Mike Von Erich Wins World Class American Title
Mike Von Erich Wins the World Class American Title:
And his father fears for his safety!
***As appearing in “The Wrestler”***
It’s been a big year for Mike Von Erich. The World Class rookie sensation has risen to the top of the wrestling world, following admirably in the grand tradition of Von Erich excellence. Fritz Von Erich is proud of his son’s achievements. But Mike’s latest success – defeating Gino Hernandez for the American Title – also has his father very worried.
Mike Von Erich’s face wears two distinct expressions these days as he enters the ring.
Climbing through the ring ropes with World Class American heavyweight belt strapped around his waist, Mike often bears a wide smile on his face. He is happy to have captured the American title from Gino Hernandez and he is happy to be receiving the cheers of the World Class Wrestling fans.
But one has got to question whether he is truly happy holding that American Title.
A close look at Mike’s face reveals that there is a large element of worry behind that smile. You don’t have to go far to discern the reasons for that worry – Mike Von Erich is a rookie wrestler faced with the greatest challenge of his life: defending his first major title.
"It kind of scares me sometimes," Mike told The Wrestler in a recent interview. "A lot of success has come to me in a relatively short period of time. I’m really trying hard to keep a cool head and a proper perspective on the whole thing. It’s also strange to be in the position of defending a title instead of challenging for one," Mike continued. "I’ve been in that position before, but it had to do with the World Class six man tag team title. In that case I had my brothers along with me – we all kind of relied on each other. But now it’s just me alone and that’s a very different situation."
When speaking with Mike, one doesn’t get the impression that he’s actually afraid. It’s more of an impression that he’s struggling to become accustomed to a new sensation.
But when speaking to Mike’s father, Fritz Von Erich, one gets the impression that he is truly fearful for his son’s safety. It could be due to the natural protective instincts of a father for his son…or it could be due to the wisdom that comes with decades of experience in the wrestling ring.
"I’ve been keeping a close eye on Mike," Fritz said, "and I’ve got to say that I’m so proud of him, it’s almost unbelievable. My boy has come along so far in the past year, he’s been so successful too quickly."
We asked Fritz if he too has noticed the double-edged emotion in Mike’s face these days.
"Yes I have, and I hesitate to say it’s because he’s not happy. I think he’s very happy, but the facts of his success are simply overwhelming him right now. He’s a levelheaded kid, and if anyone can cope with quick success, it’s Mike. But anyone, even the most level-headed of kids, can allow himself the lapse into carelessness now and then," Fritz continued. "In the case of the World Class American champion, the title has to be defended against some of the most formidable competition in all of professional wrestling. Now I’m not saying I don’t trust Mike, or that I don’t have confidence in him, or that he’s not a capable champion. That’s not it at all. Mike just doesn’t have the experience of some of his challengers. I don’t want to see Mike get hurt. And considering some of the things that guys like Gino Hernandez or The Missing Link can do to a man…well, I think you know what I’m getting at."
What Fritz was getting at was the fact that someone like Gino Hernandez, a known rule-breaker who enjoys inflicting more-than-necessary punishment, can severely injure a wrestler like Mike Von Erich, who has less than a year of professional experience.
To Mike’s credit, he has been trained by some of the best wrestlers in the entire world. To train under guidance of Fritz Von Erich is to learn from one of the true legends of professional wrestling. And Mike’s brothers Kerry and Kevin work with him constantly.
Still, Mike Von Erich is young and vulnerable. In addition to having a relatively low level of experience, Mike gives away anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds per match, depending on his opponent.
"I’m not pulling my hair out or anything," Fritz said, "and I’m not about to sit down with Mike and start giving him warnings and advice. But I am keeping an eye on him, and I’m watching to make sure that he doesn’t falter too much. This situation that Mike is in can have a double effect," Fritz said. "Either the pressure will be too much and Mike will lose the title, hopefully without serious injury, or Mike will face up to the pressure and become that much more of a superb wrestler because of it. Call me a worried father and I’ll tell you I’m thinking too much of the first possibility. Call me a proud father and I’ll admit I think about the second alternative."
No doubt the World Class wrestling fans are thinking about that second alternative as well. Mike Von Erich is facing the toughest challenges of his life right now, and facing them successfully could lift him to the level of the men who trained him.
***Pictures from this article can be found in Mike's gallery!***
