Jerry Lawler appears via video at WWE Hall of Fame ceremony
Less than two months after suffering a massive stroke, Jerry Lawler made an appearance on WWE programming on Friday night.
A pre-taped video from Lawler was shown at Friday’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. The video was part of Andy Kaufman’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
There was never a rivalry quite like @JerryLawler vs. @ndykaufman!
Great to see you King, looking great! 👑 #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/LkZ2Ana0gk
— WWE (@WWE) April 1, 2023
Lawler said he wished he could be at the ceremony in person, but he was at home recovering. Lawler then introduced Jimmy Hart, who gave an induction speech for Kaufman. Members of the Kaufman family also spoke about Kaufman’s posthumous induction.
Kaufman, an actor and comedian who starred in the television show “Taxi,” famously took part in a pro wrestling feud with Lawler in Memphis. The feud included an angle where Lawler slapped Kaufman on the David Letterman show in 1982.
The 73-year-old Lawler suffered a massive stroke on February 6. In a social media post on February 8, it was said that Lawler was expected to make a full recovery: “Update on Jerry: After suffering a massive Stroke Monday. He is now recovering in a Fort Myers, FL hospital. His speech is limited, but with rehabilitation will regain a full recovery. He thanks everyone for the continued prayers and will be back in the near future.”
Lawler previously suffered a stroke in 2018.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.