In the 1980s wrestling was hot in the state of Texas and there was no one hotter than the Von Erich family. They were local legends of the lone star state and were in large part responsible for a wrestling renaissance in the south. It turned out Kerry would become the most famous from the family but before his death in 1984 it was David that was pegged as the breakout star. He had the size, charisma, and ability that many thought could take him to the NWA title. In early 1984 David began a feud with NWA champion Ric Flair and was scheduled to get a title shot in April. Many predicted David would win the title but unfortunately while on a tour in Japan in February David passed away before he ever got his title shot.
Later in 1984 an exciting new star joined Jim Crockett's promotion in the NWA. Tom Selleck was one of Hollywood's most popular stars and his show Magnum PI was a hit in the 80s. Terry Allen felt he bore enough of a resemblance to Selleck that he might be able to capitalize on his popularity and became Magnum TA. I'm not sure how much Magnum TA owed to Magnum PI for his success but TA did become quite popular with the fans. He had the look of a champion and many felt it was only a matter of time before he unseated Flair for the title. Magnum was a two time US champion and had memorable feuds with Tully Blanchard and Nikitta Koloff. After dropping the title to Koloff in a best of seven series it seemed Magnum may have been ready to move on to challenging Flair. In the fall of 1986 Magnum TA was in a car accident that nearly cost him his life. He would never wrestle again.
How do you think their careers would have played out had tragedies not befallen these two budding stars? David Von Erich was 25 when he died. Magnum TA was 27 when he suffered his accident. Could either or both have been successful champions? Maybe if David didn't die he would have been in Magnum's way. Maybe if Magnum didn't suffer the accident Sting wouldn't have become as popular as he did when he did. Or maybe both would have just had a brief reign before dropping the title right back to Flair after a couple months if they ever won it at all. It's a shame both careers ended so soon (particularly David since he lost his life) as I think we may have missed out on some real special talents.
Later in 1984 an exciting new star joined Jim Crockett's promotion in the NWA. Tom Selleck was one of Hollywood's most popular stars and his show Magnum PI was a hit in the 80s. Terry Allen felt he bore enough of a resemblance to Selleck that he might be able to capitalize on his popularity and became Magnum TA. I'm not sure how much Magnum TA owed to Magnum PI for his success but TA did become quite popular with the fans. He had the look of a champion and many felt it was only a matter of time before he unseated Flair for the title. Magnum was a two time US champion and had memorable feuds with Tully Blanchard and Nikitta Koloff. After dropping the title to Koloff in a best of seven series it seemed Magnum may have been ready to move on to challenging Flair. In the fall of 1986 Magnum TA was in a car accident that nearly cost him his life. He would never wrestle again.
How do you think their careers would have played out had tragedies not befallen these two budding stars? David Von Erich was 25 when he died. Magnum TA was 27 when he suffered his accident. Could either or both have been successful champions? Maybe if David didn't die he would have been in Magnum's way. Maybe if Magnum didn't suffer the accident Sting wouldn't have become as popular as he did when he did. Or maybe both would have just had a brief reign before dropping the title right back to Flair after a couple months if they ever won it at all. It's a shame both careers ended so soon (particularly David since he lost his life) as I think we may have missed out on some real special talents.