In a recent episode of the popular wrestling podcast “Something To Wrestle,” WWE Hall of Famer JBL offered a unique perspective on his early days in pro wrestling, particularly his time in Global Force Wrestling during the early 1990s. JBL, known for his straight-shooting style, shared compelling insights about his experiences working with the legendary Von Erich brothers, Kerry and Kevin.
What stood out most in JBL’s recollections was his comparison of Kerry Von Erich to one of WWE‘s biggest superstars of all time, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. JBL’s words paint a vivid picture of Kerry’s larger-than-life presence and natural charisma.
The Von Erich boys, the only ones I knew were Kerry and Kevin, and I got to work with both those two several times. They were fantastic guys. I don’t know anyone who would say anything bad about the Von Erich boys.
JBL made a striking comparison of Kerry to future WWE superstar The Rock, suggesting that both Kerry and The Rock possessed an almost divine gift of charisma.
Kerry was the only guy that I know that carried himself like The Rock. I don’t think The Rock does it on purpose, that was just god’s gift to The Rock, it was also god’s gift to Kerry Von Erich.
The WWE Hall of Famer went on to describe Kerry’s effect on fans such as in airports as he travelled around the U.S.
He would go through the airport and people would melt when they saw him. Kerry would humbly introduce himself to people and say ‘Hi, I’m Kerry Von Erich’ and people would just melt. It was unbelievable the charisma he had.
JBL also provided information about WWE Chairman Vince McMahon‘s earlier plans for expansion into Texas.
We always heard that Vince McMahon wanted to run Texas and the only way he knew he could do it for sure was to get Kerry. I assume all of that is true because you needed Kerry Von Erich to run Texas.
Tragically, Kerry Von Erich’s life was cut short in 1993 when he passed away at the age of 33, having committed suicide. His brief stint in WWE from 1990 to 1992 left everyone wondering what might have been had he been able to reach his full potential on the national stage.
JBL Names His Mount Rushmore Of Wrestling Tag Teams
On another recent edition of “Something to Wrestle” WWE Hall of Famer JBL has shared his Mount Rushmore of pro wrestling tag teams, naming three legendary duos from the 1980s without hesitation. However, his fourth and final pick came as more of a surprise from the Attitude Era.
If you use any of the quotes from this article please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Inside The Ropes.