Jerry Lawler
432254
226079561
2008-07-16T19:04:57Z
NickLenz19
5765599
/* Championships and accomplishments */
{{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}}
{{Infobox Wrestler
|name=Jerry Lawler
|image=lawlerwp.jpg
|names='''Jerry "The King" Lawler'''
|height={{height|foot=6|inch=0}}<ref name=slambio/>
|weight={{convert|236|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}<ref name="WWEProfile">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jerrylawler/bio/|title=WWE Profile|accessdate=2007-05-28 |publisher=WWE.com}}</ref><ref name=slambio/>
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1949|11|29}}
|birth_place=[[Memphis, Tennessee]]<ref name=slambio>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/lawler.html|title=SLAM Bio: Jerry Lawler|publisher=SLAM! Sports|accessdate=2007-10-08|date=2005-02-05}}</ref>
|death_date=
|death_place=
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer=[[Jackie Fargo]]<ref name=gbu>{{cite book |last=Sugar|first=Bert Randolph|coauthors=George Napolitano|title=The Pictorial History of Wrestling: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly|pages=pp. 46|isbn = 0-8317-3912-6}}</ref>
|debut=1970<ref name=slambio/>
}}
'''Jerry Lawler''' (born [[November 29]], [[1949]]) is an [[United States|American]] [[musician]], [[film]] [[actor]], [[politician]], [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and wrestling [[announcer|commentator]], known throughout the wrestling world as '''Jerry "The King" Lawler'''. He is currently signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE), working and wrestling on its ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] as the [[color commentator]]. He also wrestles and occasionally commentates for the [[Memphis Wrestling]] promotion.
Lawler has won a total of 129 titles in his career, including one reign as [[AWA World Heavyweight Championship|American Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Champion]] and 30 reigns as [[AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship|American Wrestling Association Southern Heavyweight Champion]]. Lawler held the latter championship another 13 times when the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] controlled it. He is also a 3 time World Class Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Champion (United States Wrestling Association Unified World Heavyweight Champion in the third case). He was inducted into the [[List of members of the WWE Hall of Fame|WWE Hall of Fame]] in 2007.
==Professional wrestling career==
===1970s - 1990s===
As a young adult, Lawler had a job as a [[disk jockey]], which garnered the attention of local wrestling [[Professional wrestling promotion|promoter]] Aubrey Griffith.<ref name=slambio/> The two made an agreement in which Lawler would help give Griffith free publicity in exchange for free wrestling training.<ref name=slambio/> Lawler debuted in 1970 and won his first championship in September 1971 by winning a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]].<ref name=slambio/> He soon won the [[AWA Southern Tag Team Championship|NWA Southern Tag Team Championship]] under the managerial service of Sam Bass with partner Jim White.<ref name=slambio/> In 1974, Lawler began [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuding]] with [[Jackie Fargo]], who had been his trainer and mentor. This led to a match for the [[AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship]]. On [[July 24]], [[1974]], Lawler was [[List of professional wrestling slang#B|booked]] to win the belt and the title of "King of Memphis."<ref name=slambio/><ref name=gbu/> While Lawler began his career as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]], he became a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] after splitting from Bass at the end of 1974.<ref name=slambio/> On [[November 12]] [[1979]], while working in the [[Continental Wrestling Association]] (CWA), Lawler defeated [[Billy Graham (wrestler)|Billy Graham]] to become the [[CWA World Heavyweight Championship (Memphis version)|CWA World Champion]].<ref name=slambio/> In 1980, his career was put on hold due to a broken leg, but he returned to the ring after several months.<ref name=slambio/>
In 1982, Lawler had a notorious feud with comedian [[Andy Kaufman]].<ref name=slambio/> At the time, Kaufman wrestled women as part of his skits and had declared himself the Intergender Heavyweight Champion.<ref name=slambio/> On April 5, Lawler, who had taken exception to the skits, wrestled Kaufman in Memphis.<ref name=slambio/> During the course of the match, Lawler delivered two [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)|piledriver]]s to his opponent, sending him to the hospital.<ref name=slambio/> On [[July 29]], Lawler slapped Kauffman in the face on an episode ''[[Late Night with David Letterman]]''.<ref name=slambio/><ref name=mayor/> Kaufman responded by throwing his coffee on Lawler.<ref name=slambio/> (Years later, Lawler appeared as himself in the Kaufman [[biopic]] ''[[Man on the Moon]]''.)
On [[March 7]], [[1983]], Lawler won the [[AWA International Heavyweight Championship|AWA International Championship]] by defeating [[Austin Idol]].<ref name=slambio/> He also defeated [[Ken Patera]] on [[July 25]] to begin his second reign as the International Champion.<ref name=slambio/> Lawler became the [[NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship|NWA Mid America Champion]] on [[April 12]] [[1984]] when he was booked to defeat [[Randy Savage]] for the title.<ref name=slambio/> In 1985, Lawler traveled to [[Japan]], where he won the Polynesian Pacific title on [[January 25]] [[1986]].<ref name=slambio/> He later returned to the [[United States]], where he defeated [[Bill Dundee]] on [[July 29]] [[1986]] to begin a new reign as the AWA International Champion.<ref name=slambio/> Lawler feuded with [[Tommy Rich]], Austin Idol and [[Paul Heyman|Paul E. Dangerously]] throughout early 1987.<ref name=slambio/> The animosity began after controversy over an AWA World Championship title shot involving [[Nick Bockwinkel]].<ref name=slambio/> During the feud, the trio defeated Lawler in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage match]] and cut his hair, which caused a riot in the [[Mid-South Coliseum]].<ref name=slambio/>
Lawler won the [[AWA World Heavyweight Championship]] from [[Curt Hennig]].<ref name=slambio/> During his reign, Lawler feuded with [[World Class Championship Wrestling]]'s Champion [[Kerry Von Erich]].<ref name=slambio/> He defeated Von Erich on [[December 15]] [[1989]] at [[SuperClash#SuperClash III|Superclash III]] to unify the two titles.<ref name=slambio/> Soon after, Lawler's issues with [[Verne Gagne]] led to his departure from the AWA.<ref name=slambio/> In 1991 and 1992, while working in the [[United States Wrestling Association]] (USWA), Lawler teamed with [[Jeff Jarrett]] in a feud against [[Moondogs|The Moondogs]] over the [[USWA Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=slambio/> The feud was named ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''s feud of the year in 1992.<ref name=slambio/>
===World Wrestling Federation===
Lawler began his WWF career as an announcer on ''[[WWF Superstars of Wrestling]]''.<ref name=slambio/> From 1993 to 1995, he feuded with [[Bret Hart]] and the rest of the [[Hart wrestling family|Hart family]]. The feud began at [[King of the Ring#1993|King of the Ring 1993]] when Lawler interrupted Hart's victory ceremony and attacked Bret.<ref name=slambio/><ref name=wwereign>{{citeweb|last=Clayton|first=Corey|title=King Lawler: His kingly moments|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/lawlerlookback|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Lawler claimed that he was the only true king in the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF), and the two were scheduled to wrestle at [[SummerSlam (1993)|SummerSlam 1993]] to settle the dispute. When the event arrived, however, Lawler came to the ring on crutches and claimed that he could not wrestle because of injuries suffered in a car accident.<ref name=owwslam93>{{citeweb|title=WWE PPV Wrestling Results: SummerSlam 1993|work=Online World of Wrestling|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam93.html|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Hart faced Lawler's "court jester," [[Doink the Clown]] instead, and beat him by [[Grappling hold#Submission hold|submission]]. Lawler then attacked Hart, revealing that he was not injured.<ref name=owwslam93/> Hart defeated Lawler by submission but refused to release the [[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)|Sharpshooter]]. As a result, the referee reversed the decision and awarded the title of "Undisputed King of the World Wrestling Federation" to Lawler.<ref>{{citeweb|title=World Wrestling Federation 1993|work=Softwolves|url=http://www.softwolves.pp.se/wrestling/wwf/1993|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
Simultaneously, in a form of cross-promotion, Lawler engaged in a bitter feud with [[Vince McMahon]] (who at the time was never acknowledged as the actual owner of the World Wrestling Federation) back in the USWA where Lawler played the babyface to his hometown Memphis audience, whereas McMahon (who had always played face in the WWF) was being portrayed as a smug heel intent on dethroning Lawler as the king of professional wrestling. As part of the cross-promotion, McMahon, Bret and Owen Hart, [[Giant Gonzalez]], [[Tatanka]], and [["Macho Man" Randy Savage]] would begin appearing on USWA television to further the feud. While the program continued in the USWA, the feud between Lawler and McMahon would not be acknowledged on WWF television.
The Hart Family (Bret, [[Owen Hart|Owen]], [[Bruce Hart (wrestler)|Bruce]] and [[Keith Hart (wrestler)|Keith]]) were scheduled to face Lawler and three other wrestlers in an [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|elimination]] match at [[Survivor Series (1993)|Survivor Series 1993]], but [[Shawn Michaels]] had to take Lawler's place because Lawler was facing legal troubles.<ref name=slambio/><ref>{{citeweb|title=World Wrestling Entertainment Substitutions|work=Softwolves|url= http://www.softwolves.pp.se/wrestling/wwf/substitutions|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> As a result, the feud between Lawler and Vince McMahon back in the USWA was also abruptly discontinued. Lawler did not face Bret Hart at another [[pay-per-view]] until the first [[In Your House 1|In Your House]] show, when he beat Hart after [[Jinsei Shinzaki|Hakushi]] and his [[manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] [[Akio Sato|Shinja]] interfered.<ref>{{citeweb|last=Keith|first=Scott|title=WWF In Your House #1|work=Online Onslaught|url=http://www.oowrestling.com/columns/skrants/20030303.shtml|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> This set up a "Kiss My Foot" match at [[King of the Ring (1995)|King of the Ring 1995]], which Bret won.<ref name=wwereign/> As a result, Lawler was forced to kiss Bret's feet. The feud took one final turn when Lawler introduced his "[[dentist]]" [[Glen Jacobs|Isaac Yankem, D.D.S.]]. After Hart defeated Yankem by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]],<ref>{{citeweb|title=SummerSlam 1995|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/1995/results/|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> however, the feud quickly disappeared.
Following the end of his legal troubles which kept him out of Survivor Series 1993, Lawler eventually returned to the WWF at [[WrestleMania X]], which was also the first WWF pay-per-view he ever commentated at. During the main event of the night, [[Roddy Piper|"Rowdy" Roddy Piper]] served as special guest referee for the second WWF championship match, during the course of which, Lawler began making disparaging remarks about him. Lawler would continue to berate Piper on later episodes of ''Monday Night Raw'', including bringing a skinny kid into the ring dressed as Piper and forcing him to kiss his feet. This ultimately led to a match between the two at [[King of the Ring (1994)|King of the Ring 1994]] which Lawler lost.
In the fall of 1994, Lawler initiated a feud with Doink the Clown. Lawler popped the balloons carried by Doink's [[midget]] sidekick, [[Claude Giroux (wrestler)|Dink]].<ref name=doinks>{{citeweb|last=Podsiadlik|first=Kevin|title=WWF RAW: November 21, 1994|work=The Other Arena|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1994/raw112194|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> After Doink and Dink retaliated, Lawler introduced a midget sidekick of his own, who he named Queasy.<ref name=doinks/> In the following weeks, Doink added two more sidekicks, Wink and Pink, while Lawler introduced Sleazy and Cheesy.<ref name=doinks/> This led to an elimination match at [[Survivor Series (1994)|Survivor Series 1994]], which Lawler's team won.<ref>{{citeweb|title=All-Time Survivor Series Results|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1494234|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> After the match, however, Lawler's team turned on him, joining with Doink's team to attack Lawler.<ref>{{citeweb|title=WWF Survivor Series 1994|work=Hoffco, Inc.|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/sur94.html|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
In late 1994 and early 1995, Lawler wrestled briefly in [[Smoky Mountain Wrestling]] while still continuing to commentate sporadically for the WWF.<ref name=slambio/> During his absences, [[Shawn Michaels]] filled in for him as color commentator on ''Monday Night Raw''. He defeated [[Tony Anthony]] for the promotion's top title in January 1995.<ref name=slambio/> By 1996, Lawler wrestled occasionally on ''WWF Superstars'' where he would take on jobbers while holding a microphone in the ring to, essentially, "do the commentary on (his) very own matches" while occasionally serving as the official cornerman for Isaac Yankem D.D.S. After a brief feud with [[The Ultimate Warrior]], Lawler began feuding with [[Jake Roberts]] in summer 1996 after making fun of Roberts' drug and alcohol problems.<ref name=slambio/> The two met in a match at [[SummerSlam (1996)|SummerSlam 1996]], which Lawler won. After the match, Lawler poured [[Jim Beam]] whiskey down Roberts' throat.<ref>{{citeweb|last=Gutschmidt|first=Adam|title=WWF SummerSlam 1996|work=Online Onslaught|url=http://www.oowrestling.com/columns/ooldtyme/20050119.shtml|accessdate=2007-10-09}}</ref>
In 1997, Lawler became heavily involved in the working relationship between the WWF and [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW). In interviews and commentary, he referred to the promotion as "Extremely Crappy Wrestling."<ref name=slambio/> His frequent insults toward ECW eventually led to the promotion "invading" ''Monday Night Raw'' in February 1997 and ultimately to a match with ECW wrestler [[Tommy Dreamer]] at [[Hardcore Heaven#1997|ECW Hardcore Heaven 1997]], which Dreamer won.<ref>{{citeweb|title=Wrestler Profiles: Jerry Lawler|work=Online World of Wrestling|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/jerry-lawler.html|accessdate=2001-10-12}}</ref>
In mid-1997, Lawler entered the King of the Ring tournament for the first time and advanced to the semi-final round where he was defeated by [[Mick Foley|Mankind]]. By the fall, the WWF introduced a new "light-heavyweight division" to compete with [[World Championship Wrestling]]'s "cruiserweight division." Lawler's son, [[Brian Christopher]], was one of the major light-heavyweight superstars in the division, although, the WWF played up an angle where both Lawler and Christopher would deny their family relationship, even though the two would aide each other in matches and so on.
By 1998, Lawler rarely wrestled in the WWF and focused on commentary. Despite their feud in the USWA in 1993, by 1998, Vince McMahon had [[heel (professional wrestling)|turned heel]] in the WWF for the first time and left the announce position, to which Lawler began praising McMahon's name on commentary as part of his own heel persona, much to the chagrin of [[Jim Ross]]. It was McMahon's departure from the commentary team which led to the strong on-screen chemistry between Lawler and Ross in subsequent years. At [[SummerSlam (2000)|SummerSlam 2000]], The King wrestled [[Tazz]] in defense of Ross.<ref name=slambio/> With the creation of the [[XFL]] in 2001, Lawler was given the job as an announcer for the new football league.<ref name=court/> Lawler claims that he never wanted to announce for the XFL, but that he agreed to it after Vince McMahon and [[Kevin Dunn]] asked him.<ref name=court/>
===Independent circuit===
In [[February 2001]], Lawler's then-wife [[Stacy Carter]] (p/k/a "The Kat") was released by the WWF, and Lawler quit the company in protest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBiosL/lawler_01feb28-can.html|title=WWF releases The Kat, loses Lawler |publisher=SLAM! Sports|accessdate=2007-10-09|date=February 28, 2001}}</ref><ref name=court>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_2_3/ai_76726499|title=The King Holds Court: Interview|author=Bill Apter|publisher=Wrestling Digest|accessdate=2007-10-09|date=August 2001}}</ref> In his account, there was no clear notice as to why she was fired; when Jim Ross broke the news to him, he stated that the Creative Team simply said that Stacy had "an attitude problem." [[Vince McMahon]] told Lawler that he did not know exactly what the attitude problem was, and failed to straighten the issue to the Lawlers. Considering that McMahon was Head of the Talent Creative Team, Lawler found it highly suspicious that McMahon then allowed him simply to quit, as if McMahon knew it would happen.
Lawler has stated several theories as to why he was allowed to leave. His first involves the ascent of Carter's career alongside the downfall of [[Chyna]]'s. In his contention, Chyna was jealous of his wife's push inside the company, in part due to the Right to Censor storyline, and in part because of his wife's offer to pose for Playboy magazine. Until that time, Chyna had been the second major wrestling star from the World Wrestling Federation to have done a piece in ''[[Playboy]]'' (after [[Rena Mero|Sable]]); during Chyna's debut on the adult magazine, she had suddenly broken her friendship with Carter.<ref>"It's good to be the king" Jerry Lawler. pg. 328</ref>
In interviews, he has also stated that there may have been an alternate reason, namely, that the company wanted to fire him. He also criticizes McMahon for the cavalier attitude he had given him on the day he quit. In his recollection, Jim Ross was fired by McMahon with the exact same demeanor while struck with a bout of [[Bells Palsy]] in 1994, a time when Ross's "usefulness" had run out. Lawler felt that Carter's release was an attempt to remove him as well, stating that the company was well-aware that he would walk-out alongside his wife. Lawler's replacement with [[Paul Heyman]] launched a theory in which Heyman was promoted at Lawler's expense. Internet rumors circulated that the company was in better terms with Heyman than Lawler, and used remarks Lawler had made in criticism of ECW to launch a theory whereby Heyman wanted Lawler out. Lawler has stated repeatedly that he has no resentment towards Paul Heyman, accusing the media and internet theorists of spreading false information.<ref>"It's good to be the King" Jerry Lawler.</ref>
During this time, Lawler made appearances on the [[independent circuit]] in both Australia and North America,<ref name=slambio/><ref name=jl372/> as well as joining the fledgling [[World Wrestling All-Stars]] promotion as a color commentator.<ref name=slambio/> After Carter divorced Lawler in November, he returned to the WWF that same year.
===World Wrestling Entertainment===
[[Image:JR and The King No Mercy 07.jpg|right|thumb|Lawler and Jim Ross calling the action for WWE.]]
In November 2001, Jerry Lawler returned as color commentator for Raw and PPV events, working alongside Jim Ross. He had briefly worked on ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' with Michael Cole until the brands were separated. On Lawler's debut, Heyman was angrily forced out, representing the end of both him and the entire Alliance angle. Upon Jerry Lawler's return, ratings rose, in due part to his entertainment style complementing Ross's informational approach.{{Or|date=April 2008}} Lawler stated that his well-worked chemistry with Jim Ross has been a result of their different styles; according to Lawler, Jim Ross is a fine storyteller and keeps fans well-versed with current storylines, whereas he provides reaction and emotion to liven the commentary.<ref>it's good to be the king. Jerry Lawler pg. 372</ref>
In addition, he has had sporadic matches with up-and-coming Raw superstars, especially [[Randy Orton]].
In 2003, ''[[WWE Raw|Raw's]]'' announce team of Lawler and [[Jim Ross]] feuded with ''[[Sunday Night Heat]]'''s team of [[Jonathan Coachman]] and [[Al Snow]].<ref name=slambio/> At [[Unforgiven (2003)|Unforgiven 2003]], Lawler and Ross lost a match against Coachman and Snow, thus losing their right to do commentary on ''Raw''.<ref name=slambio/> In a rematch, however, Ross defeated Coachman, winning Lawler and Ross their position back.<ref name=slambio/>
In June 2006, ECW invaded WWE again. ECW and WWE went head to head for several weeks on Raw, which included the ''SmackDown!'' superstars. This created tension between the Raw and Smackdown announce teams. [[Tazz]] insulted and criticized Jim Ross until Lawler came to Ross' defense. The feud concluded when Tazz and Lawler faced each other in a match at [[One Night Stand 2006]], which Tazz won in only 30 seconds by making Lawler pass out to the [[Professional wrestling holds#Half nelson choke|Tazzmission]].<ref name="ONS06">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/ecwons.htm|title=ECW One Night Stand - June 11, 2006|accessdate=2007-10-13|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref>
In July 2006, Randy Orton began a feud with [[Hulk Hogan]]. Lawler attacked Orton in defense of Hogan,<ref name="Raw Results July 24">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060724.html|title=Raw results - July 24, 2006|accessdate=2007-10-13|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> which set up a match between them on ''Raw''.<ref name="Raw Results July 31">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060731.html|title=Raw results - July 31, 2006|accessdate=2007-10-13|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Orton defeated Lawler after a [[Groin attack|low-blow]] and an [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|RKO]].<ref name="Raw results August 7">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060807.html|title=Raw results - August 7, 2006|accessdate=2007-10-13|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
On [[March 31]], [[2007]], Lawler was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by [[William Shatner]], whom Lawler had a memorable altercation with on a January 1995 episode of ''Monday Night Raw.'' In August, [[Booker Huffman|King Booker]] claimed to be the only one entitled to be known as "King".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070716.html|title=RAW results - July 16, 2007|accessdate=2007-10-09|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> After being defeated by Booker in the ring,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070806.html|title=RAW results - August 6, 2007|accessdate=2007-10-09|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Lawler was supposed to be forced to crown his opponent at an [[August 13]] show in [[Madison Square Garden]].<ref name="RAW-08-2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070813.html|title=RAW results - August 13, 2007|accessdate=2007-10-09|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> During the ceremony, however, Lawler announced [[Triple H]] as a new opponent for Booker, leading to a [[List of professional wrestling slang#W|worked]] brawl between Lawler and Booker.<ref name="RAW-08-2007"/>
On the [[July 7]] [[2008]] edition of Raw, Lawler was attacked by Kane after saving Michael Cole from a similar attack, in which Kane repeatedly asked "Is he alive or dead?"<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/articles/6894176/7600820|accessdate=2008-07-08|last=Adkins|first=Greg|title=Four on the Floor|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
===Memphis Wrestling (2007)===
In 2007 it was announced that Lawler would be participating in a 'dream match' with [[Hulk Hogan]] which had been set to take place in the [[Memphis Wrestling]] promotion on [[April 27]]. The match had been heavily-hyped by promoter Corey Maclin as Hogan had competed in the Memphis territory early in his career.<ref name=Lawlerbook-Hogan>{{cite book|title=It's Good To Be The King... Sometimes|author=Jerry "The King" Lawler with Doug Asheville|publisher=Pocket Books|date=2003|isbn= 0-7434-5768-4|pages=p.367-368}}</ref> However, on [[April 12]] Lawler pulled out of the event citing his contractual obligations to WWE rendering him unable to appear on a show that was due to be filmed by [[VH1]] for the television show [[Hogan Knows Best]].<ref name=Cancellation>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070415/ai_n19013656|title=WWE derails Lawler vs. Hogan|author=Blackjack Brown|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|accessdate=2008-01-11|date=2007-04-15}}</ref> On [[11 January]], [[2008]], Maclin revealed he has recently filed a lawsuit against WWE, claiming that pressure on Lawler (and others) to withdraw from the event violated section two of the [[Sherman Antitrust Act]].<ref name=memphisdailynews>{{cite web|url= http://www.memphisdailynews.com/Editorial/StoryLead.aspx?id=100606|title=Memphis Promoter Files Suit Against WWE|author=Bill Dries|publisher=Memphis Daily News|date=2008-01-11|accessdate=2008-01-11}}</ref>
==Non-wrestling endeavors==
Lawler has created some musical recordings. Among these are two late-70s singles: "Cadillac Man/Memphis", and "Bad News". During his feud with manager Jimmy Hart (Jerry Lawler is a factor for "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart entering professional wrestling. Lawler wanted to record a wrestling album with him singing and, since they had gone to school together, he called Hart and asked him to be a part of it) in the mid-80s, Hart became known as "The Wimp", a nickname given to him by Lawler and chanted by fans. Hart was the subject of the song "Wimpbusters", which was sung by Lawler to the tune of the popular hit ''[[Ghostbusters]]'' by [[Ray Parker Jr.]]. A music video was also made, featuring Lawler, legendary announcer [[Lance Russell]], and wrestlers such as [[Randy Savage]], [[Jimmy Valiant]], [[Dutch Mantel]], [[Tommy Rich]], and [[Carey Lloyd|Rufus R. Jones]], along with footage of "The King" beating Hart and his "First Family." A very young [[Brian Lawler|Brian Christopher]] also made an appearance as a young child being bullied, and another child is seen wearing a replica of [[Tully Blanchard]]'s [[West Texas A&M University|West Texas State]] jersey. He also recorded a [[Compact Disc|CD]] titled "Memphis' Other King".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kinglawler.com/cd.html|title=Lawler's Album|accessdate=2007-05-28 |publisher=KingLawler.com}}</ref>
In 1998, Lawler began filming the movie ''[[Man on the Moon]]'', starring [[Jim Carrey]].<ref name=slambio/> The two men allegedly did not get on along on set, which led to an altercation that left Carrey with a neck injury similar to the one suffered by Kaufman.<ref name=slambio/>
In 1999, Jerry Lawler ran for mayor of [[Memphis, Tennessee]].<ref name=mayor>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/jul7_lawler.html|title=Lawler running for mayor|author=Associated Press|publisher=SLAM! Sports|accessdate=2007-10-08|date=July 7, 1999}}</ref> His platform focused on making the streets safer for residents, beautifying the city and improving the quality of education.<ref name=serious>{{citeweb|last=Baker|first=Jackson|title=Yes, Folks, Jerry Lawler is Serious|work=Weekly Wire|url=http://weeklywire.com/ww/07-26-99/memphis_cvr.html|accessdate=2007-10-09}}</ref> In addition, he vowed to attract businesses to Memphis, improve the flow of traffic, create more parks, and decrease property taxes.<ref name=serious/> Lawler ended up with 11.7% of ballots, beating twelve of the fifteen candidates.<ref name=nyt>{{citeweb|last=Yellin|first=Emily|title=Memphis Mayor Is Re-elected by a Surprisingly Wide Margin|work=New York Times|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=980DE2D61131F93AA35753C1A96F958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print|accessdate=2007-10-09}}</ref> Ultimately, however, Mayor [[W. W. Herenton|Willie Herenton]] was easily reelected.<ref name=nyt/>
==Personal life==
Lawler has been married three times. He has two children from his marriage to his first wife, Kay.<ref name=wives>{{citeweb|last=Bowden|first=Scott|title=Lawler’s new book is good…sometimes|url=http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/wrestling/24.html|accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> His son [[Brian Lawler|Brian]], who has previously wrestled in WWE (as "Brian Christopher" and "Grandmaster Sexay"), is now performing in [[independent circuit|independent]] promotions. His other son, Kevin, has dabbled in professional wrestling as both a [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] and wrestler (under the names "Kevin Christian" and "Freddie Gilbert", kayfabe brother of [[Eddie Gilbert]]). In his book ''"It's Good To Be The King… Sometimes"'', Jerry Lawler says he believes Kevin's short physical stature has prevented him from reaching success similar to Brian. After divorcing Kay, Lawler married (and later divorced) Paula.<ref name=wives/>
He met his third wife, [[Stacy Carter|Stacy "The Kat" Carter]], at a [[Charitable organization|charity]] [[softball]] game in [[Memphis, Tennessee]] on [[July 23]] [[1989]].<ref>Jerry Lawler. It's Good to Be the King...Sometimes (p.333)</ref> They married in September 2000.<ref name=slambio/> In mid-February 2001, Carter (who was a valet and has also made in-ring appearances) was released by the World Wrestling Federation.<ref name=jl403>Jerry Lawler. It's Good to Be the King...Sometimes (p.403)</ref> Lawler then left the company in protest.<ref name=jl403/> Carter decided to leave Lawler in July 2001, and they separated not long after.<ref>Jerry Lawler. It's Good to Be the King...Sometimes (p.415)</ref> He rejoined WWE in November 2001.<ref name=jl372>Jerry Lawler. It's Good to Be the King...Sometimes (p.372-373)</ref>
Lawler is the cousin of [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] Roy Farris, better known as [[The Honky Tonk Man]].<ref name="wwemagjuly07">{{cite journal|title=Amazing But True..|journal =WWE Magazine|issue=13|pages=23|year=2007|month=July}}</ref>
In 1993, Lawler was indicted for raping and sodomizing a 15 year old girl, who later admitted she had lied about the incident.<ref name="Lawler Indicted">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/info/faq/lawler.shtml|title=Jerry Lawler FAQ at WrestleView.com|accessdate=2007-10-09}}</ref> Lawler was arrested on [[March 16]] [[1999]] after throwing a ticket at a police officer and running over the officer's foot.<ref name="Lawler Arrest">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/other/arrests.htm|title=Wrestling Arrests page at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-09}}</ref>
Though he has spent most of his life in Memphis, Lawler did spend a part of his childhood in [[Ohio]] after his dad was transferred to a job in the state. Though his stay in the Buckeye State was brief, it would have an influence on Lawler through this day. He often cites [[Cleveland, Ohio]] as his second-favorite city behind only Memphis and is a die-hard fan of both the [[Cleveland Indians]] and the [[Cleveland Browns]]. When the WWE comes to Cleveland, Lawler will usually wear a Browns jersey or Indians jersey, and during baseball season, he will throw out the first pitch at an Indians game.
==In wrestling==
*'''Finishing and signature moves'''
**'''[[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Texas piledriver|Standing]] or a [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Jumping piledriver|jumping piledriver]]'''
**'''[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving fist drop|Second rope diving fist drop]]''', typically preceded by pulling down the single shoulder strap on his attire
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Elbow drop|Elbow drop]]
**[[Brainbuster]]
**[[Suplex#Belly to back suplex|Back suplex]]
*'''Dirty attacks'''
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Fireball|Throwing fire]]<ref>{{citeweb|title=Breaking Kayfabe with Kamala|work=SLAM! Sports|url=http://canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBiosK/kamala_jul01-can.html|accessdate=2007-10-14}}</ref>
**[[Foreign object (professional wrestling)|Foreign objects]] (including "phantom foreign objects") removed from either his tights or a hidden area in the ring, [[Sell (professional wrestling)|sold]] by his opponent as if they had been attacked by [[brass knuckles]], or causing the referee to reprimand him and allowing him to set up yet another dirty move while the referee removed the object
*'''Managers'''
**[[Sam Bass]]<ref name=slambio/><ref name=mgrs>{{citeweb|title=Biography|work=The King's Court|url=http://www.kinglawler.com/bio.html|accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref>
**Scott Bowden<ref name=mgrs/>
**Ronnie P. Gossett<ref name=mgrs/>
**[[Jimmy Hart]]<ref name=mgrs/>
**Jimmy Kent<ref name=mgrs/>
**Mickey Poole<ref name=mgrs/>
*'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Theme songs]]''' <!-- incomplete, but better than nothing -->
** [[Pictures at an Exhibition#Movements of the suite|The Great Gate of Kiev]] (WWE)
==Championships and accomplishments==
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}
*'''[[American Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[WCWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WCWA World Heavyweight Championship#Title History|2 times]])<sup>1</sup><ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/wcwa/wcwa-h.html WCWA World Heavyweight Title history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
*'''[[Continental Wrestling Association|NWA Mid-America | Continental Wrestling Association | Championship Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship|AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship#Title History|30 times]]) '''(Last)''' '''(Most Regins)'''<ref name="AWASH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/awasouh.htm|title=AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="AWASH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/cwa/awa-s-h.html#77|title=AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="AWASH3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/shwawa.html|title=AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**[[AWA Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[AWA Southern Tag Team Championship#Title History|10 times]]) - with Gorgeous George, Jr. (2), [[Bill Dundee]] (4), [[Mongolian Stomper]] (1), Jos LeDuc (1), [[Austin Idol]] (1), and [[Fred Ottman|Big Bubba]] (1)<ref name=slambio/><ref name="AWASTT1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/awasotag.htm|title=AWA Southern Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="AWASTT2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/cwa/awa-s-t.html#77|title=AWA Southern Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="AWASTT3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/sttawa.html|title=AWA Southern Tag Team Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
**[[AWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[AWA World Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="AWAW1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/awaworld.htm|title=AWA World Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="AWAW2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/awa/awa-h.html|title=AWA World Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="AWAW3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whtawa.html|title=AWA World Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref><sup>1</sup>
**[[AWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[AWA World Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) - with [[Bill Dundee]]<ref name="AWATT1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/awatag.htm|title=AWA World Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="AWATT2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/awa/awa-t.html|title=AWA World Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="AWATT3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttawa.html|title=AWA World Tag Team Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**[[CWA Heavyweight Championship]] ([[CWA Heavyweight Championship##Title History|1 time]]) '''(First)'''<ref name="CWAH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/cwa/tn-cwa-h.html|title=CWA Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="CWAH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whtcwa3.html|title=CWA Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**[[AWA International Heavyweight Championship|CWA International Heavyweight Championship]] ([[AWA International Heavyweight Championship|3 times]])<ref name="CWAIH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/awaint.htm|title=CWA International Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="CWAIH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ihawa.html|title=CWA International Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**[[CWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[CWA World Tag Team Championship#Title History|2 times]]) - with [[Austin Idol]] (1) and [[Tommy Rich]]<ref name="CWATT1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/awaint.htm|title=CWA World Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="CWATT2">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/wttcwa3.html|title=CWA World Tag Team Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**CWA Lord of the Ring winner in 1988
**[[NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship#Title History|2 times]])<ref name="NWAMA1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/nwa/nwamdamh.htm|title=NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="NWAMA2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/nwa/midam-h.html|title=NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="NWAMA3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/mamerhtnwa.html
|title=NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**[[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship|NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship ''(Memphis version)'']] ([[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship#Title History|13 times]]) '''(First)'''<ref name="NWASH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/cwa/awa-s-h.html|title=NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="NWASH3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/shtmanwa.html|title=NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**[[NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title History|4 times]])<ref name="NWASJH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/nwa/nwasouj.htm|title=NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="NWASJH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/nwa/others/south-j.html|title=NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
**[[AWA Southern Tag Team Championship|NWA Southern Tag Team Championship ''(Mid-America version)'']] ([[AWA Southern Tag Team Championship#Title History|8 times]]) - with Jim White (4), Tojo Yamamoto (2), [[Stan Frazier|Playboy Frazier]] (1), and The Scorpion (1)<ref name="NWASTT1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/cwa/awa-s-t.html|title=NWA Southern Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
**NWA United States Tag Team Championship ''(Mid-America version)'' (1 time) - with [[Jackie Fargo]]<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/nwa/tn-us-t.html NWA United States Tag Team Title (Mid-America) history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
**[[WCWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WCWA World Heavyweight Championship#Title History|1 time]])<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/wcwa/wcwa-h.html WCWA World Heavyweight Title history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
*'''[[Continental Championship Wrestling|Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[NWA Tennessee Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Tennessee Tag Team Championship#Title History|1 time]]) - with Jim White<ref name="NWATTT1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/nwa/tn-t.html|title=NWA Tennessee Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
*'''[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[JAPW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[JAPW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="JAPWH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/other/japwtit.htm|title=JAPW Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="JAPWH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/nj/japw/japw-h.html|title=JAPW Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="JAPWH3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htjapw.html|title=JAPW Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
*'''[[Maryland Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[MCW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[MCW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="MCWH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/other/mcwtit1.htm|title=MCW Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="MCWH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/md/mcw/mcw-h.html|title=MCW Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="MCWH3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whtmcw2.html|title=MCW Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**[[MCW Tag Team Championship]] ([[MCW Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) - with The Bruiser<ref name="MCWTT1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/other/mcwtit1.htm|title=MCW Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="MCWTT2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/md/mcw/mcw-t.html|title=MCW Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="MCWTT3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttmcw2.html|title=MCW Tag Team Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
*'''[[Memphis Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship|MCW Southern Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship#MCW Southern Heavyweight Title History|2 times]]) '''(First)'''<ref name="MECWH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/memphis/mcw/mcw-s-h.html|title=MCW Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="MECWH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/shwmcw3.html|title=MCW Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
*'''[[Memphis Wrestling]]'''
**[[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship#Title History|2 times]], current)
**Memphis Wrestling Television Championship (1 time) '''(Last)'''
*'''[[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA Polynesian Wrestling]]'''
**NWA Polynesian Pacific Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="NWAPPH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/hi/poly/poly-h.html|title=NWA Polynesian Pacific Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
{{col-2}}
*'''[[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA Virginia]]'''
**NWA All-Star Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="NWAASH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/nwa/nwaswh.htm|title=NWA All-Star Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
*'''Power Pro Wrestling'''
**PPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Bill Dundee<ref name="PPWTT1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/memphis/ppw/ppw-t.html|title=PPW Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="PPWTT2">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttppw.html|title=PPW Tag Team Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
*'''[[Smoky Mountain Wrestling]]'''
**[[SMW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[SMW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]]) '''(Last)'''<ref name="SMWH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/smwtit.htm|title=SMW Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="SMWH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/knoxville/smw/smw-h.html|title=SMW Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="SMWH3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whtsmw.html|title=SMW Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
*'''[[United States Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship|USWA Heavyweight Championship]] ([[AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship#Title History|2 times]])<ref name="USWAH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/uswasou.htm|title=USWA Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="USWAH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/uswa/uswa-h.html|title=USWA Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="USWAH3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/shwawa.html|title=USWA Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**[[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship|USWA Texas Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="USWAT1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/uswatex.htm|title=USWA Texas Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="USWAT2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/texas-h.html#88|title=USWA Texas Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref><ref name="USWAT3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/thtuswa.html|title=USWA Texas Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**[[USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship#Title history|28 times]]) '''(First)''' '''(Most Reigns)'''<ref name="USWAUH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/uswatit.htm|title=USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="USWAUH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/uswa/uswa-uh.html|title=USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="USWAUH3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/uhtuswa.html|title=USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
**[[USWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[USWA World Tag Team Championship#Title history|5 times]]) - with Jeff Jarrett (3), and Bill Dundee (2)<ref name="USWATT1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/uswatag.htm|title=USWA Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="USWATT2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/uswa/uswa-t.html|title=USWA World Tag Team Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="USWATT3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttuswa.html|title=USWA Tag Team Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
*'''[[World Class Championship Wrestling|World Class Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship|WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship#Title History|1 time]])<ref name="WCWATH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/nwa/nwatxh.htm|title=WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-09}}</ref><ref name="WCWATH2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/tx-h.html#wcwa|title=WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-09}}</ref><ref name="WCWATH3">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/thtwccw.html|title=WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship History at Solie.org|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>
*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame#2007|Class of 2007]])<ref name="WWEHOF1">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/|title=WWE Hall of Fame page|accessdate=2007-05-28 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="WWEHOF2">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/wwfhof.htm|title=WWE Hall of Fame page at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref><ref name="WWEHOF3">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwf/hof.html|title=WWE Hall of Fame page at Wrestling-Titles.com|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**[[PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year]] ([[PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year#1988|1988]])<ref name="PWIMIW">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiinsp.htm|title=PWI Most Inspiration Wrestler of the Year page at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him # '''12''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 1991.<ref name="PWI500">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50091.htm|title=1991 PWI 500 List|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
**[[PWI Feud of the Year]] ([[PWI Feud of the Year#1992|1992]]) <small>with [[Jeff Jarrett]] vs. [[Moondogs|The Moondogs]]</small><ref name="PWIFOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm|title=PWI Feud of the Year page at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
**[[PWI Feud of the Year]] ([[PWI Feud of the Year#1993|1993]]) <small>vs. [[Bret Hart]]</small><ref name="PWIFOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm|title=PWI Feud of the Year page at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
**[[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year]] ([[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year#1993|1993]])<ref name="PWIMHW">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimhoty.htm|title=PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year page at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
**[[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year]] ([[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year#1995|1995]])<ref name="PWIMHW">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimhoty.htm|title=PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year page at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him #'''56''' of the 100 best tag teams of the "PWI Years" with [[Bill Dundee]] in 2003.<ref name="PWI100TT">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi100tg.htm|title=PWI Top 100 Tag Teams of the PWI Years page at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him #'''78''' of the 100 best tag teams of the "PWI Years" with [[Jeff Jarrett]] in 2003.<ref name="PWI100TT">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi100tg.htm|title=PWI Top 100 Tag Teams of the PWI Years page at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
*'''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]'''
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|1987]]) <small>vs. Austin Idol and Tommy Rich</small>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|1992]]) <small>with Jeff Jarrett vs. The Moondogs</small>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|1993]]) <small> vs. Bret Hart</small>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame#1996 inductees|Class of 1996]])<ref name="WONHOF">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/other/wohof.htm|title=Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame page at Wrestling Information Archive|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref>
{{col-end}}
<small><sup>1</sup>These title changes took place during an AWA hosted card as part of an interpromotional relationship between the [[American Wrestling Association]], [[World Class Wrestling Association]], and [[Continental Wrestling Association]]. Lawler also won the championship during a CWA hosted card.</small><br>
<small><sup>2</sup>Lawler won the championship while wrestling on a CWA card in Memphis, Tennessee during the time when the AWA and CWA had a working partnership. It was the same situation during both of Lawler and Dundee's AWA World Tag Team Championship reigns.</small>
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==Further reading==
*{{cite book | author = Lawler, Jerry | title = It's Good to Be the King...Sometimes | year = 2002 | publisher = [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] | isbn = 978-0743457682}}
==External links==
{{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}}
{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.kinglawler.com/ KingLawler.com (Official Site)]
*[http://www.marksfiles.com/ Memphis Wrestling History: Matches, Cards & Results 1962-1988]
*[http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jerrylawler/ WWE Profile]
*{{imdb name|id=0492476|name=Jerry Lawler}}
*{{tvtome person|id=59401|name=Jerry Lawler}}
{{start box}}
{{succession box| title=[[WrestleMania]] color commentator|
before=[[Bobby Heenan|Bobby "The Brain" Heenan]]<br>Paul Heyman |
after=[[Paul Heyman]]<br>incumbent |
years=1994-2000<br>2002-present|
}}
{{end box}}
{{Current World Wrestling Entertainment employees}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lawler, Jerry}}
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:American color commentators]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Fictional kings]]
[[Category:Irish-American sportspeople]]
[[Category:American athlete-politicians]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Memphis, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling announcers]]
[[Category:WWE Hall of Fame]]
[[de:Jerry O’Neil Lawler]]
[[fr:Jerry Lawler]]
[[it:Jerry Lawler]]
[[ja:ジェリー・ローラー]]
[[no:Jerry Lawler]]
[[ru:Лоулер, Джерри]]
[[fi:Jerry Lawler]]
[[vi:Jerry Lawler]]