WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend Jerry Lawler is recovering well after he suffered a stroke Monday (Feb. 6). It was first widely reported by PWInsider that Lawler had suffered a stroke in Fort Myers, Florida. He had been out to lunch with some friends when he later began feeling sick.
Jerry Lawler was rushed to the hospital. It was determined that he had suffered a stroke and would need to undergo surgery. He’s still currently recovering at a hospital in Florida.
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JERRY LAWLER RECOVERING IN HOSPITAL FOLLOWING STROKE
Early Wednesday morning, Lawler’s Twitter account gave an official update after the successful surgery. He is said to be doing well, but he has lasting effects from the stroke which include difficulties with speech.
The update reads, “Update on Jerry: After suffering a massive Stroke Monday. He is now recovering in a Fort Myers, FL hospital. His speech is limited, but with rehabilitation will regain a full recovery. He thanks everyone for the continued prayers and will be back in the near future.” You can view the tweet updating fans on Lawler’s medical condition below:
Jerry Lawler is reported to be surrounded by friends which includes an old friend from when he was in high school, fellow WWE Hall of Famer The Mouth of The South Jimmy Hart, who can be seen showing Lawler some old wrestling photos. The photos Hart is showing Lawler may mean he also had his memory affected by the episode, or maybe Hart just wanted to show him photos of himself.
Lawler is a legend in pro wrestling and is thought to have helped make wrestling more mainstream with a particular feud. In 1982 he began an infamous rivalry with actor and star of Taxi Andy Kaufman which blurred the lines of kayfabe. The feud became more and more intense and resulted in Lawler piledriving Kaufman in the ring. Kaufman later claimed that Lawler broke his neck. It also led to Lawler slapping Kaufman on Late Night with David Letterman.
Even though Lawler is considered a legendary wrestler, many younger wrestling fans, myself included, know him from what he did later in his career. In 1997 he started working in the commentary booth for WWE as the color commentator with the lead play-by-play announcer, Jim Ross. While Lawler had been working as part of WWE’s broadcast team since 1992, Lawler and JR were an iconic broadcast duo throughout the Monday Night Wars period of professional wrestling.
Lawler’s position on Raw is one he has held off and on until 2016. Since then, he still makes occasional guest appearances in the booth from time to time and has been part of pre-show panels for WWE premium live events.
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Even though Lawler is currently 73 years old, he has continued wrestling. He has wrestled at least one match a year for 53 years. He competed in his latest match just last month.
However, this is not the first time Jerry Lawler has had medical issues in the recent past. In 2012 he famously suffered a heart attack while live on the air during Raw. This forced Michael Cole to scramble to get aid while also calling a match. It was reported that he was clinically dead for almost 30 minutes and had to have CPR performed on him.
The last time Jerry Lawler was seen in WWE was just a couple of weeks ago during the Royal Rumble pre-show panel. Since Lawler’s stroke, many old friends and colleagues have come out to give updates, and share their good wishes for Lawler and their memories.
Some of the names include Ricky Morton, Dutch Mantell, Lance Storm, Bully Ray, and the Bella Twins among many others. Mantell revealed Lawler was suffering from paralysis on his left side but is regaining the use of his left side.
One of the many who had a chance to talk to him is Jim Ross who he will forever be intertwined with because of their time as broadcast partners in WWE. Ross was also able to give an update on Lawler’s condition and his recovery via his Twitter. He wrote, “I spoke very briefly with @JerryLawler tonight. He’s obviously weak but I could understand his affected speech. Jerry’s prognosis is positive but he needs all our thoughts and prayers. #LoveYaKing”
We hear at The Illuminerdi want to wish Jerry Lawler a speedy recovery and hope he makes a full recovery without any lasting effects.
What is a memory which sticks out for you from Lawler’s in-ring career? What about his time in the commentary booth? Do you think AEW will ever hire Lawler to work with Ross again? Do you think this will make Lawler finally retire from wrestling? Let us know if you think Lawler and Ross are the best commentary team of all time.
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Sources: Wrestling Inc., PWInsider, Lawler’s Twitter, Jim Ross Twitter
