Playback - Mike Von Erich Interview
Q & A with Mike Von Erich
The Wrestler May 1985
Conducted by Bill Apter
Q: As we’re speaking Mike, it’s a little over a year since you’ve made your pro debut. You’ve won the World Class American heavyweight title, and you were named Rookie of the Year for 1984. How does it all feel, looking back, now that your first year is over?
A: Well, Bill, Kevin and Kerry tell me that the first year is the hardest – then it gets tougher after that! Seriously, though, the whole year was just like a dream to me. I never believed that I would really be able to capture so important a title as the American Championship so early in my career.
Q: And you probably could have held on to that title a little longer…
A: If it weren’t for Gino Hernandez and Nicola Roberts. Yeah, I know. This is something else Kevin and Kerry and I have talked about a lot. You know, there’s only so far you can with a guy like Gino before you’re baited into a feud that does you more harm than good. I don’t want to get involved in that kind of feud. Growing up, I’ve seen too many wrestlers I admire get caught up in those kind of battles. It only hurts themselves.
Q: do you think that your brother Kevin’s feud with Chris Adams is doing him more harm than good?
A: Wow! Good question! In a way, I think it’s doing them both harm, but… well, see I understand where Kevin is coming from. But this is much more than a feud. This involves Chris and Kevin, it involves Gary Hart, it involves the rest of us Von Erichs, and it involves the fans. Its’… I don’t know, it’s really a complex situation, and it’s hard to put into words. I guess if you want to really understand the reasons for it, you should talk to Kev.
Q: Fair enough. Now a couple of times already, you’ve referred to your brother Kevin and Kerry, how they’ve given you advice and so forth. Are they the strongest influences on your career right now?
A: Yes, Kerry and Kevin, along with my father, of course. But not to the point where they control me. See, they guide me along in a lot of ways, but they’re also very aware of letting me grow and develop by learning things on my own, by making my own mistakes, and by doing things the way I have to do them.
Q: Could you give and example?
A: Let’s see… well, back in September, when Gino’s beast Nicola Roberts hit me from behind in that American title match, Gino went on to get me with a shoulderbreaker. I was really hurt. And later that same night, there was a six-man elimination cage match between me, Kerry and Kevin against the Freebirds. Well, because I was hurt, I couldn’t wrestle in that match.
Q: I remember. You ran in toward the end of the match, your arm was in a sling, and you helped your team win the match. That was quite a moment.
A: See, that was something that I really felt I had to do.
Q: Even though it could have cost you injury?
A: Both of my brothers, especially Kerry, told me to stay put in the lockerroom. They’re kind of protective sometimes. They didn’t really want me in the match at all. But – well, I want to be able to carry my own, weight, that’s all.
Q: Now in a recent match where you teamed with Billy Haynes, you used the iron claw for the first time ever in your career.
A: Yes I did.
Q: Were you afraid to use it the first time? Were you confident? What was it like?
A: In a way I guess I was a little tentative. You know, the first time you do anything it’s a little bit scary, even though my brother and father trained me to use the claw. I had a little trouble clamping it down at first, but once it was in – well if you saw the match you saw what happened to Jake Roberts.
Q: I did see the match, and I did see what happened to Jake. Looks like you’ve learned how to use the iron claw very, very effectively.
A: Like always, Bill, just trying to do my best.
Q: Now, before we conclude this interview, is there anything you want to say to your fans who will be reading this?
A: I just want to thank all of my fans everywhere for supporting me so strongly in what I do. I never really understood what it meant to be a Von Erich until now. I’ve seen my brother’s supported in matches and in feuds in their careers, but until you’re in there yourself experiencing that special relationship with the fans, you can’t possibly understand what it’s like. The fans are terrific to me; I appreciate all their support. I appreciate them voting my Rookie of the Year and I hope I never let them down. My rookie year is behind em now and I’m looking forward to a great 1985.
