Jerry Lawler
Real Name - Jerry Lawler
Aliases - Hawaiian Flash
Athletic background - Wrestling (Memphis State)
Teachers - Jackie Fargo, Sam Bass
Professional background - Arkansas, Memphis(`70), Alabama(`70-`73), Memphis(`73-`85), AWA(`78-`88), Singapore(`86), Memphis, WCCW(`88-`89), USWA(`89-`97), WWF(`93-`01), Indies(`97-), MCW(`01), XWF(`01), WWF/WWE(`01-)
Groups - n/a
Peak Years - `78-`89
Career Highlights -
- Is pushed as the top star in Memphis with a major title quest before facing NWA Champion Jack Brisco
- Has one of the most publicized feuds ever with comedian Andy Kaufman
- Defeats Kerry Von Erich due to blood loss to win the WCCW title
- In 1988, Lawler wins the AWA world, World Class Texas American, and first USWA title
- Comes into the WWF with a high-caliber and long-running feud with Bret Hart
Finisher(s) -
- Piledriver
Favorites -
- Fistdrop from Second Turnuckle
- Back Suplex
- Punch
Ringwork Rating -
move set - 6
science - 2
aerial - 2
power - 6
strikes - 8
Intangible Rating -
entertainment - 10
selling - 8
bumping - 8
carrying - 10
heat - 10
legacy - 7
Place in History - Easily the most famous of the Memphis wrestlers, Jerry Lawler's aptitude for that genre of wrestling made it one of the hottest territories and one Vince MacMahon could never bulldoze. Lawler's loyality definitely made sure of that and he managed to become the "King of Memphis," though not the mayor. He broke in by the oddest means - drawing pictures of the local workers. Lawler's ability to always be "on" and carry anyone and everyone made him a babyface counterpart to classic heel carriers like Flair and Race. When Lawler finally stepped into the WWF, it was on his own terms and he continued to be a regional powerhouse with the USWA and later MCW. The WWF got an excellent color commentator who was witty and at times insightful, but he knew his role - add color! Lawler, the master of the Memphis-style, was able to adapt with the WWF, which played more off that style than any other (aside from Vince Sr.'s WWWF style of course). He continues to be one of the better-drawing "legends" on the indy level and at the same time is decent announcer and performer.