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Jerry Lawler explains why he sued Vince McMahon (Exclusive)

By Danny Hart
Modified Oct 13, 2024 00:25 IST
Jerry Lawler (left); Vince McMahon (right) [Image Credits: wwe.com]
Jerry Lawler (left); Vince McMahon (right) [Image Credits: wwe.com]

Jerry Lawler worked for Vince McMahon as a WWE broadcaster for three decades after making a name for himself as a wrestler in Memphis. In an exclusive interview, the 2007 WWE Hall of Famer recalled how he once successfully sued his former boss.

Lawler became known as The King when he wrestled in Memphis in the 1970s. In 1986, legendary wrestler Harley Race joined WWE and won the King of the Ring tournament. McMahon marketed Race as 'The King' in several territories, including Memphis and other cities in Tennessee.

Speaking to Sportskeeda Wrestling's Senior Editor, Bill Apter, Lawler addressed how he felt about McMahon taking wrestlers and ideas from Memphis:

"We were in quite a battle. I remember I sued Vince McMahon when he brought in Harley Race as 'The King' in Memphis and then in Nashville. I sued him and I won the case, and I thought I was done with him for sure then." [15:31 – 15:54]
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In the video above, Lawler also raised doubts about John Cena's retirement and gave his honest opinion on Cody Rhodes as the Undisputed WWE Champion.

Jerry Lawler reveals how he began working for Vince McMahon

In 1992, Jerry Lawler received a surprise phone call from Vince McMahon about joining WWE. He went on to form a commentary partnership with the then-WWE Chairman while also competing occasionally as a wrestler.

Lawler added that he agreed to the deal when McMahon said he could continue to work in Memphis:

"I don't really know what happened, but he just called me one day and said, 'Hey, wanna come up and work for us and continue to work in Memphis?' And I said, 'Well, if I can do that, yeah, I'll do it.'" [15:56 – 16:09]

In the same interview, Lawler disclosed details about a nixed wrestling idea involving himself and music icon Elvis Presley.

What is your favorite Jerry Lawler moment? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

If you use quotes from this article, please credit WrestleBinge and embed the video, giving an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.