Jerry Lawler Net Worth
Jerry Lawler, also known as “The King”, is an American professional wrestler and commentator who has a net worth of approximately $1.5 million. He is currently under contract with WWE, where he works on the commentary team.
Lawler has won a total of 132 titles in his career, including one reign as AWA World Heavyweight Champion, 35 reigns as AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion, and four reigns as WCWA World Heavyweight Champion. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
In addition to his wrestling career, Lawler has also appeared in several films, including “Man on the Moon” in 1999, where he portrayed himself. He has also provided his voice for numerous WWE video games as a commentator and has appeared as a playable character in some of them.
Lawler has also been involved in various business ventures, such as opening a wrestling-themed bar and a BBQ restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. He has also worked as a commercial artist, designing graphics for various companies, including WWE.
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Early Life: From Memphis Roots to Wrestling Fame
Jerry O’Neil Lawler, born on November 29, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, began his journey to wrestling stardom with humble beginnings. Growing up in Memphis, Jerry attended Treadwell High School, where he first exhibited the charisma and talent that would later make him a household name in professional wrestling. His father, Jerome Lawler, passed away when Jerry was just 19, a tragic event that shaped his resilient spirit.
The Early Days: Wrestling Dreams Take Flight
Discovering a Passion for Wrestling
In the early 1970s, while working as a disc jockey in Memphis, Jerry Lawler’s artistic abilities caught the attention of local wrestling promoter Aubrey Griffith. A unique agreement was made: Lawler would provide free publicity for Griffith’s wrestling events in exchange for wrestling training. This partnership marked the beginning of Jerry Lawler’s illustrious wrestling career.
Rising Through the Ranks
Jerry debuted as a wrestler in 1970 and quickly made his mark. By September 1971, he had won his first championship, securing a victory in a battle royal. Teaming up with Jim White under the management of Sam Bass, Lawler won the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship. His notable feud with his trainer and mentor, Jackie Fargo, culminated in Lawler winning the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship on July 24, 1974, earning him the title “King of Wrestling.”
Continental Wrestling Association: Dominating the South
CWA Emergence and Success
In 1977, Jerry Jarrett, a promoter, broke away from Nick Gulas’ NWA Mid-America to form the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA). Jerry Lawler, being Gulas’ biggest star, joined Jarrett’s new promotion. The CWA quickly overshadowed NWA Mid-America, leading to its eventual collapse in 1981. Lawler, co-owner and top star of the CWA, solidified his dominance by defeating Superstar Billy Graham to become the CWA World Champion in 1979.
Iconic Feud with Andy Kaufman
In 1982, Lawler’s career skyrocketed with his infamous feud with comedian Andy Kaufman. Kaufman, known for his intergender wrestling skits, declared himself the Intergender Heavyweight Champion. Lawler took exception to Kaufman’s antics and challenged him in a match on April 5, 1982, in Memphis. The match, which ended with Lawler delivering two piledrivers to Kaufman, sent the comedian to the hospital, nearly breaking his neck. The feud reached its peak when Lawler slapped Kaufman on “Late Night with David Letterman,” resulting in Kaufman throwing coffee at Lawler and shouting profanities.
American Wrestling Association: Championship Reigns and Feuds
AWA Highlights
Lawler’s tenure in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) was marked by significant achievements and intense rivalries. On March 7, 1983, he won the AWA International Championship by defeating Austin Idol. His feud with Bill Dundee led to a series of matches, including a memorable Loser Leaves Town match, which Lawler won. In 1988, Lawler captured the AWA World Heavyweight Championship from Curt Hennig and later unified the title with the World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Kerry Von Erich at Superclash III.
World Wrestling Federation: The King’s Reign in the Big Leagues
Joining WWF and Early Feuds
Jerry Lawler joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in December 1992, starting as an announcer on “Superstars.” His in-ring debut came at the 1993 Royal Rumble. Lawler’s WWF career was marked by high-profile feuds, most notably with Bret Hart. Their rivalry began at the King of the Ring event, where Lawler attacked Hart, claiming to be the only true king in the WWF. The feud featured numerous matches and memorable moments, including Hart defeating Lawler in a “Kiss My Foot” match at King of the Ring 1995.
Feuds with Doink the Clown and Jake Roberts
In the mid-1990s, Lawler engaged in feuds with Doink the Clown and Jake “The Snake” Roberts. His rivalry with Doink included a series of comedic matches involving their midget sidekicks, culminating in a match at Survivor Series 1994, which Lawler’s team won. Lawler’s feud with Roberts took a darker turn, with Lawler mocking Roberts’ real-life struggles with addiction. Their confrontation at SummerSlam 1996 saw Lawler pour whiskey down Roberts’ throat after the match.
Later Career and Legacy
Continuing the Legacy
Jerry Lawler continued to wrestle and commentate well into the 2000s. His involvement with the WWF (later WWE) remained strong, contributing both as a wrestler and a color commentator. Lawler’s influence extended beyond the ring, with memorable appearances in various media, including his portrayal of himself in the 1999 film “Man on the Moon,” which chronicled his feud with Andy Kaufman.
Hall of Fame Induction
In 2007, Lawler was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant contributions to professional wrestling. His career, spanning over five decades, is characterized by numerous championships, unforgettable feuds, and a lasting impact on the industry.
Conclusion: The King’s Enduring Legacy
Jerry “The King” Lawler’s journey from a Memphis disc jockey to a wrestling legend is a story of talent, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. His impact on professional wrestling is undeniable, with a legacy that continues to inspire wrestlers and entertain fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How did Jerry Lawler earn the nickname “The King”?
Jerry Lawler earned the nickname “The King” after defeating Jackie Fargo for the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship on July 24, 1974. This victory solidified his status as a top wrestler and earned him the regal moniker.
Q2: What was the significance of Jerry Lawler’s feud with Andy Kaufman?
The feud with Andy Kaufman was significant as it brought mainstream attention to professional wrestling. The rivalry, highlighted by their match and the infamous slap on “Late Night with David Letterman,” showcased the blend of entertainment and athleticism in wrestling.
Q3: How many times did Jerry Lawler win the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship?
Jerry Lawler won the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship 28 times, making him one of the most decorated champions in the history of the promotion.
Q4: What role did Jerry Lawler play in the WWE after his in-ring career?
After his in-ring career, Jerry Lawler became a prominent color commentator for WWE, providing insightful and entertaining commentary alongside various announcers.
Q5: When was Jerry Lawler Net Worth inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame?
Jerry Lawler was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, honoring his extensive and influential career in professional wrestling.
