Michael Brent Adkisson (March 2, 1964 - April 12, 1987) was an American professional wrestler under the ring name Mike Von Erich. His four brothers, David, Kerry, Kevin and Chris, also wrestled. He was the son of longtime Texas wrestler and wrestling promoter Fritz Von Erich.

Career

Mike never wanted to be a wrestler. He was not a natural athlete like his older brothers, and wanted to work for his fathers company, World Class Championship Wrestling, as a cameraman. He also wanted to be a musician away from the industry.

When his brother David died in 1984, Mike was forced into the ring. He was actually a very good wrestler even though he did not want to do it. He was teamed with his brothers Kerry and Kevin and put into a long feud with the Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts). He also had a feud with Gino Hernandez. His last match was in 1987 against Brian Adias, whom he defeated in five seconds.

On August 22, 1985, Mikes shoulder was operated on due to an injury suffered during a wrestling tour of Israel. He was released from the hospital in good condition, but his fever shot up to 107 degrees four days later. It was later found that Mike suffered from toxic shock syndrome, a rarity among men.

Mike had a difficult time returning to the ring, and was only a shell of his former self afterward. Kevin has stated that he was different outside the ring too.

On April 12, 1987, unable to deal with what he had become, he left a suicide note for his family, then committed suicide by overdosing on the tranquilizer placidyl.

Profile

* Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
* Weight: 200 lb (91 kg)
* Birthday: March 2, 1964
* Hometown: Denton, Texas
* Trainer: Fritz Von Erich

Championships/Accomplishments

* 1-Time WCCW American Heavyweight Champion
* 1-Time WCCW Middle Eastern Heavyweight Champion
* 4-Time WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Champion (with Kerry & Kevin Von Erich 3 times and Kevin & Lance Von Erich once).
* Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) ranked him # 288 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the PWI Years in 2003.
* Mike also won the PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler Award in 1985 and Rookie of the Year in 1984.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

* 1983 Feud of the Year (with Kerry Von Erich and Kevin Von Erich vs The Fabulous Freebirds)
* 1984 Feud of the Year (with Kerry Von Erich and Kevin Von Erich vs The Fabulous Freebirds)
* 1984 Match of the Year (with Kerry Von Erich and Kevin Von Erich vs The Fabulous Freebirds)