‘The Iron Claw’ to begin streaming on Max next month

“The Iron Claw,” A24’s critically acclaimed biopic on the Von Erich family, is coming to streaming next month.

The movie will be available to stream on Max starting on Friday, May 10. This comes five months after “The Iron Claw” was released in theaters in December 2023.

Starring Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, “The Iron Claw” tells the story of the Von Erich family tragedy and how Kevin survived after the deaths of his brothers. Jeremy Allen White (Kerry Von Erich), Harris Dickinson (David Von Erich), Holt McCallany (Fritz Von Erich), Maura Tierney (Doris Von Erich), Stanley Simons (Mike Von Erich), and Lily James (Kevin’s wife Pam) also had featured roles in the film. 

Sean Durkin was the director of “The Iron Claw.” AEW star MJF played a small role in the film and has an executive producer credit.

A24 Films and HBO announced a multi-year deal last December to make Max the streaming home of A24’s movies.

The Iron Claw has an 89 percent positive rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. It was not nominated for any Academy Awards.

Wrestling Observer Radio: AEW Worlds End preview, Iron Claw

Dave Meltzer and I are back with Wrestling Observer Radio going over all the news in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We opened up the show talking about AEW’s Saturday night PPV Worlds End. We went over all the matches scheduled so far.

We also discussed the following:

  • Possibilities for The Devil
  • What’s next for AEW after the Continental Classic
  • AEW Dynamite ratings
  • MJF’s Player’s Tribune article
  • Other notes from Tony Khan’s media call
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi as NJPW president
  • The possibility of Will Ospreay vs. Kazuchika Okada in San Jose
  • Dave’s review of The Iron Claw
  • WWE RAW TV right’s fees

Click here to listen (website subscription needed) or watch on YouTube (with video subscription).

MJF wants to have full-time future in Hollywood and wrestling

AEW World Champion MJF is hoping to have a full-time future in both Hollywood and pro wrestling.

While speaking with Comicbook.com, MJF detailed the future that he wants to have in acting. MJF said he believes that, five years from now, he’s going to be someone that people see regularly acting in television and films. MJF said he wants to be full-time in both pro wrestling and acting at the same time, and he wants to release a music album in the future as well.

“I genuinely think in five years from now, I’m going to be a guy that people see regularly on their TV screen outside of the professional wrestling landscape,” MJF said. “Trust me, I love wrestling too much to not still be involved in it. I will most likely still be full-time, but I want to be acting full-time as well by then. I would also like to put out an album by then. I would like to be a well distinguished actor that is recognized as being a great actor that transitioned from wrestling like these greats that did it before me. Like Dwayne [The Rock], like Batista. Like Cena.”

MJF has a small on-screen role playing Lance Von Erich in “The Iron Claw.” MJF told Comicbook.com that there was an extended scene that he filmed, but there is only so much time in the movie and the character of Lance Von Erich ultimately didn’t fit into the larger puzzle. MJF called the movie “an absolute masterpiece” and said he agrees with the decisions that director Sean Durkin made.

There most certainly is [an extended scene]. I don’t know where it’s going to live. There was a scene where me and him were talking, but me and Sean both completely understood that listen, I want this film to succeed, and the film needed to be about the brothers. As fun as I had shooting that scene, realistically, it didn’t add to the overarching story and the importance of the story between the brothers and what they were going through in dealing with the pressures that their father put on them. It didn’t fit in the pieces of the puzzle.

I’m sure that you’re going to find that there was a lot of stuff that got cut and it wasn’t because it wasn’t good. I think everything that was shot was absolutely fantastic. Not just my stuff, but every actor had stuff that got cut. It’s just like there’s only so much time. The story that’s most important is the brothers. That’s what it came down to. I couldn’t agree with Sean Durkin more on the decisions he made. The film is an absolute masterpiece.

In addition to the on-screen role, MJF has an executive producer credit on “The Iron Claw.”

“I think it developed based on how much I contributed behind the scenes and the relationship that I got with Sean Durkin,” MJF told Comicbook.com. “He’s an incredible director and he created an incredible movie, along with [Zac] Efron and [Holt] McCallany. Getting to work with those guys was incredible. Chavo Guerrero did an incredible job training these guys.”

Currently working through a torn labrum, MJF is defending his AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe at Worlds End this Saturday (December 30). The pay-per-view is taking place from MJF’s hometown of Long Island.

Wrestling Observer Radio: AEW departures, Dave reviews Iron Claw, Tanahashi new NJPW president, Smackdown and Collision

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer RETURNS with tons to talk about including Dave’s review of Iron Claw, Hiroshi Tanahashi is the new President of NJPW and what that means, the Tokyo Dome line-up, ratings, Dana Massie leaving AEW, Collision and Smackdown recaps and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps

Start: Bryan is back from vacation, Dave reviews Iron Claw

22:00: AEW departures & the changing landscape of AEW

33:36: Additional ratings notes

35:04: Hiroshi Tanahashi named new President of NJPW, Wrestle Kingdom 18 card

43:30: Katsuyori Shibata signs with AEW, Charlie Dempsey to AJPW

45:15: WWE SmackDown recap

55:16: AEW Collision recap

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Daily Update: AEW departures, Authors of Pain, The Iron Claw

Daily Update

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The longest issue in our history. Among the highlights are:

  • Match and performer of the week
  • A preview of what will be among the biggest if not the biggest pro wrestling news story of 2024, the upcoming contract deals for both all the AEW television shows and WWE Raw. We go through details of talks that have taken place, potential homes for both shows, what would be best for AEW and why those situations are unlikely, past history of rights talks, where WBD stands, momentum, money figures, ROH, discrepancy in household wealth of AEW Dynamite viewers vs. Raw & Smackdown viewers, what AEW would need to be home free financially and very profitable, value of AEW and how it can change and much more 
  • Update on Kenny Omega
  • What we do and don’t know and may never know about the WWE lawsuit settlement with MLW
  • Promotions in Japan unite together
  • Notes on the Iron Claw movie including a review
  • Notes on the business for the major AEW & WWE PPV shows over the next few months
  • UFC 296 full coverage
  • Political leanings of WWE & UFC fans
  • Tokyo Sports Japanese wrestling awards for 2023 and the politics involved in the decision making and why some obvious choices didn’t even get considered
  • Full coverage of ROH Final Battle, NXT Deadline and recent television
  • The career of Japanese star Osamu Kido, who passed away recently, including highlights and the period he go a major push and why
  • Update on Liv Morgan’s arrest
  • The most complete look at the ratings over the past week, including demo, competition and segment-by-segment
  • International ratings and streaming numbers
  • Andrade returns to Arena Mexico
  • Stardom big show this coming week
  • Former New Japan star debuts for All Japan
  • Jan. 2 NOAH major show card
  • Wrestle Kingdom update
  • 60th anniversary of the death of Rikidozan, one of the biggest stars in history
  • Will Ospreay’s last match of 2023 and his final independent match before starting with AEW announced
  • Tony Khan talks social media negativity
  • Rocky Romero talks CMLL and AEW relationship
  • Ticket sales for upcoming AEW & WWE events as well as Impact and NJPW U.S. events
  • Major question regarding non-UFC MMA fighters under contract and if they’ll get enough fights in 2024
  • WWE Speed concept
  • Notes on WWE Hall of Fame
  • WWE stock value

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

Sunday Update

Bryan and I will be back tonight for Wrestling Observer Radio covering the news from the past several days including AEW departures, AEW & WWE TV, Tokyo Dome, Iron Claw and more.

Want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas tomorrow and hope that you and your families have a great holiday season.

With the new format of the Observer which is now printable in the format of the printed issues previously, we no longer have space limitations so the issue that came out Friday is the longest in our history.

Regarding the recent AEW departures, both Rafael Morfii and Dana Massie, who finish up at the end of the year, left on their own. Morfii, who was in charge of live event promotion, has taken a job working at the Barclays Center. He’ll be booking sports and entertainment acts for the building. His background included working for WWE, TNA, and the New York Mets and Cosmos.

PWInsider reported that the Authors of Pain with manager Paul Ellering will return to WWE on the 1/5 Smackdown show in Vancouver. Akam of the team is from British Columbia and was an Olympic probability in wrestling before he left the sport young to take a WWE deal.

With the release of the Iron Claw movie, VICE has put up part one of its two part series on The Von Erichs up for free.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V7xEp5hGzg

The Iron Claw was No. 6 at the box office for the weekend and will do an estimated $5.06 million in 2,774 theaters in week once. I don’t think anyone expected this to do big numbers at the theaters. I saw it at a theater Friday night in Santa Barbara and aside from a large family, we were the only ones in the theater and there were no wrestling fans there.

Conor McGregor was at the Anthony Joshua fight on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and said he wanted to fight, talking about facing Manny Pacquiao in boxing and how he was supposed to return in April but UFC isn’t booking him, which shows you how much the guaranteed money for PPV from ESPN has changed the game as far as UFC booking McGregor and other big stars. He claimed nobody in the history of the fight game has been treated the way he’s been treated Well, maybe nobody with his drawing power. McGregor has only fought four times in MMA in the last seven years.

For this past week, the only thing related to wrestling, MMA and boxing that hit the top 20 for a day on Google searches was Anthony Joshua, who won his fight yesterday, at No. 7 with more than 100,000 searches.

A match that took place on Thursday that people have been raving about, including some calling it the best trios title match in New Japan history, was the Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii match against Jeff Cobb & Henare & Great O’Khan from Korakuen Hall.

Dwayne Johnson doing a make-a-wish visit teased the idea of returning to WWE.

Israel Adesanya is now talking like he’ll be back in UFC soon. He had previously said he wouldn’t be fighting until 2027.

Geoff Neal vs. Ian Machado Garry and Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa have been announced for 2/17 in Anaheim, CA.

Yair Rodriguez vs. Brian Ortega has been announced in a five round co-main event on 2/24 in Mexico City. Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi will headline the show.

LA Knight got the key to the city of Hagerstown, MD last night. He was born in that area. There were about 500 people there, all ages. Shaun Ricker’s family serves the community and his brother is a member of the fire department. He was very gracious, signing tons of autographs and taking photos with anyone who asked. His family was there as was his girlfriend. (Thanks to Jimmie Alexander at WTOP News)

Stardom today at Korakuen Hall: Mei Seira b Yuzuki, Hanan b Hanako, Mai Sakurai & Thekla b Hazuki & Saya Iida, Saki Kashima won three-way over Mina Shirakawa and Yuna Mizumori, Nanae Takahashi & Yuu b Syuri & Ami Sohrei, Utami Hayashishita & Saya Kamitani & AZM & Lady C & Hina & Miyu Amasaki b Natsuko Tora & Momo Watanabe & Starlight Kid & Ruaka & Rina & Fukigen Death in an elimination match, Suzu Suzuki & Megan Bayne & Saori Anou b Giulia & Maika & Mirai when Bayne pinned Giulia after an F-5.

There were three title changes on today’s Dragon Gate Final Gate 20223 in Fukuoka. Kai & Ishin & Yoshiki Kato won the Triangle gate titles over Yamato & Dragon Kid & Punch Tominaga, Kaito Kiyomiya & Alejandro from NOAH won the vacant Open the Twin Gate titles beating Ben K & Kota Minoura and Luis Mante won the Open the Dream Gate title in a three-way over Madoka Kikuta and Shun Skywalker.

Tetsua Endo faces Yukio Naya in the finals of the DDT D King Grand Prix tournament on 1/3.

Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Wednesday night in Omaha, NE: Ryan Romantic b The Siev, Tanner Renken b Chaac De Oro, Willy Sweet b Clay Evans, Pat Powers & Vic Douglas b Con Artiest & TankBryson, JC Slater b Xander McIntosh, Joey Daniels b Alan Lyric, Willy Sweet won Battle Royal, Moonshine Russell b Willie Sweet. The next show is 1/25 at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha.

Lucha Va Voom has announced shows on 2/14 and 2/15 at the Mayan Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Those announced are Taya Valkyrie, Ma1gno, Lil Cholo, Jack Cartwheel, and Dirty Sanchez.

Mustafa Ali vs. Leon Slater was announced for the 1/28 Progress show at the Electric Ballroom in London.

Rusty Blair was announced as the 2023 inductee into the Scotland Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. Born Carole Taylor, she won the British and European women’s championship, beating Mitzi Mueller in 1980. In 1987, she headlined the first all-women’s match held at Royal Albert Hall.

Stee Teulan aka Jack Bonza, who was in the New Japan tag tournament, pleaded guilty to a high range drunk driving after admitting drinking a full bottle of Vodka and driving. He almost hit a police car set up at a random testing site and pleaded guilty to one count of high range drunk driving. The alleged incident took place on 11/11 in Tuggerah, Australia at 9:15 p.m. 

In the CBS celebration of the 98th birthday of Dick Van Dyke on Friday, they showed the clip from the original Dick Van Dyke show in 1964 where Fred Blassie appeared as the world heavyweight wrestling champion and gave Van Dyke an airplane spin.

Dana White announced Jiri Prochazka vs. Alexander Rakic, Aljamain Sterling moving to 145 to face Calvin Kattar and Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage for the 4/13 UFC 300 show.

PCO vs. Dirty Dango has been added to the TNA 1/13 PPV show in Las Vegas.

Pro Wrestling Eve has 16 tickets left for its 1/5 show at the Big Penny Social in Walthamstow, London.

2 Cold Scorpio headlines a 1/19 show in Niagara Falls, NY at the Frontier Fire Hall for Empire State Wrestling.

Bob Magee sent us notes regarding independent promotions raising money for Christmas charities this year. This is always something we like to publicize and give credit to:

As of the morning of December 21, I have information on $246,523.40 in cash donations, 6,779 pounds (that’s OVER THREE TONS) of canned and non-perishable food, 3,960 pounds of dog food donated, and 21,594 toys/gifts that have been collected, and 6 bags of winter coats.

All Pro Wrestling/Nevada presented Headlock on Hunger at Reed High School, Sparks, NV raising over $10,000 for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

Wrestling for a Cure raised over $7,000 for St. Jude’s Hospital for Children through wrestling shows in the Chicagoland area.

Uprise Pro Wrestling held Climb The Ladder on August 5 in Marshall, NC to benefit the Manna Food Bank, raising around $500.

Supreme Pro Wrestling presented Lemonade on August 20 at Soccer World Indoor Arena in Elk Grove, CA; and is proud to announce it raised over $1,300 for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand charity dedicated to pediatric cancer.

San Diego Pro Wrestling Academy, together with It’s All About the Kids Foundation presented the Unity in the Community Food Drive charity event to collect canned food in El Cajon, CA on August 26. 50 pounds was collected at this individual event, as well as its wrestlers packing 700 bags of non-perishable food, which will benefit 3,500 to be distributed all over San Diego County.

Keystone State Wrestling Alliance set up a ring at Century 3 Kia in West Mifflin, PA on September 2 to raise $350 and 20 pounds of food for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Mid Southern Championship Wrestling held a food drive on September 2, for the children the Trumann, AR School District to help students who don’t know where their next meal will come from. At least 100 pounds of food that filled the back of a Dodge Ram was collected.

 1CW Pro Wrestling comes to Houston, DE on September 9 at the Houston Volunteer Fire Company, 143 Main Street, raising $2,325 at a show designed to benefit the Alex Oliveras Family.

GCW Charity Wrestling event returned to Aurora, ON on Saturday September 9, collecting 300 pounds in non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

GCW Charity Wrestling’s associate organization Pop Culture Canada event came to Aurora, ON on September 10, collecting 500 pounds in non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

Wrestling for a Cause returned to Tulsa, OK, on September 9 for WHY Ranch Foundation Presents: WFC- Wrestleland 4: Fight For Emmitt raising $1,200.

REAL Pro Wrestling returned to Fort Myers, FL on September 15 benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, raising $1,000 and counting.

ECWA Pro Wrestling returns to Morganville, NJ on September 16, benefitting POAC (Parents of Autistic Children) Autism Services in Brick Township, NJ, which provides educational, support and recreational services to children and adults on the autism spectrum.

Lehigh Valley Apparel Creations presented Steelstacks Smackdown II in Bethlehem, PA on September 16 as a benefit to raise money for New Bethany, featuring The Godfather and D’Lo Brown. 450 pounds of canned and non-perishable food items were collected, as well as $400 in cash donations and counting to help Bethany’s work.

Chinlock Wrestling presented Chinlock for Charity on September 16 (sponsored by Cigar Chief) in Tyendinaga, ON with Legends of Wrestling meet and greet and autograph signing, as well as an exciting show raised $8,298.14 in support of Indigenous organizations in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory,

United Wrestling Coalition held a benefit at its September 23 show at McKaig-Test-Mullen American Legion Post 455 New Egypt, NJ raising $3,600 for an annual scholarship fund for the family of fan John Begley, who recently passed away from cancer. UWC also collected $65 cash and 50 items for Angels in Motion (Atlantic City chapter) that helps the homeless with “blessing bags”.

Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returned on September 23 for the Austin Fury Memorial Tournament in Martinsville, IN at the Morgan County Fair and 4-H Association; raising $500 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Metro Pro Wrestling presented its annual Relay for Life Cancer Benefit show on September 23 in Taylor, MI, raising $48,000.

Pure Pro Wrestling returned on September 23 at Flint Iceland Arenas, with a show that helped raise $1,000 for the Autism Parent Support Network, a Flint based nonprofit.

WrestleARTS 12 returned to The Irving Theater in Indianapolis, IN on September 23 and raised an additional $500 for the Grotto’s Kids Fund. 

Crossfire Wrestling presented FIRED UP 2023 at Merriton Community Centre in St. Catharine’s, ON on September 24. Partial proceeds from this and all shows go to the Niagara Peninsula Foundation for Children (see below for overall total).

GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Cobourg, ON on Saturday September 30, collecting 250 pounds of non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

Team Blue Brands and Pure Pro Wrestling presented Battle in the Creek 3: The Whole DAM Show on September 30, This year’s event featured Rob Van Dam, Dan Severn, Brian Cage, Alex Hammerstone, and more. $250 was collected for the South Michigan Food Bank. The League of Enchantment also held a Toy Drive at the event, collecting 35 toys.

GCW Charity Wrestling’s associate organization Pop Culture Canada returns to Kingston, ON for a ComicCon on October 1, collecting 200 pounds of non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

Pro Wrestling KING returned to Anderson, IN on October 1, and raised $165 for the Anderson chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Service Dog Program.

On October 7, One Fall Entertainment, and Sheboygan County Pink Heals Organization return to Sheboygan, WI to raise funds for Pink Heals, a non-profit organization assisting cancer victims and their families raising $13,000 this year featuring Al Snow, Doug Basham, Kenny King, Heath, and James Storm.

Tri States Wrestling partners with Against All Odds Animal Rescue for the entire 2nd Annual Midwest Tour October 5 – Palmyra, MO at the Palmyra Middle School Gym October 6- 7:00 PM in Sliced Bread Innovation Center, Chillicothe, MO. October 7- The St. Joseph REC Center, Saint Joseph, MO October 8 – Kansas City North Community Center, Kansas City, MOAs a result, just over $500 and (3,960 pounds) of dog food were donated for Against All Odds Animal Rescue.

On October 7 in Pascagoula, MS, AWA Pro Wrestling honored our great friend Joey Goetz with a portion of our proceeds from our October events donated to the Animal Rescue Foundation, an organization he was passionate about.

Promoter Diamond Dan Garza and Dr. Chuck Dietzen (aka Dr. Doom) together with Timmy Global Health presented the 21st annual #TimmyTakeDown, an event for children with many different disabilities to showcase their amazing abilities against professional wrestlers in a ring on October 8, in Kirklin, IN. The event raised $11,500

Showcase Pro Wrestling returned to Taunton, MA on October 13 for a Suicide Awareness show.

Champion for a Cause Promotions presented: The Hart of the Matter on October 13 in Wayne, MI: featuring Bret “The Hitman” Hart , Rhino, The Motor City Machine Guns, and Zach Gowen; raising $9,000 for the Fredi the PizzaMan Foundation, dedicated to building sensory rooms in public schools, creating safe spaces for students with autism to learn, grow, and thrive.

1CW Pro Wrestling returned to Selbyville, DE at the Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company, on October 14 raising $2,300 for Choke Slammin’ Cancer.

Proving Ground Pro held its annual show, ELKMANIA 10 on October 14, a fundraiser for the Elks National Foundation, which provides veterans services, medical research and college scholarships, raising $2,142 (totaling $25,000 over the last 10 years of Elks shows.

Live Pro Wrestling returned to Goderich, ON at Goderich Memorial Arena on October 14, and raised $6,000 to benefit the Hunter Costello Memorial Fun-dation, which works to build an accessible playground in Goderich, and to provide financial relief to families with ill or injured children in the local community.

GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Oshawa, ON on October 14. collecting 500 pounds of non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.*

Pure Pro Wrestling stormed into Bay City, MI, on October 14, to benefit the Historic Masonic Temple community arts and movie facilities, raising approximately $1,000

On October 14 in Ocean Springs, MS, AWA Pro Wrestling honored great friend Joey Goetz with a portion of our proceeds from October events donated to the Animal Rescue Foundation, raising $540. 

GCW Charity Wrestling’s associate organization Pop Culture Canada event returned to Ajax, ON for a ComicCon on October 15 collecting 300 pounds of non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

United Wrestling Coalition held a benefit at its October 21 Trick or Treat with the wrestlers show in New Egypt, NJ, collecting a large bag of personal hygiene items and non-perishable foods for Angels in Motion (Atlantic City chapter) that helps the homeless.

Appalachian Championship Wrestling presented Barnyard Beatdown 3 on October 21 in Winfield, WV; raising well over $1,000 to benefit West Virginia Horse Network, a horse rescue organization.

Mission Pro Wrestling returned to San Antonio, TX on October 21 at the Salvation Army Mission Corps, raising $400 to benefit the Salvation Army.

Cody Deaner (who also does motivational appearances at schools under his given name of Chris Gray) is raising funds at his wrestling and motivational appearances until just before Christmas for a special young man named Conor, who deals with Coffin-Lowry Syndrome, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions. 100% of the money Deaner brings in from his “Giv’er for Charity” merchandise at events for the next few months will go to Conor, his family, and paying for their growing medical expenses. Deaner will make five wrestling appearances and seven speeches this month; and has raised $1,114 through October 28.

On October 21, KSWA Wrestling teamed up once again with Sam’s Club Tarentum (Pittsburgh Mills) to raise $1,700 for a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals fundraiser to benefit the local Children’s Hospital on October 21.

On Saturday, October 28 in Winston-Salem, NC, AML Wrestling held a pro wrestling benefit for TJ Small who has been diagnosed CNS Lymphoma in the brain, raising at least $2,400.

GCW Charity Wrestling’s associate organization Pop Culture Canada event returned to Belleville, ON for a ComicCon on October 28, collecting 400 pounds of non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

California Championship Wrestling presented a fundraiser show on October 28 for the 51 Fifty Gloves not Drugs program, raising $550.

IWA Productions presented its 11th annual Wrestling for a Cause show in Mount Vernon, IL on October 28, raising $2,167 for the mammogram department at Crossroads Hospital.

GCW Charity Wrestling’s associate organization Pop Culture Canada event returned to Whitby, ON for a ComicCon on October 28, collecting non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

GCW Charity Wrestling returns to Bowmanville, ON on October 29, collecting 240 pounds of non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

Independent Pro Wrestling returned to Hamilton, ON on November 4 for Hammering Cancer 4, working with Chris M Toste with all proceeds to benefit Hamilton Health Sciences/Juravinski Cancer Center. $4,174was raised.

1CW Pro Wrestling came to Houston, DE on Saturday, November 4, raising $3,200 for Delmarva Aces, and will Adopt a Family for Thanksgiving.

AWA Pro Wrestling and Mississippi Gulf Coast Toys for Tots held a Toys for Tots collection at its November 4 Ocean Springs, MS show, collecting at least 20 new, unwrapped toys.

Project X Wrestling presented House Party on November 3 at The Caruso Club, Sudbury, ON with a toy drive which will benefit the Salvation Army Christmas Hamper Program , collecting at least 100 toys.

GCW Charity Wrestling’s associate organization Pop Culture Canada returned to Sudbury, ON for a ComicCon on November 4 collecting 800 pounds of non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

GCW Charity Wrestling’s associate organization Pop Culture Canada returned to Angus, ON at the Angus Recreation Centre on November 5collecting 400 pounds of non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Orillia, ON on November 10, collecting food for the local community food bank.

AWA Pro Wrestling held a Toys for Tots collection at its November 11 Pascagoula, MS show, collecting at least 80 toys.

All Star Wrestling presents Bodyslams for Toys on November 11 in Vancouver, BC collecting an overflowing table of 50-100 new, unwrapped toys to the show.

GCW Charity Wrestling returns to Oshawa, ON on November 11, with two shows collecting 320 pounds food for the local community food bank.

MMWA Professional Wrestling returns to action on November 11 in St. Louis, MO, collecting a “very nice amount” of food for those in need for the holidays.

Tippy’s Collectibles and Midwest All Star Wrestling presented Women of Nations Grand Slam 5 on November 11 at North St. Paul High School, North St Paul, MN, raising the unbelievable figure of $74,800.

The United By One non-profit presented Together We Stand on November 11 in Hamden, CT in a wrestling charity event, raising $7,000 in a sold out show to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes with a portion of the proceeds going towards Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, with the remainder going to their own efforts.

GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Lindsay, ON on Sunday, November 12, collecting 280 pounds of food.

Empire State Wrestling returned to Buffalo RiverWorks on Friday, November 17 with WrestleBash XIII, with a food drive with three boxes of canned food going to Hearts for the Homeless of WNY Inc.

Three Legacies Wrestling presented Damage Control in Lancaster, PA on November 18 with an associated food drive for Brightside Opportunities Center, collecting around 50 pounds of canned and non-perishable foods.

United Wrestling Coalition held its November 18 New Egypt, NJ show, collecting for Angels in Motion (Atlantic City chapter) that helps the homeless, collecting 7 winter jackets and a case of Progresso soup for Angels in Motion, plus 5-10 toys/bikes ahead of the actual toy drive in December.

Brew City Wrestling returned to Waukesha, WI on November 18 with “Thanksgiving Throwdown”, the promotion’s annual Hunger Task Force show, collecting two full containers, over 100 pounds total.

UWE Pro Wrestling presented Headlock for Hunger on Saturday November 18, in Cadillac, MI at the National Guard Armory, around two dozen store bags worth, about 30 pounds of food.

On November 18 in Rocky Top, TN, Tennessee Legacy Wrestling presented the Mac McMurray Memorial Rumble, raising $357 to benefit the Rocky Top Angel Tree.

On Saturday November 18, CanAm Wrestling presented “The Good, The Bad, & The Crazy” in Olds, AB, raising $950 and collecting 60 pounds of food for the Mountain View Food Bank stock its shelves for the Christmas season.

IWF Media LLC and North Arlington Board of Education presented: When Legends Rise- 26th Anniversary Live Event on November 18 in N. Arlington, NJ to benefit Michael Robert Cammett Jr. Memorial Foundation. The event raised $4,051.26

On November 19, Supreme Pro Wrestling presents: STILL HUNGRY, their annual food drive show at Soccer World Indoor Arena in Elk Grove CA, around 50 pounds, enough food collected to fill a car for the Elk Grove Food Bank.

Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on November 25 and raised $1,300 for their ministry feeding the hungry in the Tulsa area.

GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Aurora, ON on November 25 collecting at least 50 pounds of non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

Journey Independent Championship Wrestling presented Toys for Tots on November 25 in Martinsville, IN , collecting 50 toys.

Southern States Wrestling collected 15 toys and 2 bikes, plus 100 pounds of food donatedmat its November 25 show at Kingsport TN’s Armed Forces Center Armory making 31 straight non-pandemic years the promotion has served its community.

Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling returned to Nanaimo, BC on November 25, with its annual food drive event, Headlocks for Hunger, collecting 563 pounds of food for Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes.

Cape Championship Wrestling returned to Perryville, MO on November 25 in a benefit show with $1,000 raised for St. Jude Hospital for Children.

Gulf State Wrestling presented Season’s Beatings 7 for Toys for Tots in Berwick, LA on November 26, collecting at least 200 toys/and bikes.

For many years pre-pandemic, Hoosier Pro Wrestling held one of the largest toy drives in indie wrestling with their Firemen’s Cheer Fund Toy Drive shows. Although Hoosier Pro no longer is operating, Jerry Wilson and those sponsors still do a small toy drive, which this year bought 17 bikes for the Firemen’s Cheer Fund.

Wrestling With Purpose presents Clash For the Kids 2 on December 1, in Pembroke, NC and raised $1,490 so less fortunate children of Robeson County will get to experience the magic of Christmas.

DCW Wrestling returned for its annual Toys for Tots show on December 2 in Felton, DE, collecting around 100 toys.

MCW Pro Wrestling collected around 200 toys at its Breakthrough event on December 2 in Joppa. MD.

International Wrestling Cartel held their annual toy drive with Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes, at the December 2 show in Elizabeth, PA, collecting 50-60 toys.

Rocket Pro Wrestling returned to Joliet, IL for Christmas Chaos for Children on December 2, collecting 100 toys donated, plus $250 in donations for Windy City Ghostbusters for the LaRabida Children’s Hospital!!

Total Wrestling Federation returned on December 2 to Sacramento, CA for Wreck The Halls to collect 35 toys for children at Shriner’s Hospitals.

GCW Charity Wrestling/POP Culture Canada came to Port Perry, ON on December 2, collecting 250 pounds of canned and non-perishable foods for the local community food bank.

Wrestling for a Cause returned to Tulsa, OK on December 2 for the Fight for David Burt show, raising $1,300.

GCW Charity Wrestling/POP Culture Canada came to Newmarket, ON on December 2, collecting 80 pounds of canned and non-perishable foods for the local community food bank.

Crossfire Wrestling presented Jingle Bell Brawl in St. Catharines, ON on December 2, with $2,000 going to the Niagara Peninsula Foundation for Children this season.

KSWA Wrestling held its annual Fan Fest/Toy Drive 2023 on December 2, in Pittsburgh, PA in conjunction with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Holiday Project that provides toys and other necessities to families within Allegheny County; with the show collecting nine construction bags of toys”, around 700 toys.

On December 2, POWW Entertainment returned for Rage Reaction in Fox Lake, IL; collecting about 100 pounds of canned/non-perishable foods for Project FISH in McHenry, IL.

Cojo Toy World held its annual Toy Drive on December 3 in New Bedford, MA with Ethan Page, Spike Dudley, and John Cena Sr., collecting an incredible 2,000 toys

Revolt Ministries held their annual 12 day Stuff The Bus Toy Drive at The Guardian’s Legacy show in Florida on December 2, with the overall Stuff The Bus Toy Drive (a part of Revolt Ministries’ work with The Guardian’s Legacy) going through, collected 12,000 toys as of December 13, plus $6,000 in cash donations for toys

ACTION Wrestling held its annual Toys for Tots event on December 8 at the Roger Spencer Community Center in Tyrone, GA, collecting around 80 toys.

Power Pro Wrestling/Adrenaline Championship returned to Milford, DE on December 8 for We Have Risen featuring Mark Briscoe and BLK OUT, collecting 100 new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

Atlantic All-Star Wrestling presented “Christmas Beatings 2023” on December 9 in Woodbury, NJ, collecting 80 toys for Toys For Tots

1CW Pro Wrestling returned to Houston, DE on December 9, raising $2,475 with the annual Toys for Joy show.

Championship Wrestling from Georgia presented Revelation on December 9 at the Emanuel County Recreation Cnter in Swansboro, GA, collecting 100 toys for Restoration Worship Center in Metter, GA.

Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on December 9, collecting canned and non-perishable food for their ministry feeding the hungry in the Tulsa area, with 100 pounds of bread, and canned food items working with the local BIMBO Bakery.

SuperKrazee Wrestling presented its Toys For Tots show on December 9 in Gloucester City, NJ, collecting around 30 toys.

UWE Pro Wrestling presented Christmas Karnage on December 9 at the Cadillac Army National Guard Armory in Cadillac, MI, collecting around 100 toys and bikes, with 1 blanket.

CanAm Wrestling, partnering with the Olds Christmas Angels Society presented “The Nightmare before Christmas” in Olds, AB, on December 9. During the intermission, they hosted a Teddy Toss event, where 125 Teddy Bears were donated to the Olds Christmas Angels Society.

Barrie Wrestling pulled a double header on December 9 at the Ferris Lane Community Church, Barrie, ON; raising $500 for Christmas Cheer Barrie.

On December 9, United Pro Wrestling returned to Bowling Green, KY at the National Guard Armory for Toys for Tots of Southern Kentucky, collecting 281 toys and books.

Off The Ropes Studio in Kitchener, ON worked with Camino Wellbeing to give back to the kids in the Kitchener community this Christmas at Punk Rock Slobberknocker 2 in Kitchener, ON as part of the KWPRFM Holidaze Market on December 9, raising $350.

MCW Pro Wrestling held its annual Toys for Tots show on December 9 in Frederick, MD, handled by Frederick Elks Lodge #684, with a guesstimate of at least 100.

Big Time Wrestling returned to Newark, CA in December 8, collecting 250 toys and gifts (per Family Giving Treet) in their annual Toy Drive for Family Giving Tree.

Hamilton Pro Wrestling presented its annual Wreck the Halls Food and Toy Drive Wrestling Event on December 8 in Hamilton, ON, with 300 canned and non-perishable items for the annual Food Drive with The Good Shepherd, and around 200 toys for the Toy Drive partnered up with Friends with Hearts! 

Mission Pro Wrestling returned to San Antonio, TX on December 9 at the Salvation Army Mission Corps, for Silver Bells 3 to benefit the Salvation Army.

Palmetto Championship Wrestling returned to Camden, SC on December 9 raised $250 to benefit the Elgin Police Department Toys Roundup and Caring Hands Foundation.

Hope For The Holidays presented their annual Charity Wrestling Event on December 10 in St. Petersburg, FL, to benefit Christmas Toy Shop, collecting 1,500 toys…enough toys to fill a 20 foot box truck. 

RMW Lucha Libre returned to Oxnard, CA on December 10; for its holiday toy drive show: collecting 150 toys for the children served by La Mision de Jesus in Tijuana, MX.

Demand Lucha returned to Toronto, ON on December 14 for A Very Merry Christmas Show, including a Toy Drive for Starlight Childrens Charity/Sick Kids

New Breed Wrestling returned on December 16 to Eldon, MO for a night of family fun and collecting at least 100 toys for Toys for Tots.

United Wrestling Coalition held its annual Toys for Tots event in New Egypt, NJ on December 16, and collected 5 large Toys for Tots boxes filled to the brim and 12 new bicycles, plus 5 large bags of winter clothing, coats and gloves.

Three Legacies Wrestling presented its final event of the year with Ring The Bells on December 16 in Lancaster, PA, collecting 50-60 new, unwrapped toys.

GCW Charity Wrestling’s associate organization Pop Culture Canada featured a ComicCon on December 16 in Markham, CA, collecting around 50 pounds of non-perishable food items for the local community food bank.

Delmarva Wrestling Digest presented: Over The Top For Toys For Tots…and the ninth Annual Toys For Tots Toy Drive on December 16 in Bridgeville, DE, collecting at least 100 toys plus cash donations.

Lucky Pro Wrestling and West Real Estate joined forces on December 17 in Wilmington, MA, collecting eight boxes of new and unwrapped toys, around 200 toys.

Texoma Pro Wrestling presented a Toy Drive show on December 15 in Sherman, TX and December 16 in Ardmore, TX, collecting at least 50 toys

New Tradition Lucha Libre returned to Palmdale, CA on December 17 for the NTLL Toy Pile Driver show, donating at least 200 toys to the Pinney Lane Foundation in Lancaster, CA.

On December 17, Supreme Pro Wrestling returned to Elk Grove, CA for its annual toy drive show, collecting around 100 toys.

Tri States Wrestling returned for a special two-night event with The Rumble for the Rescue Dogs in Bethany, MO on December 15 and 16; raising $300 for Against All Odds Animal Rescue.

Future Stars of Wrestling presented Holiday Smile Driver in Las Vegas, NV on December 16, collecting toy and wish donations.

American Premier Wrestling returned to East Statesboro, GA on December 16; show and dinner benefit Toys for Tots Foundation.

Glory Pro Wrestling returned to St. Louis, MO on December 17 for its annual holiday charity event, December to Rizzmember II, raising $5,000 to benefit Operation Food Search. 

GCW Charity Wrestling presents its annual Season’s Beatings Live Charity Wrestling Event on December 27 at the Harmony Creek Community Centre,15 Harmony Rd N, Oshawa, ON in Oshawa, ON Front Row reserved seats $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Please bring non-perishable food items for your local community food bank and get entered to win some fun prizes. One raffle ticket will be given for each item. The following items are in high demand and are greatly appreciated: Kids school snacks, juice (boxes and large), canned veggies and fruit, canned pasta, cereal, toothpaste/soap/toiletries, pet foods, diapers and baby supplies.

Southern States Wrestling will collect canned food items, clothing, and toys at its December 30 show at Kingsport, TN’s Armed Forces Center Armory making 31 straight non-pandemic years the promotion has served its community. Kids 12 and under FREE with paid adult to general admission! Saturday December 30th 7:30 p.m. Armed Forces Reserve Center Armory 399 highway 11w Mount Carmel Tennessee. Who is going to leave bald!?! Main Event Hair vs. Hair “Lord” Murphy Costigan vs. Wayne Adkins. Two special referees, one inside the ring, one outside the ring: Jason Blythe and Bruiser Bob. Plus five other main event matches!

We’re Live, Pal: Week five of the AEW Continental Classic

It’s a brand new We’re Live, Pal with Andrew Zarian and I, also available for free on YouTube by clicking above.

We opened up the final show of 2023 with a discussion on WBD and the TV rights for AEW TV and WWE RAW. 

We also discussed:

  • The stakes in Wednesday’s Continental Classic matches
  • Who we want to see make it to the finals
  • The Iron Claw
  • Monday Night RAW
  • The lineup to the first RAW of 2024, Day One

You can follow us on Twitter.

For website subscribers, you can click here to listen (sub needed).

JNPO: Holt McCallany on becoming Fritz Von Erich in ‘The Iron Claw’

In an extended interview, actor Holt McCallany joined Josh Nason’s Punch-Out to talk about his upcoming new film “The Iron Claw” in which he plays the role of Fritz Von Erich, patriarch of the famed Texas wrestling clan.

Holt talked about his preparation and research for the role, which included training with WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Rodz in Brooklyn, New York, and how his body and mind felt as he literally began to learn the ropes of the business.

He also discussed his thoughts on who Fritz was vs. what the public perception may be, especially for those watching the film.

We also talked whether he had any interaction with Kevin Von Erich and the Oscar buzz that started recently about his portrayal of Fritz. We also briefly discussed his short-lived 2011 FX show “Lights Out” and whether he would have done anything differently.

“The Iron Claw” comes out domestically on Friday, December 22nd and this February in the United Kingdom.

Click Here to Listen

Wrestling Observer Radio: UFC 296 recap, ROH Final Battle, The Iron Claw

Dave Meltzer and I are back with Wrestling Observer Radio.

We opened up the show talking about Kenny Omega’s illness. Then we talked about feedback surrounding The Iron Claw, which comes out everywhere next Friday.

Ryan Frederick joined us to recap UFC 296. We went over the entire main card and Ryan talked about some of the undercard highlights.

We then discussed the following:

  • Charlotte Flair’s injury
  • CJ Perry’s finger ailment
  • Bandido’s surgery
  • Liv Morgan’s arrest
  • WWE Speed
  • Options for Roman Reigns’ title match at the Royal Rumble
  • CM Punk’s two house show matches

Dave then recapped ROH Final Battle, I went over the main things that happened on SmackDown, and then we went over AEW Collision.

Click here to listen (website subscription needed) or watch on YouTube (with video subscription).

Fight Game: The CM Punk effect

John LaRocca and I are back with a brand new Fight Game Podcast.

We kicked off the show talking about going to see the new Von Erich film The Iron Claw which we reviewed at the end of the show in a non-spoiler way.

We then got to our Top 5 which included:

  • Dave Meltzer’s story on WWE/WBD talks
  • The CM Punk and Seth Rollins promo on WWE Raw
  • The difference between the AEW version and WWE version of Punk
  • Thoughts on week four of the AEW Continental Classic
  • Trick Williams’ charisma and other thoughts on NXT TV
  • Our non-spoiler review of The Iron Claw

 Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Daily Update: Iron Claw, Will Ospreay, GCW

Daily Update

Latest News

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Highlights of the current issue:

  • Match and performer of the week
  • TKO COO Mark Shapiro talks WWE and UFC business and changes they are thinking about
  • Future of the house show business and why breaking even should be okay
  • Injury rate in WWE and AEW and does the schedule make a difference
  • His thoughts on the PFL taking over Bellator
  • Upcoming media rights deals to be made
  • Ideas for UFC’s streaming service
  • How much UFC is making for certain overseas shows as well as WWE
  • When deals are up
  • Change in the look of the WWE ring
  • Running shows in the same city in the same weekend
  • What is the median income of the viewers of all the different promotions
  • What is the level of education of the viewers of all the different promotions
  • What is the ethnic makeup of the viewers of all the different promotions
  • A look at All In 2024 ticket sales
  • A look at NXT Deadline and the interest level
  • A look at the Tokyo Sports MVP and its top candidates and why the person who should win has little chance to win
  • Full coverage of Saturday’s UFC show
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings, with competition, how each segment did, how the audience has changed over the past year and demo breakdowns
  • AEW and former WWE star headed to Arena Mexico
  • Plight of arrested wrestling star ends up in Mexico president press conference
  • Stardom PPV coverage and build to the Sumo Hall show
  • All Japan tag team tournament coverage
  • New Japan tag team tournament coverage
  • AEW star will headline major NOAH show
  • Updates on Okada
  • Notes on Iron Claw movie
  • Former WWE tag champ retires
  • Sukeban coverage
  • Former WWE announcer working with Trump
  • Great match on indie show
  • U.K. promotion running April show in U.S.
  • Major show with big names in U.K. next week
  • TNA return ticket sales
  • More on the firing of Kevin Sullivan by AEW
  • Update on Continental Classic
  • Von Erichs and AEW
  • Tony Khan talks Sting’s retirement and Ric Flair
  • Khan talks future of Bryan Danielson
  • Danielson talks CM Punk
  • Ticket sales to upcoming WWE & AEW shows
  • International TV ratings and streaming numbers
  • AEW star on show in Vietnam and why
  • Final Battle rundown
  • Why Montreal didn’t do well for AEW
  • Injury updates
  • Update on buys for last two PPVs
  • How much money did the UFC owners pay themselves as compared to the fighters
  • Dana White laughs at Bellator sale to PFL
  • Former UFC champion arrested for allegedly punching his brother
  • Average ticket sales for AEW & WWE
  • More on multiple WWE firings
  • Royal Rumble notes
  • Update on WWE and Giulia
  • Changes in WWE TV schedule
  • Notes on newcomers to NXT
  • Notes on the new WWE signings
  • Rundown of WWE arena events

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

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Tuesday Update

WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

John Cena & MJF pose for photo at ‘The Iron Claw’ LA premiere

WWE legend John Cena & AEW World Champion MJF were among the wrestling stars in attendance at Monday’s “The Iron Claw” Los Angeles premiere.

Cena and MJF posed for a photo that the AEW champ posted to X, and the two shared a chat as posted in a video by reporter Chris Van Vliet. 

The DGA Theater Complex hosted Monday’s red carpet Los Angeles premiere of A24’s The Iron Claw film, which had its world premiere last month in Dallas. 

Kevin Von Erich, Lacey Von Erich, Liv Morgan, Baron Corbin, CJ Perry, Chavo Guerrero, and Ryan Nemeth were among the other wrestling personalities on hand for the LA debut of the Von Erich family biopic. 

MJF plays the role of Lance Von Erich in The Iron Claw, and is also an executive producer on the project. 

Dave Meltzer wrote in the most recent Wrestling Observer Newsletter regarding MJF’s role in the film: 

From what we understand, the way the “Iron Claw” movie was edited, the MJF role of playing Lance Von Erich based on people who have seen the latest version was pretty much dropped. The latest version has maybe ten seconds and they never go into the Lance story and he has no speaking lines and unless you were looking for him, you’d never know he was in it

MJF credited as executive producer of ‘The Iron Claw’

MJF has commented on being an executive producer for “The Iron Claw.”

An official poster for the film was released on Monday revealing MJF’s behind-the-scenes role. He also portrays Lance Von Erich in the film.

“27 years old. Executive producer for an A24 movie and a masterpiece by Sean Durkin. Proud is an understatement. However I don’t have time to celebrate. I’m a man on an island surrounded by the enemy, and Nov 18th will be my hardest obstacle yet,” he wrote on X. 

The film is set to be released in theaters on December 22, 2023. Sean Durkin (The Nest, Dead Ringers) wrote and directed the project. 

“The story of the rise and fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport from the 1960s to the present day,” reads a description of the film. 

Members of the cast include Jeremy Allen White (The Bear, Shameless) as Kerry Von Erich, Zac Efron (High School Musical, Neighbors) as Kevin Von Erich, Harris Dickinson (Beach Rats, Triangle of Sadness) as David Von Erich, and Holt McCallany (Mindhunter, Foundation) as Fritz Von Erich.

‘The Iron Claw’ cast talk in-ring training, Von Erich legacy

The cast of The Iron Claw seemed to enjoy mixing it up in a pro wrestling ring during filming of the upcoming movie. 

Zac Efron (Kevin Von Erich), Harris Dickinson (David Von Erich), and Jeremy Allen White (Kerry Von Erich) spoke with EW about the in-ring work they did during filming of the movie, which hits theaters on December 22. Chavo Guerrero Jr. was brought in to train them and also portrays The Sheik in the film.  

“I was blown away on the first day that you guys came to work,” Efron said to his co-stars. “You were jumping off ropes and doing huge hits.”

“We had some time [training] in L.A.,” White said. “But I don’t know, Zac, I never saw you not good at anything.”

“I felt like I was complaining a lot throughout the process, but it did hurt!” Dickinson said. “It’s harder when you can’t squeeze someone’s head for real, so you have to create the idea that you are inflicting pain with just the squeeze of your hand and the shake. After a while, your forearms are cramping up, and you feel silly, like ‘My arm! I can’t do this anymore!'”

Efron continued to give his thoughts on what the story of the Von Erichs is at its very core. 

“It just doesn’t seem like this could all happen to one family,” he said. “There’s a huge element of the movie that’s, of course, about wrestling and the showmanship aspect. But really, at its core, this movie’s an incredible story about family, love, loss, and ultimately the triumph of a man who tries to break the cycle of this crazy curse.”

“It’s like a Greek tragedy or a Shakespearean tale,” Dickinson added. “And it’s all true.”

Sean Durkin directed the film and also wrote the script. He grew up a wrestling fan during the 80s and 90s in England and recalled learning of Kerry Von Erich’s death from a wrestling magazine in 1993. 

“I still remember that night,” Durkin said. “I remember how I felt, and how I’d heard that the other brothers had died. It just really hit me.”

Durkin has become close with Kevin Von Erich since he began researching the film in 2015. Kevin was not involved in the making of the movie, however. 

The famed Sportatorium in Dallas was re-created at an old furniture showroom near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Matches were filmed from start to finish with the camera running as opposed to filming short sequences or individual moves. Extras were brought in to serve as the crowd, something the three actors say added to the atmosphere. 

“Those background performers made me feel like I belonged there,” White said. “Leading up to those wrestling sequences, that’s probably when I was feeling most insecure. It takes such confidence and skill to walk into a ring like that and perform.”

“The crowd was an element that I did not predict,” Efron added.

“It was like an element of theater,” Dickinson said. “When you’ve got an audience, it changes the way you throw yourself into it.” 

As for if they would ever get in a wrestling ring “for real,” the actors seemed enthusiastic about the idea. 

“Oh, I would jump in,” White answered.

“I would love to,” Dickinson said. “Do you remember at the end of the shoot? We were like, ‘Should we try and do this for real?'”

“We went to Sean and were like, ‘Sean, call them! Tell them we’re ready!'” White added.

“Yeah, call WWE!” Efron said. “Say we’re going to do it!”

Kevin’s son Marshall Von Erich recently posted to X regarding the film:

VIDEO: Trailer released for ‘The Iron Claw’ Von Erich family biopic

The first trailer has been released for The Iron Claw, the upcoming biopic on the Von Erich family.

The movie is from A24 Films and is directed by Sean Durkin. It will be released in theaters on Friday, December 22. The trailer can be watched below:

The Iron Claw tells the tragic story of the Von Erich family, who ran World Class Championship Wrestling in Texas. Here’s the full description for the film:

The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.

Zac Efron stars in the movie as Kevin Von Erich. It also features Jeremy Allen White (Kerry Von Erich), Harris Dickinson (David Von Erich), Holt McCallany (Fritz Von Erich), Maura Tierney (Doris Von Erich), and Lily James (Kevin Von Erich’s wife Pam).

AEW World Champion MJF also has a role in the movie, playing WCCW wrestler and fake Von Erich family member Lance Von Erich.

Marshall Von Erich, one of Kevin’s sons, reacted to the trailer:

‘The Iron Claw’ Von Erich movie release date announced

The much-anticipated feature film on The Von Erich family has been given a release date. 

A24 Films announced on Thursday that “The Iron Claw” will debut in theaters on Friday, December 22, 2023. The film is currently in post-production. 

“The story of the rise and fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport from the 1960s to the present day,” reads a description of the film. 

Jeremy Allen White (The Bear, Shameless) plays Kerry Von Erich, Zac Efron (High School Musical, Neighbors) plays Kevin Von Erich, Harris Dickinson (Beach Rats, Triangle of Sadness) plays David Von Erich, and Holt McCallany (Mindhunter, Foundation) plays Fritz Von Erich. Aaron Dean Eisenberg (The Deuce, Dead Ringers) was cast as Ric Flair in the film late last year.  

Additionally, AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman plays the role of Lance Von Erich in the film. 

It was written and directed by Sean Durkin (The Nest, Dead Ringers).