Most of Kerry's fame was made in Texas' World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he was nicknamed "The Modern Day Warrior", a reference to his entrance music ("Tom Sawyer" by Rush). On December 28, 1980, his first NWA American Heavyweight Championship reign came after he defeated Gino Hernandez for the vacant title. He lost the title to Ken Patera before winning his second NWA American Heavyweight Championship from The Masked Superstar. In May and June 1981, Kerry exchanged the NWA American Heavyweight Championship with Ernie Ladd. On October 25, he teamed with Terry Orndorff and they defeated The Great Kabuki and Chan Chung to win the NWA American Tag Team Championship. After having short angles as a singles wrestler, he began teaming with his brother Kevin. On March 15, 1982, the two brothers wrestled Gary Hart and King Kong Bundy to a double disqualification. On June 4, Von Erich defeated former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race, elevating him to main event status.