Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, in this corner, wearing the faded spandex of yesteryears, Jerry “The King” Lawler! And in the opposite corner, with a cold corporate handshake and a pink slip, the WWE! Ding, ding, ding! After a marathon match lasting over three decades, it seems the WWE has finally tapped out, letting their contract with Lawler expire faster than a tweet in a Twitter storm.
In what might be seen as the McMahon Era getting bodyslammed into oblivion, WWE has decided not to renew the contract of one of its most iconic voices. Yes, folks, “The King” has left the building—or at least the broadcasting booth. Since December 1992, Lawler has been a staple of WWE programming, known for his vibrant jackets and even more colorful commentary, especially during the chaos of the Attitude Era.
But don’t throw your commemorative crowns in the trash just yet! Although Lawler’s commentary days are behind him, he still sits on the throne of the WWE Legends deal, presumably allowing him to make royal appearances and sign autographs until the end of time—or at least until his drawing hand gives out.
The news of Lawler’s contract not being renewed crept up slower than a wrestler climbing the turnbuckle after a 20-minute beatdown. Perhaps this was due to Jerry’s recent step back from the limelight following a health scare in 2023. Some backstage chatter suggests that under the old regime of Vince McMahon, Lawler might have been offered a lifetime contract, or at least a few more rounds on the mic. But alas, it’s a new dawn in WWE, and the old kingdom is no more.
So, let’s pour one out for the royal exit of “The King.” May his reign in the WWE Hall of Fame be long and filled with less drama than his departure. And to WWE, best of luck finding someone who can fill those regal shoes without tripping over the laces!