Memphis approves special honor for Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler
Jerry “The King” Lawler is one of the biggest sports/entertainment icons in Memphis history — and the city has approved a special honor recognizing the 76-year-old wrestling legend.
At a city council meeting on June 9, an honorary street name change was approved in recognition of Lawler. A portion of Homer Street in Memphis, Tennessee will be renamed after him, with the stretch of road located near Treadwell Middle School between Rhea Ave and Given Ave.
The resolution was approved by all council members at the meeting, but no further details — like when the street will be renamed — were established.
Lawler is the face of professional wrestling in Memphis, having starred in the ring and been a booker and co-owner during the territory era. He remains a celebrity in the area, once owned his own restaurant, and even ran for mayor of Memphis in 1999, finishing in third place.
Nationally, Lawler is best known for his long stint as a commentator for WWE where he worked alongside Jim Ross. Lawler’s WWE broadcasting contract was not renewed in 2024, though Lawler still remains under a Legends deal.
Jerry Lawler’s health —
Lawler suffered a “massive” stroke in 2023 that still impacts his speech and some of his motor skills. He’s had multiple other strokes during his life as well, including one in September 2025. When asked how he’s feeling last December, Lawler said he would put himself at a 6 or 7 out of 10.
“I get up to seven and something happens, I go back to six,” Lawler said.
Lawler is still able to make convention appearances and will be at WrestleCon in Minneapolis later this summer. The event is happening from July 31-August 2.
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.