A Simple Checkup: A Pro Wrestling Timeline

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  • Von_Erich_family.jpg

    A Simple Checkup: The Yellow Rose Never Wilts
    Who are you?
    SapSoakedOak

    What is this timeline about?
    Pro wrestling, and about one of the most famous wrestling families tragic demise prevented with one action.

    How often will this be updated?
    Whenever I have the time

    What if I don't know anything about wrestling?
    That's fine, I will still try to entertain you with a grand tale.
     
    Chapter 1: Early February; The Decision
  • It was a simple and cool winter morning on February 1st, 1984. It could not have been a better morning for the house that was situated in East Texas, the dew collecting on the grass of a freshly cut lawn. However, in the house on the first floor sat a man in his comfy chair, slowly swiveling it back and forth in a gentle fashion. He was currently facing the spitting image of himself as, though he had some much longer locks of he did. Something he wasn’t much of a fan of, but maybe that was due to a slight jealousy of always having his hair cut short and close to his head. He took a sip of his freshly brewed coffee his wife had made for him as he looked at the spitting image of himself, like most of the people whom came to his home were. The man in front of him was his son, his third son of a famous Texas family. The son’s blonde hair flowing about as he stood arms crossed looking at his father with a pondering expression.

    “You should go get that checked out David.” The father said looking at his son. He knew that this conversation was not an easy one. His son had a busy schedule ahead of him. He would be leaving the country in seven days time, and in April had a big match coming up. But, he knew his son was brash and young, and he was trying his best to pass on some wisdom to his son.

    “Pop I’ll be fine. It’s just a bit of a stomach cramp is all. It’s no big deal. Plus I gotta head off with Brody to Japan in the next few days. I can’t afford to go. I’ll be missing out on a huge paycheck.” David told his father. He could understand where his son was coming from, in this business you had to make sacrifices to get where you needed to go. No one else knew that better than he did. But, his son had been complaining about these stomach problems for the past few months now, and they become more and more frequent as time went on.

    “David, I understand. But, at least get that checked on before heading out. Not many guys are going to book you son if they find out you can’t take too many blows to the gut now.” His father said, trying to persuade him to at least listen to him. Besides, he was even trying to get him out of heading to Japan all together for his health. He had been over there many of times, and he believed his son David wasn’t ready yet. And he sure as hell didn’t trust Brody of all people. There was something that wasn’t right about that man. He was one helluva of a brawler for sure, and honestly the sight of the man made him glad that he was retired. That didn’t mean he trusted the man in any fashion.

    David could only sigh as he thought over the words his father had said to him in the past few minutes. He was right, it would probably best in the long term had he simply gone to get this checked out. He might have been missing a few big paydays in Japan, but, that didn’t mean he couldn’t go back some other time. Plus, Brody would just have to wait for him to head back next time. It also didn’t help that Kerry was out with Terry Funk out in Hollywood for some reason, he never told them as to why he was out there. But his father had seemingly given him the go ahead to give him time off. Which only put more pressure on him a bit to be able to draw in the crowds. Which he couldn’t do if he was away, or hurt after his tour in Japan.

    He thought it over for a few more moments before finally giving his father an answer. “Fine. I’ll go get it checked out pop.” He said with a bit of a sigh, but, he knew it was necessary to cool his old man’s nerves. “If there’s something wrong, I’ll pull out of the tour to get it taken care of.” He said stepping out of the office slightly, but standing in the door frame of his father’s office before looking at him with a small smirk. “Besides, someone needs to become more famous than old Fritz Von Erich right? And I can’t do that whilst being hurt.” He said with a chuckle as he walked out of the office.

    Meanwhile the father, running his hand across his thinning head smiled as he picked up the phone and continued making calls and going over the finances. That was one thorn out of his side. But, in hindsight it would be one of the biggest thorns to have ever been picked before it could get worse.

    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    “...In other news according to sources in WCCW, “The Yellow Rose of Texas” David Von Erich has been pulled from his tour in Japan after a routine checkup at his doctors discovered symptoms of an inflamed intestine with the third son of legendary wrestler Fritz Von Erich. So far we do not know if this will affect plans to feud with Ric Flair at a promoted match later in April. But, we will have to wait and see.”

    “We also have word that Terry Funk and Kerry Von Erich have been spotted speaking and talking with Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone. Whom Funk has worked beside on films before in the late 70s. We were not able to get an official word from either Von Erich, Funk, or any of Stallone’s people. But, we can only assume for now it is Von Erich auditioning for a role in one of Stallone’s upcoming projects.”

    - Excerpts from the February 6th, 1984 edition of Pro Wrestling Insider.
     
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    Chapter 2: February to March, 1984; The Build Up
  • “Must watch television has been occurring these past few weeks leading up to the WCCW Parade of Champions event this coming April. The intrigue and quality can be attributed to current NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair’s sheer charisma and microphone skills. Truly the best heel in the business to ever be. I am surprised that Fritz has been able to hire such great security with how much vile and vitrile the native Texas crowd spews at Flair. Just means he’s doing his job well. We also have reports of various other stars across the NWA appearing on the event as well, which also includes NWA United States Champion Greg Valentine. We do not have an announced opponent so far. But, we will know soon enough.”

    “In other news it seems as though that the production of Rocky IV has started earlier than expected. How that is relevant you may ask? It seems as though Kerry Von Erich has been cast as the main villain of the film. Kerry whilst being good in the ring, was never the best on the stick. But, maybe that is why Funk is there to help assist him with ‘acting’ in a sense. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see how things play out. Especially with Stallone now including three wrestlers in his movies. First Funk, second in Hogan, now third in Kerry Von Erich who is also looking much bigger than usual.”

    - Excerpts from the March 26th, 1984 edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated
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    It was a rather cool March midday in sunny California, the sun in the sky as it cast down upon the many buildings of the ever expanding city of angels that lay beneath it’s rays. Though the large buildings kept hidden inside of it were the busy hustle and bustle of the people of tinsel town as they continued moving set after set, and helping move production along. Though two figures could be clearly seen chatting in the darkness that was just a few meters beyond the bright lights of the gym set before them. One of the figures was a man in his late 30s, nearly on the precipice of breaking 40. His curly brown hair tied back in a ponytail as he sipped his water.

    “You know… it never amazes me to see just how similar our business is to theirs.” He says in a soft Texas twang that could draw people in to merely hear him speak. His head turning to speak to his companion, whom was actually soon to be on that set soon enough in a few more weeks. His blonde hair coming down to his shoulders, a strong jawline resting upon a chiseled face.

    “Well… yeah. Except we don’t use stunt doubles.” He said with a small and quiet chuckle. A voice that you did not expect to hear out of a man of his size and stature. “Maybe except for Stallone though. Hopefully he doesn’t ask me to stiff him to hard eh Terry?” He asks the older man, and somewhat of a mentor in this strange land known as Hollywood.

    “Oh trust me he’s a tough sonuvabitch, so don’t be afraid to put some weight behind those fists. Gotta sell it Kerry.” He told him with a small smile. “Your father is gonna have one helluva shock when you come home with short hair.” He stated with a laugh.

    “He’ll be wondering where his son went and why this stranger wandered into the boy’s dressing room. But, it’ll grow back fast enough.” He told Terry with a chuckle. Maybe filming this wouldn’t be so bad. Sure he wasn’t the most confident around these Hollywood types. But, with Terry by his side, he’d be alright. Plus, when the film would come out he’d help bring more notoriety to himself and his father’s promotion. It would be a win-win for everyone in the end. Though he was able to secure time off to go and watch his brother David wrestle against Flair. Things were looking on the up and up for his family.
    ___________________________________________________________________________________

    Sounds of Irish laughing

    “No, no, Steve you gotta do it in the Funker voice.” - Jay

    “Okay…. Hoooo. Sooooon I defeeeet reeeeel champiooooonnn.” - OOC

    Sounds of continous laughter and coughing

    “Now do it in fucking the other one’s voice.” - V1

    “Ef he dyes, e dyes” - OOC

    More laughter

    “What the fuck is he from Nawlins!? That’s just your JHB impression!” - OOC
    - Excerpt from OSW Reviews Rocky IV Review
    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    “Where oh where is David. Von. Erich!?” A man shouts to the arena crowd before him, his face slightly reddening with his echoing voice as he grins and smiles with confidence. A large gold belt in his hands, and a microphone in another. A barrage of boos heading his way as he rotates in the ring the draw more heat to himself. “He sure is the ‘Yellow Rose of Texas.’ Because he’s too scared to come face to face with a real man. Wooooo!” He shouts with confidence and crass as he laughs and looks out at the crowd, the boos only growing.

    Another gentlemen could only look on in disgust as he stood next to the world champion in the ring with him. It was supposed to be a simple interview with the man. Now he had seen fit to incite a riot amongst the native Texan crowd. “Mr. Flair, please I do not think it is becoming of a world champion such as yourself to insult your opponent before the big match.” The man said, his black swept hair kept in place unlike Flair’s wild bouffant blonde hair flicking about every time he spoke.

    “Well Billy! Who’s gonna stop me!?” He asked with a cocky smile and grin. “I guess little old David got hurt to hard in his little trip to Japan,” He proposed with a cheeky grin, only drawing more boos. “Or, maybe he was too scared to come home and face a real man like the one before yourself!” He finished off with. The crowd could only boo as he looked around the arena to draw their ire more. But, completely unaware of what was to come.

    The quickly ducked out of the ring as the crowd began to cheer, seeing a tall gentleman barrell down the entrance way towards the ring. His blonde hair bouncing as he slid into the ring and attacked Flair, the world’s champion at the last moment catching sight of the clothesline that hit him. Flair hitting the mat and bouncing out of the ring to sell the unexpected attack as the audience erupted into cheers. It was David Von Erich.

    “My lord it’s David Von Erich!” The announcer Bill Mercer shouted over the telecast as David Von Erich marched around the ring, the audience erupting into chants and cheers.The third son of Fritz Von Erich looked down at the title left in the ring, looking down at in determination as he grabbed it in his hands and raised it above his head. On the outside the recovering Flair shouts and points in anger and disgust as he is incensed by Von Erich’s actions.

    The Iron Nail bends down to pick up the microphone left behind by Flair. “Ric! You’ve been talking trash for the past month on me! These people! And my family!” He said in anger and authority. “I’ve only been silent because I’ve been trainin’ for the fight of my life!” He tells Flair, the audience still cheering, almost making David mute in the process. “April 8th at Texas Stadium, it’ll be you and me! For the NWA, World, Heavyweight, Championship!” He shouts dropping the mic as he stares down Flair.
    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    WCCW Parade of Champions (April 8th from Texas Stadium)
    1. Kelly Kisinki vs. Johnny Mantell in a single match (15 Minute Time Limit)
    2. “Gentleman” Chris Adams and Sunshine vs. Jimmy Garvin Precious in a tag team match (15 Minute Time Limit)
    3. Kamala (w/ Skandor Akbar & Friday) vs. The Great Kabuki (w/ Gary Hart) in a singles match (15 Minute Time Limit)
    4. Greg Valentine (c) vs. Junkyard Dog in a singles match for the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (30 Minute Time Limit)
    5. Rock & Soul (Buck Zumhofe and Iceman King Parsons) vs. The Super Destroyers (Bill and Scott Irwin) (15 Minute Time Limit)
    6. The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) (c) vs. Kevin, Mike, and Kerry Von Erich in a six-man tag team match for the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (30 Minute Time Limit)
    7. Ric Flair (c) vs. David Von Erich in a singles match for the NWA World World Heavyweight Championship (60 Minute Time Limit)
     
    Chapter 3: April, 1984
  • WCCW Parade of Champions (April 8th, 1984 from Texas Stadium)

    Attendance of 55,673 (50,104 paid)
    1. Kelly Kisinki wrestled Johnny Mantell in a single match to a time limit draw
    2. “Gentleman” Chris Adams and Sunshine defeated Jimmy Garvin and Precious in a tag team match
    3. Kamala (w/ Skandor Akbar & Friday) wrestled The Great Kabuki (w/ Gary Hart) in a singles match to a double disqualification
    4. Greg Valentine (c) defeated Junkyard Dog in a singles match for the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship
    5. Rock & Soul (Buck Zumhofe and Iceman King Parsons) defeated The Super Destroyers (c) (Bill and Scott Irwin) in a tag team match for the NWA American Tag Team Championships
    6. Kevin, Mike, and Kerry Von Erich defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) (c) in a six-man tag team match for the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship
    7. David Von Erich defeated Ric Flair (c) in a singles match for the NWA World World Heavyweight Championship
    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    “The classic of the WCCW Parade of Champions has just occurred and gone in the month of April. A financial success all around for the WCCW and NWA as a whole. With David Von Erich winning the title from Flair in a great match at the even that got the crowd excited in drawn in for the hometown hero to win against Flair. I myself was even more shocked to see just how invested they were after the Von Erichs-Freebirds match that had just happened before hand. But, I guess if you’re a Von Erich in Texas you’ll never get a silent match in any capacity. We can only wait to see what happens with the Von Erichs-Freebirds feud. It will more than likely be put on hiatus for now until Kerry himself returns from his filming schedule of whatever film he is working on. Though from observations he is looking much more built than he was in the past few months…”

    “...It seems that backstage issues in New Japan Pro Wrestling have been resolved with both management and wrestlers. With a core group of NJPW wrestlers threatening to walk out just a few months earlier…”

    “...In more recent developments we are getting some pretty shocking news from the inside about the WWF-GCW acquisition that seemed to have shut down by co owners Jack and Jerry Brisco…”

    - Excerpts from the Pro Wrestling Insider, April, 1984 Review Issue
    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    “I think one of the main reasons we chose not to sell to McMahon and chose to simply ride it out was that… we saw the success that WCCW was having at the time with its wrestling scene. And the Flair-Von Erich match was drawing in crowds for miles around. So it could only do good business for us to bring them in. It also helped that with Flair working in Georgia that he would associate with some of the boys and helped build the bonds that would lead to one of the hottest feuds the NWA had ever seen…”
    - Jerry Brisco, Best of Feuds of the NWA Volume I, 2004
    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    “At the time it was all these small little pawns working around the United States, and there up in Connecticut was this sleeping giant who was slowly buying up everyone in the Northeast and in the Tri-State area. We all scared for our lives… But, then the promoters got an idea. ‘What if we all unite together instead of being individual pawns, we become one giant?’ Of course it took a while, but it worked out in the end…”

    - Dusty Rhodes, Crockett Classics Collection, 2010
    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    “At the time Vince put the strap around my waist we were doing gangbusters, and we continued to do gangbusters for a great time. But, he always wanted more. As did I. If he was doing well, I was doing well myself. But, Vince could never account for the determination and stubbornness of promoters wanting to stay alive. And I think he learned that the hard way as well unfortunately…”

    - Hulk Hogan, Wrestling is WAR, 2016
    ___________________________________________________________________________________
    The blonde could only continue sitting in the dressing room as clips of his blonde hair fell from his head and watching each lock fell to the floor. He could only think about what was to happen. His eyes scanning the piece of paper in front of him as he read over his lines again and again. He was nervous, but why should he be? It was just like wrestling. He could do it. Plus Terry had helped him out with remembering his lines and sounding convincing. He could do it. Most of his acting was physical mainly, and he could do physical.

    “It’ll be fine Kerry. Just like you practiced remember? No reason to be scared. You’re gonna tower over most of them on set anyway.” Terry jokingly told him from behind him as he chuckled in his soft Texan twang. He was right it was going to be okay. It would be more than alright. This role would help his career as a whole. No reason not to do the best damned job he could.

    “You’re right Terry.” He told him with a smile as he went over rehearsal again and again in his mind to made sure he did everything right. It had helped he was so focus on his acting that he hadn’t had a drink in some time. He sat in the chair for a few more minutes until the ladies working on him were finished. His long blonde hair stylized up and tall.

    “Huh… so long as it’s just for this film I’m alright with it.” Kerry said with a laugh as he ran his hair through the blonder and short hair. He could feel the jell keeping it up. “Welp, either way time to knock em out Terry.” Kerry said jokingly as the other man smiled to himself as they walked out of the dressing room.

    “Come on Ivan… let’s see if Stallone can take those punches now.” He said with a chuckle. As the veteran and blue chipper made their way to the set.
     
    Chapter 4: May-June, 1984
  • The wrestling world was changing at a rapid pace for many to behold. The new age of glitz and glamor were on the rise in the Northeast under the helm of one Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Whilst many forces in the Northeast and Tri-States area of the United States. Though in the South, the defiance against the northern growing promotion was still prominent and growing either through sheer stubbornness or even the fact that promoters thought they had a chance to at least hold out for a few more years to come. It was almost ironic that the growing Northern business owner was growing and buying out all the promoters and wrestlers to the south and west of him in his goals to make wrestling bigger than movies and television all together.

    One of the biggest acts of "defiance" against McMahon's WWF was the brother promoter duo of Jerry and Jack Briscoe denying Vince the ability to buy up Georgia Championship Wrestling's (GCW) timeslot on the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS). TBS was one of the biggest providers for eyes on the product for many southern promotions in the NWA, and GCW was the premiere stage for many wrestlers to be on if they wanted to get close to national broadcasting along with WCCW's mass syndication across the US. The NWA behind the scenes with many promoters began conducting plans to help promote their product to counteract the WWF's expansion across the states. GCW along with their regular matches on television would also begin broadcasting highlights of the best NWA matches to happen. Which in turn began running the David Von Erich-Ric Flair feud and matches across the NWA across the south, helping boost the NWA's name, smaller promotion names, and many wrestler's stock.

    McMahon did not take this move lightly and began changing his plans to one up the NWA. If they wanted to provide "Rassling" he would provide them "Sports Entertainment." On the first episode of Tuesday Night Titans on the USA Network on May 29th, 1984 the audience was met with almost a late night show style of presentation with cut ins of promoted matches. From Paul Orndorff against Brian Blair, Tito Santana against Adrian Adonis. And in a shocking event on free television the rematch from earlier in the year with Hulk Hogan facing against The Iron Sheik in the main event of the show.
    __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    TNT results (May 29th, 1984)
    Paul Orndorff defeated Brian Blair
    Cyndi Lauper appears on Piper's Pit for an interview
    Tito Santana defeated Adrian Adonis
    WWF World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik
    Segments included: An interview with Lord Alfred Hayes, Dr. David Shultz, Hulk Hogan, Tito Santana, Lou Albano and the Wild Samoans

    TNT results (June 12th, 1984)
    Paul Orndorff's Wonderful Workout Gym (segment)
    Rowdy Roddy Piper defeated "Polish Power" Ivan Putski via disqualification
    Freddie Blassie interview with McMahon and highlights
    Big John Studd defeated Mr. Fuji
    "The Body" Jesse Ventura defeated Rocky Johnson

    TNT results (June 29th, 1984)
    McMahon interview with Jimmy Snuka
    Piper's Pit: Piper smashes Snuka with a coconut and beats him down
    Paul Orndorff's Wonderful Workout Gym
    Lou Thez interview by McMahon
    WWF Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis and Dick Murdoch defeated SD Jones and Mil Mascaras
    McMahon accepts award for his father (With a tears in his eyes)
    Ivan Putski defeated Don Muraco
    Jesse Ventura challenges Ivan Putski

    __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    With TNT airing every two weeks on the USA Network, the exposure of the WWF grew and grew especially with the inclusion of many of their stars whom saw the now famous "Coconut Smash" on the third episode of TNT. With the growing of the WWF, they found themselves not being able to expand any further East, but the West was wide open. Especially in the open plains of the AWA whom came under immediate threat of the WWF's growing presence. But, Verne Gagne had a plan that was just crazy enough to work if he played his cards right with enough help just north of the border in the open plains of Calgary. Antonio Inoki won the first ever NJPW International Wrestling Grand Prix tournament on June 14th, 1984 in the main event with American star Hulk Hogan. Only boosting NJPW's popularity with keeping their stars and with the help of outside wrestlers.
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    CWA Star Wars (June 25th, 1984)
    Porkchop Cash & Scott Shannon defeated The Scorpions
    Dutch Mantel, Johnny Wilhoit & Mark Batten defeated Masao Ito, The Nightmare & Keith Robertson
    The Animal defeated Rick McCord
    Jim Neidhart defeated Giant Frazier
    The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Robert Gibson & Ricky Morton) defeated Randy Savage & Lanny Poffo [1]
    Jimmy Valiant defeated AWA Southern Champion Rick Rude by DQ
    Tommy Rich & Eddie Gilbert defeated Phil Hickerson & The Spoiler in a Tennessee Street Fight
    The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) defeated Koko B. Ware & Norvell Austin
    Jerry Lawler & Austin Idol defeated NWA National Tag Team Champions The Road Warriors (Animal & Hawk)
    __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    [1] Randy is able to execute a safer pile driver on Ricky whom also takes it better, preventing the injury.
     
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