WWE Hall of Famer Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler has reportedly been let go after over three decades with the company.
The iconic commentator and retired wrestler, whose long running partnership with Jim Ross is the stuff of legend, is said to no longer be under a broadcast contract, bringing to an end a run which started in December 1992.
It’s said Lawler’s official deal as a commentator wasn’t renewed at the start of the year, and he’s now no longer under a talent agreement.
According to PWInsider, WWE – now owned by Endeavour under the TKO banner – opted not to keep the 74-year-old star’s contract running.
However, a source has explained to the outlet that Lawler will ‘still be under a WWE Legends deal’, meaning he will be able to make appearances and act as an ambassador when possible.
The wrestling legend hasn’t been seen a lot over the last year, after suffering a stroke in February 2023, but it appears the company will still be looking after him.
However, the outlet noted some sources felt like Lawler being let go of his broadcast contract – despite not filling that role anymore – was a signal of a ‘new era’.
‘This isn’t the old WWE,’ one insider said.
Lawler’s on screen appearances have been rare since his stroke, with the most high profile coming back in August 2023 when he joined Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn during an ad break on Monday Night Raw to greet his hometown crowd in Memphis.
‘Look, I’m not gonna lie. I was in a pretty bad mood after getting screwed yet again by the Judgment Day, and I walked back here pretty upset,’ Sami said at the time in a video shared on WWE’s social media accounts.
He teased: ‘But the second I walked through that curtain, my mood changed right away. Because, ladies and gentlemen, after all, we are in Memphis, right?’
Owens added: ‘And there’s someone back there you guys might be a little familiar with and he cheered us up, so we figured we’d spread the joy by bringing him out. Ladies and gentlemen, Jerry “The King” Lawler!’
The FedExForum crowd chanted their hometown hero’s name as he stepped out onto the stage, looking visibly moved by the response as he waved to the crowd and thanked the superstars for bringing him out.
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