One more match: Kevin Von Erich

Second & third generations of the Von Erichs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The news is spreading fast that Kevin Von Erich is stepping back into the ring for one more match. The surviving brother of the famous Texas wrestling family retired in 1995 but has announced he will have one more match in Israel. Kevin will team with his sons Ross and Marshall July 9.

The Von Erichs

Von Erich will turn 60 later this month and drew the comparison when his father, Fritz Von Erich, joined forces with his famous sons against the Freebirds. Fritz was in his mid-50s then. Despite having undergone nine surgeries on his knees as well as back operations, Kevin looks to still be in phenomenal shape. And you can tell Ross and Marshall are ready to rumble.

Ric Flair vs. Kevin Von Erich

The Von Erichs are some of the first wrestlers I remember seeing on TV every Sunday morning. I was hooked after Kerry battled Ric Flair in a steel cage match on Christmas 1982. That lead to one of the greatest feuds of all-time between the Von Erichs and the Freebirds. Kerry quickly became my favorite, but Kevin always displayed a level of athleticism few others could keep up with. In addition to the members of the Freebirds, Kevin had awesome one on one encounters with Ric Flair, Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez.

The Von Erich Brothers
Courtesy: WWE

Kevin opened up about his brothers and their drug abuse in this interview. It's a very telling story. I wish nothing but the best for the Von Erich family. I look forward to watching the father and his sons do battle in the ring one last time. I'm glad Ross and Marshall have had success overseas and look forward to them one day stepping into the ring in the WWE.

Legacies the WWE needs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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There's no shortage of second and third generation Superstars in WWE.  Notables on the current roster include Charlotte, Bray Wyatt, The Usos and Natalya.  Being the son or daughter of a legendary wrestler can be a double-edged sword.  We've seen some rise to new heights, while others struggled to make a name for themselves.  Here are a few legacies I'd like to see in WWE sometime soon.

Ross, Kevin and Marshall Von Erich

Rumors that Marshall and Ross Von Erich are going to be a part of NXT have been circulating for quite some time.  The sons of WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Von Erich and grandsons of the late, great Fritz Von Erich (also in the HOF) are amazing in the ring.  They worked briefly for TNA and do a lot of wrestling in Japan.  Growing up I was a huge fan of the Von Erichs and these two young men have picked up where their father and uncles left off.  They've inherited the talent from Kerry and Kevin and take it to the next level.  With WrestleMania being in Dallas this year, I'm still holding out hope that they'll be a part of the NXT show Friday night.  

Tessa in action
(Courtesy: BK Photography)

Tessa Blanchard would be an excellent addition to the Divas Revolution.  She's the daughter of Four Horsemen original and WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard and granddaughter of Joe Blanchard.  Her stepdad is the great Magnum TA, so she's surrounded by wrestling greatness.  Her sling shot back suplex reminds me of her father's finisher 30 years ago.  Tessa is only 20 years old, but has a couple of years experience already.  She will continue to develop and hone her craft and I have no doubt we'll see her on Raw one day soon, and as more than just a member of Adam Rose's entourage.  

Richie Steamboat
(Courtesy: WWE)

Richie Steamboat was a talented member of the FCW roster when it was WWE's developmental territory. He held the FCW title and was a tag champion with Seth Rollins.  Richie is no longer wrestling because of an injury and surgery.  However, in the wrestling business you never say never.   His father, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (also in the hall of fame) came back after a 15 year hiatus and wowed the crowd at WrestleMania 25.  He stuck around briefly and wrestled Chris Jericho a few more times.  I have no idea what Richie is up to these days, but with his bloodline, hopefully he's able to get in the ring again and make his way to the main roster.  

Remembering Doris "Von Erich"

Kevin, Kerry, Doris, Mike and David Von Erich
Courtesy: The Von Erich Family

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The matriarch of one of wrestling's greatest families has died.  Doris "Von Erich" Adkisson died last month in Hawaii surrounded by her son Kevin and his wife and children.  She was 82 years old.  There's a wonderfully written piece by Robert Wilonsky that includes interviews with Kevin and his daughter, Kristen.  Mrs. Adkisson will be laid to rest November 11 in her home state of Texas.

World Class Championship Wrestling was one of the first promotions I started watching at age 10.  The Von Erich brothers, especially Kerry,  hooked me immediately.  The family had just started a feud with the Fabulous Freebirds that remains one of the greatest rivalries of all time.  

Family photo
Courtesy: The Von Erich Family

I don't recall Mrs. Adkisson ever being written into the storylines, but I do remember seeing her on TV at some point.  When I think of all the tragedies she endured as a mother, I've concluded she was one of the toughest people on the planet.  Five of her six children preceded her in death.  She and Fritz lost a son named Jack when he was just a boy.  Then as adults we mourned with the family as David, Mike, Chris and Kerry all died.

The next generation
Courtesy: TNA

The family continues to stay in the wrestling world.  Several years ago granddaughter Lacey (Kerry's youngest daughter) tried her hand at the business.  Now Kevin's two sons, Marshall and Ross Von Erich continue to make a name for themselves.  I'm sure Mrs. Adkisson is with her boys and smiling down on her family beaming with pride as they carry on the family name.  Godspeed to the entire family as they remember a mother and grandmother who appeared to be as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.  Rest in peace Mrs. Adkisson.