Jerry Lawler finally speaks after suffering third stroke that leaves wrestling world in fear
Jerry Lawler , the WWE Hall of Famer known to fans as “The King,” has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering a minor stroke on Friday, September 12, 2025, at his home in Fort Myers , Florida. The 75-year-old wrestling legend gave a phone interview to FOX-13 in Memphis, Tennessee, where he shared that he is facing problems with his eyesight and memory. Lawler admitted that in the days before this stroke, which was his third, he had stopped taking his medication. He thanked fans, family, and everyone who prayed for him and said their support means more than words can express.
Jerry Lawler’s first public words after September 12 stroke
In the FOX-13 call, Jerry Lawler said he was shocked by what happened to him in Florida. He explained, “I remember lying in the bed in the hospital, and when people that I knew, like family members, came in, I didn’t even recognize them.” Lawler added that many people reached out, both strangers and close friends, to send prayers and good wishes.
“People kept coming out of nowhere to thank me and to pray for me. All of that means such a great, great deal to me, and I want to thank them for all that,” he said.
The WWE veteran also said his vision has not been the same since the stroke. He shared that when he returned home after leaving the hospital, he struggled to recognise his own house.
Jerry Lawler called this stroke “minor” compared to the one he had in February 2023, but he admitted it still scared him. He said he now knows the importance of taking medicine regularly and will not skip it again.
Jerry Lawler’s health struggles through the years
Memphis, Tennessee native Jerry O'Neil Lawler is a WWE Hall of Famer in addition to a long-time commentator and wrestler.
Also Read: WWE Star Kevin Owens Opens Independent Wrestling Show Green Mountain Classic
He has endured serious health challenges in the last seven years. Originally struck in 2018, he had another major stroke in 2023 and now this recent incident on September 12, 2025, in Fort Myers. He was treated by doctors in Florida, then released to recuperate at his home in Memphis.
Jerry Lawler was asleep when this third stroke occurred. He only understood anything was off after he woke up and saw his memory and vision were impacted.
He quickly got medical help that limited the harm. Lawler is now concentrating on recovery and has called off his upcoming public engagements and wrestling-related activities.
Jerry Lawler’s first public words after September 12 stroke
In the FOX-13 call, Jerry Lawler said he was shocked by what happened to him in Florida. He explained, “I remember lying in the bed in the hospital, and when people that I knew, like family members, came in, I didn’t even recognize them.” Lawler added that many people reached out, both strangers and close friends, to send prayers and good wishes.
“People kept coming out of nowhere to thank me and to pray for me. All of that means such a great, great deal to me, and I want to thank them for all that,” he said.
The WWE veteran also said his vision has not been the same since the stroke. He shared that when he returned home after leaving the hospital, he struggled to recognise his own house.
Jerry Lawler called this stroke “minor” compared to the one he had in February 2023, but he admitted it still scared him. He said he now knows the importance of taking medicine regularly and will not skip it again.
Jerry Lawler’s health struggles through the years
Memphis, Tennessee native Jerry O'Neil Lawler is a WWE Hall of Famer in addition to a long-time commentator and wrestler.
Also Read: WWE Star Kevin Owens Opens Independent Wrestling Show Green Mountain Classic
He has endured serious health challenges in the last seven years. Originally struck in 2018, he had another major stroke in 2023 and now this recent incident on September 12, 2025, in Fort Myers. He was treated by doctors in Florida, then released to recuperate at his home in Memphis.
Jerry Lawler was asleep when this third stroke occurred. He only understood anything was off after he woke up and saw his memory and vision were impacted.
He quickly got medical help that limited the harm. Lawler is now concentrating on recovery and has called off his upcoming public engagements and wrestling-related activities.
Next Story