Review: Fritz Von Erich: Master Of The Iron Claw By Ron G. Mullinax

Fritz Von Erich: Master Of The Iron Claw
By Ron G. Mullinax
Hats Off Books, 2005
Paperback, Ebook

Note: This review was a difficult one to write due to the amount of conflicting information and debated subject matters relating to the Von Erich family. As I did while reading the book, I looked at the book as a purely autobiographical piece. I've tried to avoid falling down a rabbit hole of over analysing things about Fritz Von Erich and the Von Erich family that are based on rumour and/or conjecture. The book was written posthumously by a friend of Von Erich and took the form of a basic autobiography. Many readers may prefer a more in-depth work or a salacious tell-all, however, the author (whose own motives have been questioned) opted to tell Von Erich's story from his perspective. He does not question Von Erich's narrative as a typical biographer is likely to do.

The story of the rise and fall of the Von Erich family is a tragic yet captivating story that has intrigued wrestling fans for several decades. Fritz Von Erich was a successful wrestler and promoter. Von Erich was the guiding force behind the revolutionary Texas promotion
World Class Championship Wrestling which featured five of his sons as in-ring talent. Sadly, Von Erich is better known for the family's tragedies outside the ring. Of his six sons, he was predeceased by five: Jack by electrocution in 1959, David by either an intestinal ailment or drug overdose in 1984, Mike by suicide in 1987, Chris by suicide in 1991 and Kerry by suicide in 1993.The Von Erich story is one of the very few news pieces from within the industry that attracted a strong interest from the mainstream media. While the family's story has been told via short news clips, television magazine style segments and feature length documentaries, Ron G. Mullinax's 2005 Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw is currently the only work that documents the Von Erich family's story through the words of one of the family members, namely the patriarch Fritz Von Erich. Mullinax, a family friend that acted as a care giver for a terminally ill Fritz, originally released this book in 2005. It was re-released in 2017 in ebook format. This is Mullinax's only book release.

Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw is an enjoyable read. Mullinax begins and ends the book with his own words telling the story of his relationship with Von Erich. The middle - and vast majority - of the book was written by Mullinax from notes taken during conversations with Von Erich. Most of the book, therefore, is written in the first person by Mullinax as Von Erich. While not as confusing as it could have been, there are a few instances - especially when quoting other sources - where there are too many voices in play.  While it has its fair share of spelling and factual errors - arguably, no more than many other pro wrestling books - Mullinax does a very good job telling Von Erich's story in an interesting and compelling manner. Mullinax is at his best when discussing his own relationship with Von Erich and the evolution of their relationship over their short time together.

Readers who are looking for a behind the scenes look at the World Class office or even Von Erich's views on the wrestling industry will be very disappointed. Most of Von Erich's stories deal with his family life and his own successes as a wrestler. There are very few instances where the curtain is pulled back for the readers concerning WCCW or its players. True to his generation Von Erich guards kayfabe when he talks about his matches. Factually, there are a number of errors that harm the book. Most notably, many of the circumstances surrounding the 1984 death of David Von Erich do not jive with most other versions of the story. (Referring to facts i.e. David's activities prior to his death, how the family was notified, etc. Not to Von Erich's often debated manner of death.)

It is impossible to discuss the book without addressing the fact that the surviving members of the Von Erich family did not endorse the book. Whether or not the endorsement of the family is important to a reader will be one's own personal judgement call. One might also wonder the logic behind Von Erich insisting that his friend and care giver (Mullinax) - who has absolutely no writing experience - writes his autobiography. While stranger things have happened and there is little doubt that Mullinax and Von Erich had formed a strong bond, it is entirely possible that the book was less about Von Erich wanting to tell his story and more about Mullinax taking advantage - perhaps even with the best intentions - of a golden opportunity.  Again, whether this matters to the reader is entirely a personal preference. Most wresting autobiographies are written with a ghost writer. While not credited this way, the bulk of the book is essentially such a work. The issues above may have been averted had the book been credited to both Von Erich and Mullinax, however, this may have been impossible due to timelines, willing participation by the family, Von Erich's health/death and/or any number of other issues.

All things considered, the book was a very easy read. Perhaps surprisingly, it has some very funny moments. It is an entirely unique story that many readers will enjoy.