Christopher Barton Adkisson, professionally known as Chris Von Erich, was a member of the renowned Von Erich family, a dynasty of professional wrestlers. As the youngest of the Von Erich siblings, Chris aspired to follow in the footsteps of his father, Fritz Von Erich, and his brothers, Mike, David, Kerry, and Kevin, all of whom achieved success in the wrestling world.
Growing up, Chris worked behind the scenes at World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW),assisting with camera work and odd jobs. He began his wrestling career at a young age, winning his first amateur match at six years old. Chris made minor appearances in storylines throughout the 1980s, often providing support to his brothers in their matches against The Fabulous Freebirds.
In 1990, Chris became a full-time wrestler, embarking on a feud with Percy Pringle in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA). His matches against Pringle were broadcast nationally on ESPN, with Chris often teaming up with his brother Kevin and longtime ally Chris Adams.
Despite his lack of athleticism, Chris maintained a loyal fan base, with spectators frequently chanting "GO, CHRIS, GO!" during his matches. However, his wrestling career was marked by several health issues, including asthma and brittle bones, which often led to injuries.
Tragically, Chris's life was cut short on September 12, 1991, when he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 21. His death was a devastating blow to his family and the wrestling community, and it remains a poignant reminder of the struggles and challenges faced by those involved in the sport.
Chris Von Erich is buried at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas, alongside his brother Mike, who had taken his own life in 1987.
