Wrestling and Texas Stadium
All the hoopla surrounding the Dallas Cowboys’ final game at Texas Stadium Saturday night got me to thinking about pro wrestling’s significant place in the stadium’s storied history.
Most people will think of Emmitt Smith, Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, Troy Aikman and other former Cowboys greats when reflecting on the stadium – and rightfully so. But on the afternoon of May 6, 1984, Texas Stadium was at the center of the wrestling universe.
One of the biggest events of the wrestling territories era – World Class Championship Wrestling’s David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions – was held there that day. In the main event, Kerry Von Erich defeated Ric Flair to win the NWA world heavyweight title before a crowd of more than 30,000 (some sources list the attendance as more than 40,000).
WCCW made the Parade of Champions an annual event at Texas Stadium through 1988, although none of the shows were as memorable or well-attended as the first one.
In 1984, WCCW was among a number of wrestling territories that were thriving, and one of the few that had a national presence, thanks to its syndicated television show. WCCW owner and former wrestler Fritz Von Erich built the promotion around three of his sons (Kevin, David and Kerry), who were treated like rock stars in Dallas, especially Kerry.
David Von Erich, considered the best wrestler of the three, reportedly was being groomed to win the NWA world championship, which at that time was regarded as the most prestigious title in the business. The wrestling word was stunned, however, when Von Erich, 25, died while on a tour of Japan in February 1984. The official cause of death was a heart attack that stemmed from ruptured intestines.
Three months later, the big tribute show was held at Texas Stadium. There really couldn’t have been any other finish than Kerry Von Erich winning the title in honor of his older brother, thus providing a happy ending to an emotional day that had many in the crowd in tears. As has been well-documented, there wouldn’t be any more happy endings for the Von Erich family.
Comments
Eck I was there that day 20 years old. WCCCW was bigger than the cowboys in the 80's we sucked. You are right there were a ton of tears to go with the cheers. Flair was a great champion and when he shook he Von Erich's hands after I knew how special that moment was. Thanks for that flashback. I wish the story could have been different for WCCCW because there was some great wrestlers and matches had there.
Posted by: Wynne | December 22, 2008 5:46 PM
Nice connection of wrestling to Texas Stadium Kev . Re: the Von Erich's , mere mention of their name exemplified pro wrestling in the early 80's . The tragedies that surrounded the family would seem to be hard to believe if they weren't true .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | December 22, 2008 8:41 PM
I remember some of the most famous feuds were in WCCW. Von Erichs vs the Freebirds just to name the most famous one. some of the more prominent wrestlers like Bruisor Brody, The Missing Link, Black Bart, The Great Kabuki, Skandor Akbar, etc. I could go on and on all night long. Can't forget the women either, Sunshine, Dark Journey, Missy Hyatt, just to name a few. I miss those days.
Posted by: Dave | December 22, 2008 8:54 PM
I also thought about some of those great matches while watching the Ravens whip the Cowboys. WCCW had such a great run in the 80's, I highly recommend checking out the "Heroes of World Class" DVD. Just think, if Fritz would have decided to go national, the wrestling world as we know it would be totally different.
Posted by: Anonymous | December 22, 2008 11:19 PM