MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis wrestling legend Jerry “The King” Lawler is returning to his home in Florida Friday after suffering a massive stroke Monday.
A Twitter post to Lawler’s official account Thursday said Lawler will undergo outpatient rehab for limited speech and cognitive skills. It said doctors are hopeful for a full recover. “Jerry is looking forward to returning to his fans very soon. -Lauryn #LongLiveTheKing.”
A Twitter post Wednesday said his speech is limited, but with rehabilitation he is expected to make a full recovery. “He thanks everyone for the continued prayers and will be back in the near future.”
ABC24 learned Tuesday the 73-year-old suffered a stroke while in Sanibel, not far from Fort Myers, where he has a condo.
Lawler had previously suffered a stroke in 2018, and more than a decade ago, in 2012, he had a heart attack live on the air as a commentator for Monday Night Raw.
The WWE Hall of famer celebrated 50 years of wrestling in 2020, and he was inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame in October 2022.
Update on Jerry: After suffering a massive Stroke Monday. He is now recovering in a Fort Myers, FL hospital. His speech is limited, but with rehabilitation will regain a full recovery. He thanks everyone for the continued prayers and will be back in the near future. pic.twitter.com/2Ge4XuKVr4
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) February 8, 2023
Jerry is out of ICU & will return to his Florida home for outpatient rehab for his limited speech & cognitive skills. Doctors hopeful for full recovery & Jerry is looking forward to returning to his fans very soon. -Lauryn #LongLiveTheKing pic.twitter.com/6yOUnOLGkI
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) February 9, 2023