Professional wrestling legend Jerry “The King” Lawler is hospitalized in Florida after reportedly suffering a “serious medical event.”
Wrestling site PWInsider reported that Lawler, 73, had lunch with friends on Monday and was taken to the hospital at some point after “falling ill.”
Action News 5, the NBC affiliate in Memphis, reports that Lawler suffered a stroke at his home in Fort Myers, Fla., and is recovering in the hospital after surgery.
Wrestling reporter Dave Melzer Tweeted that “Lawler is awake, but in very serious condition.”
Lawler previously suffered a stroke in 2018, and a heart attack on live TV in 2012.
“I hope my friend gets better,” tweeted longtime pro wrestler Ricky Morton. “Love you, Jerry.”
Lawler has been in the wrestling business for over 50 years, starting with his debut in his hometown of Memphis in 1970. He has continued to wrestle on the independent circuit into his 70s. Scott Steiner had a match last year.
Lawler is best known to national wrestling fans as a member of WWE’s commentary team, which he rejoined in 1992. His partnership with Jim Ross during WWE’s fictional “Attitude Era” created the soundtrack to some of the classic moments in the company’s history.
Since 2016, Lawler has appeared as a commentator on pre-show panels on and off PPVs on WWE platforms, including the January 28 Royal Rumble.
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