Sad news out of the WWE tonight, as semi-retired pro wrestler and RAW announcer Jerry Lawler suffered a heart attack and collapsed while the show was live on the air.
SEE MORE UPDATES AT END OF ARTICLE
Lawler, or “The King” as he is affectionately known in WWE circles, had just teamed up with Randy Orton in a match against CM Punk and Dolph Ziggler. He collapsed shortly after returning to the broadcast booth.
His announce partner Michael Cole provided several updates throughout what was left of the show, saying that Lawler was at least responding to CPR and that he had been taken to a nearby medical facility.
The rest of RAW was silent, with no commentary, out of respect for Jerry Lawler.
Maybe it’s time to let the poor guy stay retired, eh WWE?
Check out fan video of EMTs working on Lawler, Cole’s announcements, as well as The King’s match from earlier in the evening, below.
UPDATE: Word is, Jerry Lawler was clinically dead for 20 minutes before finally responding to CPR. There is some concern about potential permanent damage to do the loss of oxygen for so long. At this hour, though, he is said to be recuperating.
UPDATE 2: Jerry’s son Brian Lawler has issued the following statement:
“Okay, here’s the latest real update. Lauren and I are here at the hospital in Montreal. He does not look good at all. He is responsive to questions that he is asked which is very good. His sedation and breathing support are being lowered slowly right now. He was shocked a total of seven times at the arena and underwent a balloon stint to open up a clogged artery when he arrived at hospital. Everyone out there needs to say a special prayer for his brain at this point, please. Tests on his brain will not be available until the morning. One of us two will keep all you guys informed as we know more.”
UPDATE 3: Tests have shown that there is NO brain damage. Looks like a very lucky break for Lawler. Michael Cole discussed the whole harrowing ordeal on Fox & Friends. See that video below as well.
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