Jack Barton Adkisson (August 16, 1929 – September 10, 1997) was an American professional wrestler under the ring name Fritz Von Erich, better known today as a wrestling promoter and the patriarch of the Von Erich family. He was also the owner of the World Class Championship Wrestling territory.
Notable Title Wins Include: Texas Brass Knucks title; NWA World Tag Team titles w/Hans Hermann; NWA US Heavyweight title (3); World Heavyweight title (Omaha)(2); AWA World Heavyweight title; NWA Texas Heavyweight title (3); NWA World Tag Team titles (Texas) w/Killer Karl Kox; NWA World Tag Team titles (Texas) w/Duke Keomuka; NWA American Heavyweight title (13); NWA American Tag Team titles w/Waldo von Erich; NWA American Tag Team title w/Billy Red Lyons; NWA American Tag Team titles w/Grizzly Smith; NWA American Tag Team titles w/Dan Millerl; NWA American Tag Team titles w/Fred Curry; NWA American Tag Team titles w/Dean Ho; NWA International Tag Team titles w/Killer Karl Krupp; World Six Man Tag Team titles w/Kevin & Mike Von Erich
4
When a dispute arose among the NWA members, Fritz formed World Class Wrestling, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. His dream was to build an entertainment empire. His plan was to use his sons as the foundation upon which to build that empire.
5
Began his wrestling career under the name Fritz Von Erich, a villain working under the premise of being a Nazi sympathizer.
6
As a promoter, he worked with the governing bodies of the NWA in promoting the sport in his native Texas.
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A former collegiate football star at Southern Methodist University and played professionally with the Dallas Texans.
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Father of David, Mike, Kevin, Chris and Kerry Von Erich.
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
World Pro Wrestling TV
1984
TV Series
Himself (1985)
AWA All-Star Wrestling
1972
TV Series
Himself
Wrestling at the Chase
1959
TV Series
Himself
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
WWE: The Top 25 Rivalries in Wrestling History
2013
Video
Himself
WWE Hall of Fame 2009
2009
TV Special
Himself
The Most Powerful Families in Wrestling
2007
Video
Himself
The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling
2007
Video
Himself
The Spectacular Legacy of the AWA
2006
Video documentary
Himself
The Unreal Story of Professional Wrestling
1999
TV Movie documentary
Himself
Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents Lords of the Ring: Superstars & Superbouts
$8 Million
