• home icon
  • WWE
  • WWE Hall of Famer says he agreed to face Elvis Presley before the singer passed away (Exclusive)

WWE Hall of Famer says he agreed to face Elvis Presley before the singer passed away (Exclusive)

By Danny Hart
Modified Oct 12, 2024 22:43 IST
Over 200 legends are in the WWE Hall of Fame [Image Credit: wwe.com]
Over 200 legends are in the WWE Hall of Fame [Image Credit: wwe.com]

Elvis Presley was one of the most well-known singers and entertainers of the 20th century. In an exclusive interview, WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler disclosed details about a nixed idea that would have seen him face the music icon.

In 1977, Presley passed away at the age of 42. Like Lawler, he was closely associated with Memphis after relocating to the Tennessee city with his family when he was 13 years old.

Speaking to Sportskeeda Wrestling Senior Editor Bill Apter, Lawler recalled how he agreed to battle Presley at a unique event incorporating boxing and wrestling:

"We had it planned out ready to do, boxing against wrestling, with me versus Elvis Presley. I talked with his father and he talked to Elvis. We had it all set up and he said, 'We're gonna get with you as soon as he gets through with this tour,' and he never did the tour. He passed away." [12:57 – 13:24]
youtube-cover

Watch the video above to hear Lawler's view on why Cody Rhodes has one person to thank for his WWE success.

Jerry Lawler on Elvis Presley's wrestling fandom

In the 1970s, Elvis Presley frequently attended Memphis Wrestling events. The musician was able to hide from fans thanks to the assistance of Commissioner Guy Coffee.

Although Jerry Lawler was one of Memphis Wrestling's biggest stars, he never got the chance to meet Presley:

"No, I didn't get to meet him. He didn't come into the back of the Auditorium, whatever it was. He came in with Mr. Coffee, our Commissioner, he met him because he managed the Auditorium, and he met him and let him come into a secret place where he could go up on the stage and watch it through the curtains." [13:39 – 14:06]

Lawler also reacted to the news that 16-time WWE world champion John Cena plans to retire in 2025.

Would you like to have seen Elvis Presley in the wrestling business? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

Please credit Sportskeeda WrestleBinge and embed the video if you use quotes from this article.