WWE’s Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler returns to Memphis to continue recovery after stroke

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Pro wrestling Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler returned to his Tennessee hometown as he continues to improve after suffering a stroke last month in Florida, according to published reports.

>> Read more trending news

Lawler, 73, returned to Memphis on Friday, Pro Wrestling Insider and SB Nation reported. Lawler, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, had been recovering at a hospital in Fort Myers and then at a condominium he owns in the area since his Feb. 6 stroke.

Jerry O’Neil Lawler, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on Nov. 29, 1949, got his start in pro wrestling in his hometown in 1970. He is currently known for his commentary with Jim Ross on “Monday Night Raw,” but his brawling style in the ring made him a fan favorite. He began his career as a “heel” but later became a “babyface.”

Lawler was a fixture in the Mid-South and Memphis territories during the 1970s and ‘80s. He won the AWA heavyweight title on May 9, 1988.

He joined Ross as a commentator on WWE telecasts beginning in 1993. Lawler’s sharp wit and squeals when the action got intense endeared him to pro wrestling fans.

Lawler published his autobiography, “It’s Good to Be the King ... Sometimes” in 2002.

In 2012, Lawler went into cardiac arrest during a live telecast of “Monday Night Raw,” according to Bleacher Report and Fox Sports. He later said his heart stopped for 22 minutes, Fox Sports reported.

Lawler also suffered a stroke in 2018, WHBQ-TV reported.