WWE icon’s heartbreaking reply as Jerry Lawler plots return at 76 after three strokes and heart attack

Jan 10, 2026 - 17:30

Jerry The King Lawler could be plotting an unthinkable return to the ring age 76.

The iconic performer made the prediction in a recent interview despite having suffered three strokes in less than eight years.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler has amassed a Hall of Fame career in the ring and at the commentary table[/caption]

The Memphis grappler has battled multiple serious health issues since his in-ring prime but has refused to fully close the door on a comeback.

That has, understandably, left some fans and one of Lawler’s best pals concerned.

In an interview with Action News 5 over the Christmas period, the legend said with a beaming smile: “I have not put it out of my mind. I have one more match in there somewhere.”

That chilling insistence comes against the backdrop of Lawler’s third stroke late last year.

Wrestling Hall of Famer left colourblind

Having already suffered strokes in 2018 and 2023, TMZ reported The King was again taken ill at home and hospitalised back in September.

The ongoing battles have, not surprisingly, left their mark – Lawler is colourblind and has battled through speech and mobility issues, all to make it back out on to the autograph and convention scene back at the tail end of 2025.

Fans will remember all too well that Lawler also suffered a heart attack while in the middle of a live commentary on an episode of Monday Night Raw in 2012.

He was working alongside WWE great Michael Cole when he was left visibly slumped at the commentary position.

Unfathomably, Cole was able to keep his composure despite the obvious health emergency – Lawler carried out of the arena and left clinically dead for almost half an hour before making an incredible recovery.

Between those huge challenges, he has maintained his varied and extensive career and even wrestled as recently as 2023.

Lawler and Jim ‘JR’ Ross were a partnership that defined an era

To that end, it should be of little surprise that the wrestling hero isn’t prepared to rule out a comeback – though plenty will likely warn against it.

One high-profile name worried for his friend’s welfare is Jim Ross, Lawler’s long-time partner at the WWE commentary booth.

Ross, himself having battled numerous health issues in later life, gave an honest if heartbreaking assessment of The King’s claim when speaking on his podcast.

Jim Ross issues frank response to Jerry Lawler

Noting his affection for Lawler having recently spent a weekend with him, he admitted of any potential last match: “I hope not.”

Ross added: “I don’t see how he could do it. He’s like me, he doesn’t get around real quick and his balance is suspect.

“He loves the business so much. It’s his f****** life, and he’s having a hard time separating from his long, 50-plus-year established life to not.”

Ross has expressed some concern about Lawler wrestling again

Lawler was an Attitude Era icon as a commentator and interview – could he don his gear one last time?

‘JR’ has vowed he would be there to back his friend if and when another match came up, insisting: “Hey, if he wants to have another match, and he can have another match, and if he had a match, I’d certainly support it, but I don’t see it happening.”

Ross and Lawler became a regular tandem on WWE commentaries in late 1997 and were the voice of the Attitude Era for a generation of fans.

They provided the soundtrack to weekly editions of Monday Night Raw and major events of the time including WrestleMania and SummerSlam.

The King has made occasional on-screen appearances for the company in recent years but hasn’t been a regular commentary fixture since 2020.

Ross, meanwhile, is still part of the broadcast team at All Elite Wrestling.