Fritz Von Erich: Master Of The Iron Claw (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw is the true story about the life and times of Jack Adkisson-pro wrestling legend Fritz Von Erich-and the famous Von Erich wrestling dynasty. "Not since the Kennedys of Massachusetts has an American family publicly suffered personal tragedy after personal tragedy like the Von Erichs of Denton County, Texas." While the Kennedy family became famous worldwide for their political accomplishments and the tragedies of their sons, the Von Erich family became famous worldwide for their athletic accomplishments and the tragedies in their family. Read how Fritz Von Erich and his five sons impacted the wrestling world with their family's show World Class Championship Wrestling, which at one time was syndicated in 66 U.S. television markets, Japan, Argentina, and the Middle East. The story, as told to Ron Mullinax by Jack Adkisson himself, follows his wrestling career and family tragedies beginning in the 1950s and continuing until his death in 1997.

About the Author

After graduating from high school at the Army & Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California, Ron Mullinax spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps with a tour in Vietnam. When he came back to Texas, Ron attended junior college at Henderson County in Athens, Texas, and Tech School at DeVry Institute of Technology in Dallas, Texas. His background has been mostly in electronics and computers, spending seven years with GTE in Dallas, Texas. The major influence in his life and the motivation behind writing this book was a very interesting person by the name of Jack Adkisson, also known as Fritz Von Erich (Master of the Iron Claw). Fritz was a professional wrestler and RonÂ’s childhood hero. Later in his life, Ron would not only meet his childhood hero, but he would also be by his side and holding his hand as Jack passed from this world. Before Jack Adkission died in 1997, he relayed his lifeÂ’s story and family tragedies to Ron, making him promise that he would write his story! in JackÂ’s own words so that all the Von Erich fans around the world would be able to read the Von Erich story from Fritz Von Erich himself.

Product Details

• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Hats Off Books (February 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587364085
• ISBN-13: 978-1587364082
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #379,695 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read for Sports Fans and Non-Sports fans alike, November 14, 2005

By	RL (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw (Hardcover)

I purchased this book, because I grew up watching WCCW on television as a kid. I knew bits and pieces about the life and times of the Von Erichs. However, I was extremely surprised that this was a first hand account of Fritz Von Erich's (Jack Adkisson) life.

This is the true story of a World Famous Wrestler (Fritz), and his friendship with a Viet Nam Veteran (author Ron Mullinax), who just so happens to have grown up idolizing him. After Fritz is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Ron moves in with Fritz and becomes his caregiver. Fritz makes his friend promise to write his life story for all his fans. This is that book.

Through their time together, Fritz Von Erich delves into the dissolution of his 40 year marriage with his true love. The joy and heartbreak of having and losing all but one of his 6 boys to tragic endings. The rise and fall of his Wrestling Dynasty, and his struggle with a belief in God.

Very surprising, because despite the colorful and International reputation of Fritz and his patented "Iron Claw", he had never disclosed his personal life. The author, gives us a true life retelling, simply, and with warmth. However, this book is not a rehash of tragic headlines, although they do help augment the book. It is so much more, it really gets into the heart and brain of this man.


There were times my jaw dropped, because I could not believe what I was reading. Fritz voice comes through very clear. Ron Mullinax is a first time author, and he makes clear this point. You won't get flowery language with this one. You get a straight forward tale. I highly recommend this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Von Erich Family, December 8, 2005

By	texasmom (Texas) - See all my reviews

Growing up a fan of Kerry and Kevin Von Erich...this book brought to life the stories that I never knew but had always wondered about. Now I know the emotional struggle the entire family went through. Which has only made me that much more of a fan. I loved the way the book was written because it was straight to the point...No added drama. Their real lives had enough of it anyway!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fritz Von Erich: Master of The Iron Claw , November 13, 2005

By	Lady Favors - See all my reviews

This book is a must have for any library. It takes a different approch to tell the story of a great family. The most intimate stories of there lives are brought to life for the reader. I couldn't put it down. You will experiance every human emotion as you read their story, but most of all you will walk away inspired.