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Wrestling legend Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler hospitalized after reported stroke

Long-time broadcasting partner Jim Ross noted he "needs our thoughts and prayers."

Professional wrestler Jerry "The King" Lawler address the fans prior to to Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum on May 13, 2012 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Professional wrestler Jerry "The King" Lawler address the fans prior to to Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum on May 13, 2012 in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by Kevin C. Cox /Getty Images

Professional wrestling legend Jerry “The King” Lawler has been hospitalized after reportedly having a stroke.

According to Action News 5, the WWE Hall of Famer was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery on Monday after suffering a stroke in his Fort Myers, Fla., home.

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The Wrestling Observer reported the 73-year-old was found face down outside his home. Lawler reportedly had a blood blockage on the right side of his brain.

He awoke after undergoing surgery and had no feeling on the right side of his body and was unable to talk, the Wrestling Observer noted.

According to his friend and fellow wrestling legend Dutch Mantell, Lawler is “improving,” having regained some use of his arm, but his speech is still affected.

Long-time broadcasting partner Jim Ross also spoke to Lawler, he wrote on Twitter. Ross confirmed his friend’s speech issues while noting he “needs our thoughts and prayers.”

LATEST UPDATE ON LAWLER: LAWLER experienced paralysis on his right side immediately following the stroke. Latest news has reported that he has regained partial use of his arm. His speech is still affected but that takes a bit more time. But he’s improving. @WSI_YouTube

— 𝔻𝕣. 𝔻𝕦𝕥𝕔𝕙 (@DirtyDMantell) February 7, 2023

Lawler, a WWE personality, was last seen on television as part of the Royal Rumble kick-off show. While working as a commentator for WWE, Lawler suffered cardiac arrest — which was nearly fatal — during a live episode of Monday Night Raw on Sept. 10, 2012 in Montreal.

Wrestling personalities rallied together to support Lawler on social media.

“We are praying for you,” tweeted 16-time world champion Ric Flair.

“Thinking about you & wishing you all the best, Jerry Lawler,” said AEW wrestler Matt Hardy.

“Jerry Lawler the real king of the earth,” tweeted the Iron Shiek. “I love him and pray for him he is my brother.”

Nicknamed The King, Lawler built his career primarily in Memphis, Tenn., winning championships in  AWA, WCWA and USWA.

In 1982, Lawler gained mainstream attention while feuding with comedian Andy Kaufman after taking exception to Kaufman wrestling women and declared himself the ‘intergender’ champion. Lawler wrestled Kaufman where the comedian “injured” his neck. Lawler later appeared on an episode of Late Night with David Letterman and famously slapped Kaufman in the face.

Lawler would later join WWE, where he had a longstanding feud with famed Canadian grappler Bret “Hitman” Hart. Lawler would also become a colour commentator alongside Jim Ross on Monday Night Raw.