According to Triple H, WWE Hall of Famer Michael Hayes isn’t happy that he wasn’t contacted about being portrayed in A24’s The Iron Claw, which chronicles the Von Erich family.
The Von Erichs are one of the most famous families in wrestling history, but their story is fraught with tragedy. Following the sudden passing of David Von Erich at the young age of 25, his brothers Mike, Kerry, and Chris all ended up taking their own lives. Family patriarch and World Class Championship Wrestling promoter Fritz Von Erich passed away from brain and lung cancer at the age of 68. Of the brothers, only Kevin survives.
Speaking in a new interview on Greg & The Morning Buzz, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H was asked about The Iron Claw and whether or not WWE had any involvement in the film.
“We did not. They came to us recently, looking to do some promotion with us, and they were trying to screen it for us a few weeks ago and we had an international tour going on and a PLE in Saudi, we couldn’t make it work. I’m excited to see it. I’ve heard it’s very good.”
The Von Erichs’ most famous rivalry was against legendary heels and WWE Hall of Famers The Fabulous Freebirds, who are also portrayed in the film. Independent wrestler Brady Pierce portrays the role of Michael Hayes, and according to Triple H, Hayes is less than pleased with the fact that he wasn’t contacted about having his likeness in the film. He continued:
“I listen to Michael Hayes complain to me all the time about how they made a movie with him in it and he never signed off on it or agreed to be in the movie. That’s his point of view.”
Triple H Hopes The Iron Claw Doesn’t Dwell On Tragedy
Continuing, Triple H expressed his hope that the film doesn’t exploit the tragic story of the Von Erich family.
“It’s an amazing moment in the industry, that whole thing and the fascination of it. For me, I hope they don’t dwell…there is so much positive in our business in so many ways and yet, a lot of times, no different than anything else in life, people to want to focus on negative moments. It’s a tragedy, the family. I just hope that it’s done well. I heard it is.
“I heard it’s done in a way that is not negative, not a downer, but just tells you about the perils of that sutff. If it’s done in that manner, I think it’s great. If it’s just a sensationalized hatchet job on a tragedy in a family that could have been surrounding a lot of different businesses, I hope it’s not that.”
After seeing the film at its premiere, Kevin Von Erich had high praise for The Iron Claw and Zac Efron’s portrayal of him in the film, indicating that any fears about exploitation can be put to rest.
In the same interview, Triple H credited a WWE Superstar with their perseverance.
h/t Fightful