Jerry “The King” Lawler

Biography

Born on November 29, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, Jerry O’Neil Lawler, better known by his ring name “Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler,” is an iconic figure in professional wrestling. Lawler’s illustrious career stretches over 50 years, during which he’s been an active wrestler, color commentator, promoter, and artist.

Early Career

Lawler started wrestling in the late 1960s in the Memphis territory for promoter Nick Gulas. After a while, he moved on to the more influential promoter Jerry Jarrett’s territory, where he blossomed into a superstar, winning numerous regional titles and earning his moniker, “The King.”

Signature Moves and Attire

Jerry Lawler is famous for his finishing move, the piledriver, which he used to great effect throughout his career. Occasionally, he would also use a fist drop from the second rope as a finisher.
Lawler’s attire was typically royal in design, reflecting his nickname “The King.” He often wore a singlet or a pair of classic wrestling trunks, with a pair of wrestling boots. When making his entrance, he’d often wear a crown and a royal cape or robe.

Entrance Music

Jerry Lawler’s entrance music varied throughout his career. In WWE, his entrance theme was a majestic piece from Jim Johnston, appropriately titled “The Great Gates of Kiev,” further accentuating his royal persona.

Major Rivalries

Over the years, Lawler’s feuds with numerous wrestlers have become stuff of legends. He had an infamous on-and-off-screen rivalry with comedian Andy Kaufman, which culminated in a notorious incident on the “Late Night Show with David Letterman.” His rivalries with Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Tommy Dreamer, and Tazz also stand out.

Titles and Achievements

Lawler has won a staggering number of championships during his career, with over 168 individual titles to his name, including multiple reigns as AWA World Heavyweight Champion and countless regional titles in the Memphis area.

Tag Team Partners

Lawler had various tag team partners throughout his career, some of the notable ones being Bill Dundee, Jimmy Valiant, and Jeff Jarrett. Together with his partners, Lawler secured numerous tag team championships.

Big Matches

Some of Jerry Lawler’s most notable matches include his AWA title win against Curt Hennig in 1988 and his Empty Arena Match against Terry Funk in 1981. In WWE, his TLC match against The Miz in 2011 for the WWE Championship stands out as a major highlight.

Career Evolution

Jerry Lawler’s career evolved significantly over the years. Although he started as a wrestler, he is perhaps best known to newer fans as a commentator. Lawler became a color commentator for the WWE in the mid-90s, providing commentary that was both insightful and entertaining alongside Jim Ross.

Family Life

Jerry has been married three times and has two children, Brian and Kevin. His son, Brian Lawler, wrestled in WWE as “Grandmaster Sexay,” one-half of the popular tag team Too Cool.

Sponsorships

Jerry Lawler has had numerous sponsorship deals throughout his career, including partnerships with several wrestling merchandise companies. He’s had action figures produced by WWE and Mattel and has also been involved in promoting several wrestling video games.
Jerry “The King” Lawler’s contribution to professional wrestling is enormous. He’s a true legend of the sport, having excelled as both a wrestler and a commentator. From his iconic feuds and memorable matches to his witty and engaging commentary, Lawler’s impact on wrestling is indisputable.