Kevin Ross Adkisson, born on May 15, 1957, is more commonly recognized as Kevin Von Erich. He is a retired American professional wrestler who currently serves as a mentor and occasionally appears in front of the camera. As a third-generation member of the renowned Von Erich wrestling lineage, Kevin stands out as one of the most distinguished figures in Texas wrestling. He dedicated a large portion of his career to his father Fritz Von Erich’s Dallas-based promotion, World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). Kevin rose to stardom there, attributing his popularity to his agility, unique barefoot wrestling style, signature Iron Claw hold, and narratives centered around his family.
He holds the title of former WCWA World Heavyweight Champion, several-time tag team champion, and was a significant player in one of professional wrestling’s most notable and poignant family tales. Kevin is the only living son of Fritz Von Erich and the last surviving wrestler among the original Von Erich brothers (David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris all passed away at a young age). Following his significant retirement from active competition in the mid-1990s, Kevin made a comeback for a one-time match in 2017 and has since made occasional appearances.
Here are some essential details about Kevin Von Erich:
| Full Name | Kevin Ross Adkisson |
| Ring Name | Kevin Von Erich |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1957 |
| Age (as of January 2026) | 68 years old |
| Birthplace | Belleville, Illinois, United States |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) |
| Weight (during career) | Approximately 235–245 lbs (107–111 kg) |
| Family | Son of Fritz Von Erich; brother of David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris Von Erich (all deceased); father of Marshall and Ross Von Erich |
| Wife | Pam Adkisson (married August 1, 1980–present) |
| Children | Four: Kristen, Jill, Marshall, and Ross Von Erich |
| Current Status | Signed to AEW under a Legends agreement; serves as coach and occasional on-screen figure |
Kevin Von Erich Biography
Kevin Ross Adkisson was born on May 15, 1957, in Belleville, Illinois. He is the second child of wrestler Jack Adkisson, known as Fritz Von Erich, and Doris Juanita Smith. The family later relocated to Denton County, Texas, where Fritz initiated World Class Championship Wrestling, originally named Big Time Wrestling. Kevin and his siblings were raised on the family ranch near Dallas–Fort Worth. He was engaged in wrestling from an early age, assisting at the Sportatorium and training with his father and other seasoned wrestlers. Prior to embarking on his wrestling journey, Kevin participated in football as a fullback at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas), but a severe knee injury curtailed his collegiate football career and aspirations of joining the NFL.
Kevin made his professional wrestling debut in 1976 at the age of 19, adopting the ring alias Kevin Von Erich as part of his father’s family legacy. He swiftly elevated to one of WCCW’s leading stars due to his inherent athleticism, aerial style, striking appearance, and barefoot wrestling gimmick (which became his hallmark after a prank incident where his boots were hidden before a match). Kevin wrestled barefoot for the majority of his career, frequently executing his distinctive Iron Claw hold and performing daring maneuvers like dropkicks and top-rope splashes. He forged unforgettable tag teams with his brothers David, Kerry, and Mike, as well as other partners like Chris Adams and Steve Simpson, attaining numerous NWA American Tag Team, NWA Texas Tag Team, and WCWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championships.
More
Kevin’s most prominent storyline was his fierce rivalry with The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, and Buddy Roberts) from 1982 to 1984. Many consider this to be one of the greatest feuds in wrestling history. The rivalry ignited after a disputed conclusion in a Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich cage match on Christmas Day 1982, when the Freebirds inadvertently caused Kerry to lose the title, rendering them the main antagonists. This feud drew enormous crowds to the Sportatorium and significantly boosted WCCW’s popularity during the early 1980s.
Kevin also engaged in a lengthy and personal rivalry with Chris Adams, which involved brutal matches and hospitalizations for both, despite being close friends outside the ring. He challenged Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship multiple times, including during the main event of the second David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions at Texas Stadium, but never captured the title. After WCCW merged with the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) in 1989 and subsequently folded in 1990, Kevin wrestled sparingly on independent shows and in Mexico’s CMLL before largely retiring in the mid-1990s.
Updates
As of January 2026, Kevin Von Erich is 68 years old and continues his affiliation with All Elite Wrestling under a “Legends” contract he signed in July 2025. He coaches behind the scenes and occasionally appears on-screen with his sons, Marshall and Ross Von Erich, who both compete in AEW and Ring of Honor. In July 2024, Kevin joined Marshall, Ross, and Dustin Rhodes at the ring for Battle of the Belts XI, where they secured the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship. Kevin has also participated in AEW storylines that honor the Von Erich family heritage, appearing on Dynamite and Rampage.
Kevin has not wrestled consistently since his one-night return in 2017, but he remains in good health and capable of engaging in light training or ring activities. He resides in the Dallas–Fort Worth area with his wife, Pam, leading a quiet life centered on family, ranching, business, and preserving the Von Erich name. Kevin often speaks highly of his sons’ accomplishments in AEW and his contributions to mentoring younger wrestlers. There have been no reports of significant health issues or retirement announcements in 2025. The Von Erich family legacy continues to be honored in AEW programs, documentaries, and merchandise, and Kevin is often commended for his resilience after the loss of his four brothers and father.
Age
Kevin Von Erich was born on May 15, 1957. He is 68 years old as of January 2026.
Family
Kevin Von Erich is a member of the esteemed Von Erich wrestling family:
- Father: Jack Barton Adkisson (Fritz Von Erich), iconic wrestler and promoter who established WCCW (died 1997).
- Mother: Doris Juanita Smith (died 1992).
- Brothers (all deceased):
- Jack Barton Adkisson Jr. (died 1959 at age 6 in a tragic accident).
- David Von Erich (died 1984 at age 25 from acute enteritis).
- Kerry Von Erich (died 1993 at age 33 by suicide).
- Mike Von Erich (died 1987 at age 23 by suicide).
- Chris Von Erich (died 1991 at age 21 by suicide).
- Kevin is the only surviving Von Erich brother and the last wrestler from the family’s most illustrious years.
Kevin wed Pam Adkisson on August 1, 1980. They are parents to four children:
- Kristen Adkisson
- Jill Adkisson
- Marshall Adkisson (born 1985) – Professional wrestler currently competing in AEW/ROH.
- Ross Adkisson (born 1988) – Professional wrestler presently active in AEW/ROH.
The family resides in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where Kevin and Pam operate a family investment business and oversee K.R. Adkisson Enterprises.
Spouse
Kevin Von Erich has been wed to Pam Adkisson since August 1, 1980. As of January 2026, they have celebrated over 45 years of marriage and reside in the Dallas–Fort Worth region of Texas. Pam typically stays out of the spotlight but has consistently supported Kevin throughout his wrestling career and family challenges. She is the mother of their four offspring, Kristen, Jill, Marshall, and Ross, and assists in managing the family’s business endeavors. Kevin and Pam live serene, private lives centered on family, ranching, and backing their sons’ wrestling pursuits in AEW and Ring of Honour.
Siblings
Kevin Von Erich had five siblings, four of whom were professional wrestlers:
- Jack Barton Adkisson Jr. (born 1952 – passed away March 7, 1959) – Died at the age of six after stepping on a trailer tongue and receiving an electric shock in Niagara Falls, New York.
- David Von Erich (born 1958 – passed away February 10, 1984) – Died at 25 from acute enteritis of the upper intestine while touring in Japan.
- Kerry Von Erich (born 1960 – passed away February 18, 1993) – Took his own life at 33 after enduring years of injuries, addiction, and legal issues.
- Mike Von Erich (born 1964 – passed away April 12, 1987) – Took his life at 23 following a shoulder injury and pneumonia.
- Chris Von Erich (born 1969 – passed away September 12, 1991) – Took his own life at 21 after battling health challenges and depression.
Kevin is the only living brother and has spoken candidly about the profound sorrow and family tragedies that influenced the Von Erich household.
Offspring
Kevin Von Erich and his spouse, Pam, are parents to four children:
- Kristen Adkisson – Eldest daughter; leads a private life away from wrestling and public scrutiny.
- Jill Adkisson – Second daughter; similarly maintains a low profile and is uninvolved in professional wrestling.
- Marshall Adkisson (born 1985) – Professional wrestler who competes as Marshall Von Erich in AEW and Ring of Honour. He is notable for utilizing the family’s signature Iron Claw hold and partnering with his brother Ross.
- Ross Adkisson (born 1988) – Professional wrestler who competes as Ross Von Erich in AEW and Ring of Honour. He has participated in tag team and six-man tag events, including securing the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship in 2024 alongside Marshall and Dustin Rhodes.
Marshall and Ross are the sole children to embark on wrestling careers and uphold the Von Erich family tradition in contemporary professional wrestling. Kevin often appears with them in AEW, acting as a coach and on-screen persona.
