On February 7th it was reported that Jerry Lawler was undergoing treatment in hospital after what was said to be a “serious medical episode.”
Subsequent reports revealed that Lawler had been rushed to hospital 24 hours earlier after suffering a stroke. Lawler underwent surgery and his condition was noted as being “very serious.”
Following the initial rush of news, Dutch Mantell offered a positive update on the veteran, stating that his condition was improving and he was expected to recover. Mantell confirmed that Lawler had initially lost feeling in his right side and his speech had been affected. However, the feeling had now returned and was “improving” while doctors expected his speech to also return.
Jim Ross Provides Update On Jerry Lawler
In a post on social media, Lawler’s long-time friend and broadcast partner Jim Ross added another positive update after speaking with the WWE Hall of Famer. Ross said that ‘King’ is understandably weak but he was able to understand him despite his affected speech. JR added that the “prognosis” is positive, but Lawler needs all “our thoughts and prayers.”
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.
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. #LoveYaKingpic.twitter.com/5pkunLriHm— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) February 8, 2023
Jerry “The King” Lawler, 73 was most recently featured on WWE television as part of the Kick-Off Show for the Royal Rumble on January 28th. Just days earlier he made an appearance on the 30th-anniversary special of Monday Night Raw where he briefly served as a guest commentator. The star was also involved in a signing event over the weekend.
Before arriving in the WWF in 1992, Jerry Lawler was already considered a legend in Memphis and had wrestled the great and the good of the industry.
Although Lawler began to wind down his in-ring career with the WWF (WWE), he instead found a new lease of life at the commentary desk alongside the likes of Vince McMahon and later Jim Ross. Serving as WWE’s main announce team through the Attitude Era and into the early 2000s, ‘JR and King’ provided the soundtrack for many of the most famous moments in WWE history.
Everyone at Inside the Ropes continues to send our best wishes to Jerry Lawler and his family during his recovery.