Title: Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw
Author: Ron G. Mullinax
Publisher: LitFire Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-63524-983-5
Pages: 185
Genre: Biography
Reviewed by: CC Thomas
Hollywood Book Reviews
Ron G. Mullinax’s Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw tells the story of Jack Adkisson, known to wrestling fans as “The Master of the Iron Claw.” This wrestling hold, created by Adkisson, is still famously used today. The move involves brute strength without the gimmicks: a strong man (or woman) crushing opponents with sheer power using his (or her) hands. Adkisson, more popularly as Fritz Von Erich, is considered to be wrestling royalty and is credited for establishing World Class Championship Wrestling in Texas, among other things.
Mullinax, the author, was hired to help Von Erich learn to use a computer.
Mullinax was the perfect choice because he was a lifelong fan of Von Erich’s. While many might have only focused on the wrestling contributions Von Erich made, Mullinax focused on the man behind the myth. Descriptions of an aging athlete struggling with the computer mouse because his fingers and knuckles had been broken so many times was heartbreaking. Human connections between the author and famed wrestler allows the reader to see the sacrifices and struggles behind the glitz of the glamorous sport of wrestling. While many sports stars might have wanted to tell their story to reclaim some fame, Von Erich wanted to leave a legacy for his fans and children. The story succeeds with this goal.
The early part of the book chronicles Von Erich’s early life and how important his grandfather was in imparting life lessons. After marrying, Von Erich lost his football scholarship and a personality started to emerge through the stories, a man whose decisions were based on feelings and passions instead of rational and careful thought. As part of this creative and fevered personality, Von Erich started learning professional wrestling and soon left his growing family behind to advance his career. Tales of lean and hard years followed, ones in which his wife and children suffered along with Von Erich as he crossed the country day and night, working to make his dreams come true. The accidental death of his seven-year-old son would haunt him, though, and eventually destroy his marriage.
For wrestling fans, the story is also filled with bits of fascinating trivia, especially for fans of wrestling history. For example, Von Erich came up with the stage name to make more of a negative impression on the audience because “bad guys” got more press. He traded on the ugly WWII sentiments against Germans and even modeled his walk and talk after stereotypical Nazis portrayed in the movies. He came up with the “Iron Claw” move to escape a hold in the ring. The hold became his signature, as did his anger, and crowds loved the resulting blood so much that he further developed the move by doing hundreds of hand exercises and 400 push-ups every day. He eventually found success and the world of wrestling would never be the same.
While wrestling fans will likely be the only ones to pick up this book, there is much more to offer. Mullinax has fulfilled Von Erich’s last request with honor and dignity and quite a bit of love. Reading about such a fascinating life will thrill sports fans and cause a few teary eyes to those looking for inspiration through adversity.