30 Years Ago: David Von Erich Wrestles for the Final Time

David Von Erich From John Cannon: The history of professional wrestling is filled with many colorful characters spawned by many ...

David Von Erich

From John Cannon:

The history of professional wrestling is filled with many colorful characters spawned by many great athletes. Throughout its long history, wrestling has experienced many legendary characters who will always be remembered for their special part in wrestling. Sadly, for every wrestler like Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair, who were able to see their careers reach its full potential, there are wrestlers whose careers were cut short in their prime due to injury or death.

The Von Erich family, despite tragedy after tragedy, would go on to become one of wrestling’s premier families, culminating with their induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. Arguably the most promising of the Von Erichs was David, who was reportedly set to be thrust into the NWA World Heavyweight Title picture at the time of his tragic death on February 10, 1984.

the Missing Link

During the last half of 1983, David would enjoy much success, along the way defeating Ric Flair twice – once for the Missouri Heavyweight Title, and again via DQ in a match for the NWA World Heavyweight Title, where, of course, there could be no title change due to the DQ result. In early 1984, David would lose the Missouri title to Harley Race in St. Louis, followed by a loss – with brother Kevin – in the quarterfinals of a World Tag Team Title tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina.

David defeated Michael Hayes on February 3 to win the United National Title, followed by a match in which he defeated Hayes’ Freebird partner Terry Gordy in what would turn out to be Von Erich’s next-to-last match and last in-ring appearance at the Sportatorium in Dallas, Texas.

On February 6, 1984, David would wrestle for the final time, as a substitute for Kevin in a match against the Missing Link (Dewey Robertson) in Fort Worth, Texas. His much too short career was ended with a victory via DQ, after the Super Destroyers charged the ring and they, along with Link, beat down David until brother Kerry came to his aid.

David Von Erich passed away on February 10, 1984, while touring for All Japan Pro Wrestling. His passing would prove to be the first of many tragedies for the Von Erich family.