Early Wrestling Career
Jerry Lawler made his wrestling debut in 1970 in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. As time went on, Lawler began to wrestle farther across the southern United States. In 1977, Lawler joined Jerry Jarrett’s new wrestling promotion, the Continental Wrestling Association. Two years later, Lawler defeated Superstar Billy Graham to become the CWA World Champion.
Lawler also made several appearances for Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association He became the AWA World Heavyweight Champion on May 9, 1988. It was in AWA that Lawler first crossed paths with Kerry Von Erich, whom he would continue to feud with in WCCW.
WWE In-Ring Career
Lawler made his first appearances for WWE as an announcer and later made his in-ring debut at the 1993 Royal Rumble. He then entered a feud with Bret Hart and the rest of the Hart family.
However, Lawler’s wrestling career came to an abrupt halt in late 1993 when Lawler was indicted for raping a 15-year-old girl. Charges were later dropped.
Upon his return to WWE, Lawler picked up his feud with Bret Hart once again. At King of the Ring 1995, Lawler lost a “Kiss My Foot” match to Hart and consequently had to kiss Bret’s feet. Lawler then feuded with Doink the Clown.
From 1994 until 2001, Lawler made sporadic in-ring appearances for WWE and occasionally worked as a color commentator for the company. He also briefly worked for Smokey Mountain Wrestling. In 1997, Lawler became involved in ECW and its working relationship with WWF. He worked as a commentator for ECW and wrestled a few matches in the company, including one against Tommy Dreamer at Hardcore Heaven.
WWE Departure And Independent Appearances
Stacy “The Kat” Carter, Lawler’s third wife, also worked for the WWF during the Attitude Era. In February 2001, she entered a feud with the faction Right to Censor. Lawler became heavily involved in the feud as well, acting on the side of Carter. The feud culminated at No Way Out on February 25. Following the match, The Kat was abruptly fired by Vince McMahon for allegedly being hard to work with. Lawler quit the company in company in protest.
After his WWE departure, Lawler spent the ensuing decade working across the independent circuit. He worked as a commentator for promotions like WWA and OVW, and competed in occasional matches.
Return To WWE
Lawler returned to WWE not long after he quit the company. There was no apparent ill will between WWE and Lawler, evidenced by how Lawler was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. The King continued his role as a color commentator while occasionally competing in the ring, including participating in the 2012 Royal Rumble.
On September 10, 2012, Lawler suffered a heart attack while at the announce desk. He underwent surgery and took a month off to recover, though his role in WWE was then greatly reduced.
On March 21, 2018, Lawler suffered a severe stroke while at home in Memphis. He stayed in the ICU for several days after the fact as the incident caused Lawler to temporarily lose his ability to speak.
Lawler continues to make occasional appearances in WWE and across various independent promotions, both in the ring and as a commentator.
