with pride and grace. While his wrestling career brought him fame and fortune, it is his resilience in the face of personal tragedy and his ongoing commitment to his family’s legacy that truly defines him. Today, Kevin Von Erich continues to inspire both wrestling fans and those who admire his strength, character, and unwavering dedication to the values that have shaped his life.