Jerry Lawler collapses at
live Raw event
During a live three hour telecast of WWE Raw on Monday 10th September 2012, veteran commentator Jerry “The King” Lawler, 62, inexplicably collapsed at ringside by the announce desk in Montreal, Canada.
Unsure of details as the live event happened, fans were told the situation was “serious” by broadcast colleague Michael Cole, who aimed to update with further details throughout the evening. It was believed Lawler received a stroke or heart attack as he was stretchered to the back, where CPR was performed.
Lawler was taken to a nearby hospital to receive treatment after responding well to oxygen and then able to breathe on his own later on.
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| In action 30 - 40 minutes earlier |
Cole wrote on his Twitter page after the occurrence – “His condition has stabilized. He's breathing on his own, and his heart is beating on its own.”
Lawler had only just participated in action moments before, in a tag match with Randy Orton against Dolph Ziggler and CM Punk after the original Punk/Orton match was altered mid way. The previous week Lawler had wrestled CM Punk in a steel cage match.
Ex-wife and former WWE Diva Stacy Carter, aka The Kat, updated via Twitter the next day he was “making progress” after confirming Lawler underwent surgery with an angioplasty.
His girlfriend, Lauryn Laine McBride told fans “Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. It has been confirmed that Jerry did have a heart attack he is in stable condition and breathing on his own & heart is stable.” She added “I’m getting on the first flight out of here to be with him & will keep everyone posted.”
Lawler was well known in the 1980s for his infamous feud with comic Andy Kaufman, after his debut in the 70s.
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| With Kaufman in earlier career |
WWE realised this statement shortly after - “We are hopeful Jerry makes a full recovery and returns to WWE in the near future. Our thoughts are with Jerry and his family.”
The situation made it all too real for those watching, as fans gave well wishes among wrestling peers all over, including Jim Ross, DDP, The Iron Sheik, Gail Kim, Shawn Michaels and numerous others. Many backstage were emotional and tearful, while talk of cancelling the show was mentioned. Pat Patterson appreciate night was shelved.
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| Commendable effort from both |
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| Pat Patterson appreciation will be re-scheduled |
WWE continued the broadcast before the end of the evening with commentary falling silent for the meantime in a manner of dignified respect to “The King.” Cody Rhodes and Rey Mysterio had to follow with a matchup, which both portrayed expertly which was a tough feat for both individuals to continue forward with. Bret Hart, CM Punk and John Cena’s promo then continued as Raw updated on Lawler before finishing.
Regardless of aiming to prove he can still wrestle, which he can, Lawler and WWE need to maintain his position on commentary alone. Both need to put health first on all levels, and include more talent to be risen than rely on veterans to carry new guys needing guidance.
Wrestling Wonders wishes Jerry Lawler good health.
© Max Waltham 13th September 2012
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