JBL Compares The Late Kerry Von Erich To WWE Megastar

In a recent episode of the “Something To Wrestle” podcast WWE Hall of Famer JBL offered a unique perspective on his early days in professional 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.

JBL, also known as John Bradshaw Layfield, praised the Von Erich brothers and how loved they were among fans and peers alike.

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.

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 painted a vivid picture of Kerry’s larger-than-life presence and natural 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, particularly in public settings.

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’s comments also shed light on the strategic importance of Kerry Von Erich in the wrestling world of that era, particularly in 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.

This revelation underscores the immense drawing power and regional influence that Kerry Von Erich wielded in his prime. It also hints at the potential national stardom that might have awaited him had circumstances been different.

Tragically, Kerry Von Erich’s life was cut short in 1993 when he passed away at the age of 33, having committed suicide. Had the circumstances been different during his brief stint in WWE from 1990 to 1992, Kerry’s stardom would have likely reached a much higher full potential on the national stage.

JBL’s reflections offer a poignant reminder of Kerry Von Erich’s impact on professional wrestling and the natural star quality he possessed. The comparison to The Rock, one of the most charismatic and successful figures to ever emerge in WWE, serves to highlight just how special Kerry Von Erich was in his prime.

WWE Hall of Famer JBL Pulls No Punches On ‘Failed’ Former Writer

In another recent podcast, JBL discussed why he believes Vince Russo was an abysmal failure as a WWE writer. Layfield said that despite being credited with helping usher in the Attitude Era, everything Russo was involved with ended horribly, citing the infamous Brawl for All tournament in 1998 as his prime example.

H/t to ITRWrestling.com