WWE broadcaster and wrestler Jerry “The King” Lawler is believed to have suffered a heart attack or stroke when he collapsed ringside during Monday night’s live episode of Raw.
Alex Marvez reported Monday night on FoxSports.com following the show: “A source told FoxSports.com that it’s believed Lawler suffered a stroke or heart attack, with the former being the most likely. The fact medical personnel were at ringside allowed Lawler to receive immediate treatment, the source said.”
According to Bryan Alvarez of Figure Four Weekly and Wrestling Observer, talent were told by WWE officials that Lawler likely suffered a heart attack.
Lawler, who had participated in a tag team match alongside Randy Orton earlier in the show, collapsed at the announcer’s table while commentating the tag team match featuring Daniel Bryan and Kane vs. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil and was taken away on a stretcher. He received CPR backstage at Centre Bell in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and was then admitted to an area hospital. Cole stated at 10:55 p.m. EST that Lawler appeared more responsive and was reacting to the lights in his eyes.
As the broadcast concluded at 11:14 p.m. EST, Cole stated that Lawler’s condition had stabilized. “He is breathing on his own. His heart is beating on its own,” said Cole. He also noted that he was being prepared for a CAT scan of his chest and head.
Lawler’s longtime broadcast partner Jim Ross subsequently tweeted at 11:58 p.m., “No updates on the King. Hospitalized in Montreal. Tests being done. Going to be a long night here in Okla. Wish I was in Montreal. Pray.”
