The Piledriver Report 09.15.12: Jerry Lawler

THE WEEKEND

Lawler had worked in Aruba at the “Caribbean Wrestling Bash” over the weekend. He performed in a Piper’s Pit segment where he piledrove Chasyn Rance. According to one person who worked that show, Lawler flew into Aruba on Thursday with his girlfriend, Lauryn McBride. After the Piper’s Pit segment on Friday, everyone from the show went to a VIP club, where Lawler and Lauren went back to their rooms. According to people there, Lawler was in a great mood, and didn’t seem to have any health issues or show any signs that anything was wrong.

Lawler’s friend Dave Brown of Memphis News 5, said that Lawler had complained of chest pains on Saturday night but chalked it up to something he ate.

He then flew back for Raw on Monday. On RAW, he wrestled a tag team match with Randy Orton against Dolph Ziggler and CM Punk. During the match, Lawler did not look out of place in the ring. According to the “Wrestling Observer Newsletter,” “he did hold his head on a few bumps when landing, which concerned people watching that already knew about his problem, but that was Lawler’s standard reactions and not indicative of anything.”

THE ATTACK

After the match, Lawler returned to ringside to continue doing commentary with Cole. Everything seemed fine as they called both a Ryback vs. Heath Slater match and the beginning of another tag match pitting Daniel Bryan & Kane against the Prime Time Players.

Midway through the match, Lawler suddenly breathed heavily about four times into the mic. According to the “Figure Four Weekly” newsletter, “one report said he clutched his left arm or chest and then slumped in his chair. He began to slide down to the floor, outside of camera range. It is believed he vomited as there were production people cleaning up the area a few minutes later. A WWE trainer immediately hit the scene as Cole waved his hand towards a cameraman asking him to back off. Several people walked over to Lawler, rather calmly, but within moments they realized something was very wrong. One person reported that Lawler was quickly turning blue. Cole continued to call the match the best he could while EMTs hit ringside and sprung into action. Lawler was lifted up and stretchered through the dasher boards and towards the backstage area, past the hard cameras.”

An area was cleared backstage where medical personal began performing CPR on Lawler. Contrary to rumors that had Vince McMahon by Lawler’s side throughout the incident, McMahon actually remained in the Gorilla position and fed lines to Michael Cole describing the action in the ring. HHH was frantically running what was described as a chaotic scene backstage. According to a source McMahon only ran back to where the EMTs were for an update during the commercial break. He would then go back to the Gorilla position in order to continue feeding lines to Cole.

At the time, Lawler was not breathing, nor did he have a heartbeat. Eventually, Lawler was stable enough that the EMTs on site felt they could transport him to a hospital. One of the major concerns at this point was what effects would Lawler’s brain suffer for being without oxygen for a lengthy amount of time.

RAW: AFTER THE HEART ATTACK

The television audience was told by Michael Cole Lawler had passed out, collapsed, was helped to the back, taken out on a stretcher and they were performing CPR on him. He stressed that this was real life and not part of any storyline. Cole appeared badly shaken up and on the verge of tears when the camera wasn’t on him. I can’t express how much respect that I have for Michael Cole. I have no idea how Cole had the strength to stay at ringside throughout the rest of the broadcast, and was able to give the audience updates on the situation. I was glad that Vince had enough sense to have Michael Cole stop broadcasting the show. At the same time, I thought Vince should have allowed Cole to return to the back. Every time the camera, panned out, you could see Michael Cole in the background with his hands on his head. If Vince really wanted to have someone provide updates to the fans, he could have easily set up an area in a secluded part of the arena and had someone else (or even himself) provide the updates. However, this is just a minor complaint. Aside from that, I think the WWE handled the situation as best as they could have.

Cole’s final update at the end of the show saw him say that Lawler was at the hospital where he was breathing on his own, and his heart was beating on his own. It was at that moment that I felt Jerry Lawler was going to be okay. When Michael Cole first told the audience about what happened to Lawler, I feared the worst. After all, how many times have we heard about wrestlers passing away. It’s now at the point where you expect the worst, while hoping, but not believing, for the best. Knowing what was going on backstage, and seeing Michael Cole’s grief stricken face, this was perhaps the most scariest wrestling events that I have ever witnessed. When Owen Hart passed away, you were just stunned and left numb. On Monday, every time Michael Cole appeared on the screen, you were afraid to hear that yet another wrestler passed away. Thank God, that wasn’t the case.

THE RECOVERY

When Lawler checked into the hospital they used an assumed name to keep things quiet. The next day, he underwent surgery, which included an angioplasty where a balloon was used to widen and clean up his arteries and one stent (not three as of the original reports) were put in to keep the arteries open. Following the surgery, he was able to breathe on his own and was eventually removed from a ventilator. Lawler was listed in stable condition coming out of surgery, which was considered positive news, but he was far from out of the water, as there was still concerns about any possible brain damage.

After surgery, it was reported that Lawler would wake up and have no idea where he was or why, and then pass out. He was able to blink his eyes, squeeze hands and nod his head. However, he still was not able to talk as of Tuesday night. The hospital was keeping him heavily sedated at the time.

On Tuesday morning, he was able to write down detailed thoughts on a notepad, he knew where he was, he knew what happened, and he was doing significantly better.

On Wednesday morning it was determined that Lawler has not suffered any brain damage, which had remained the number-one concern after his situation was stabilized. According the Wrestling Observer website, “Brain damage begins to occur after the brain is deprived of oxygen for only a few minutes. There were reports online that Lawler had been without oxygen for 20 minutes. Most likely, while it took the EMTs about 15 minutes to stabilize Lawler before taking him to the hospital, he was getting CPR within about two minutes of the heart attack. CPR would have resulted in a flow of oxygen to the brain, meaning 15 minutes of CPR doesn’t equal 15 minutes of no oxygen. He may only have been without oxygen for 90 to 120 seconds. It cannot be understated that the EMTs at Raw Monday are heroes who almost certainly not only saved Lawler’s life, but prevented life-changing brain damage.”

By Wednesday night, Lawler was awake and alert. Jerry Lawler began making phone calls to a number of friends last night, including Michael Cole and Vince McMahon.

On Thursday, Lawler was improving even more. Lawler walked for the first time since suffering the heart attack. While Lawler was having some trouble with his memory, the doctors believe his memory could improve as the sedatives wear off. Lawler is alert and aware of support he has received, but is very sore from CPR chest compressions performed Monday night. The doctors at the hospital are “pleased with his progress” at this time.
411mania is reporting that “it is up to the doctors in Montreal when Lawler is released from the hospital and sent home to recover. The hospital’s procedure for cardiac patients is typically five days in the hospital before being released, so he could be headed home this weekend.”

WORD GETS AROUND

One thing that was pretty amazing about the last few days has been the use of the Internet and social media by those in the wrestling business and Jerry Lawler’s family to give their thoughts on Lawler and to update the fans on Lawler’s progress.

Jim Ross tweeted “My dear friend will fight. Please pray for him. We’re all hurting.
No updates on the King. Hospitalized in Montreal. Tests being done. Going to be a long night here in Oklahoma. Wish I was in Montreal. Pray.”

In his blog, Ross posted, “For Jerry Lawler to be sick is highly unusual. Being a 62 year old man, the King has been as fit as any one that I’ve known. He wrestles several times a month on the indy circuit and still plays in his Memphis softball league on Wednesday nights. Jerry is also ‘young at heart’ which isn’t new news. Plus, my long time partner and traveling companion has never smoked, drank alcohol or been a drug user…In a rough and tumble business, Jerry Lawler has essentially been an iron man since the 70’s. But even self acclaimed ‘Iron Men’ aren’t bullet proof even though many of us think that we are. Trust me, we aren’t. I’m not sure what caused Jerry’s heart attack but it could have been genetic, Jerry’s Dad died of a heart attack at a young age, or something that has been brewing for a good while. I don’t know. In any event, suffering a massive heart attack is obviously life changing…I shutter to think what the outcome would have been if Jerry had been wrestling on one of the indy shows that he was often booked. Heck, even driving to the arena or sitting in a restaurant might have proven fatal based on the hand that The King was dealt in Montreal Monday evening.”

“The last report that I received is that Jerry was in stable condition and getting excellent cardio care in a Montreal hospital. All of Jerry’s vital signs are stable according to WWE.com. This is the information that we need to hear at this time and is positive. Tomorrow is another day and, God willing, will be an even better day for The King. Based on the

information that I have, Jerry was extremely lucky to have been at a WWE event when his attack occurred. The immediate care that the trained professionals provided Jerry likely saved his life. I shutter to think what the outcome would have been if Jerry had been wrestling on one of the indy shows that he was often booked. Heck, even driving to the arena or sitting in a restaurant might have proven fatal based on the hand that The King was dealt in Montreal Monday evening.”

Tom Prichard posted on his website. “I was watching along with everyone else when I got a phone call about an hour into the show. I went outside to get better reception. When I came back, I wasn’t hearing any commentating. It was odd until Michael Cole did the on camera explaining what happened. I missed the tag with King and Orton against Ziggler and Punk. I record RAW every week just in case I do miss something and want to watch it the next day. Just like everyone else, I was in shock. I could tell the tone in Michael’s voice that this was a real life situation and I was going to wait until the show was over and then watch what I missed. Nothing seemed out of sorts or like anything was wrong with the King. I did notice after the Kofi/R Truth VS. Cesaro/Miz match, Michael and King did an on camera and King coughed and sold his chest as though he had “heart burn.” I wouldn’t have thought twice about it.”

“I’m not going to sit here and write about what great friends and best buddies the King and I are or were. I worked for the Memphis office many times in my career. I wrestled King in the Memphis territory, even tagged with him when his regular partner had a bad back and didn’t care to work against the Moondogs. The Moondogs were doing hardcore matches before they were called hardcore matches. They would consist of coming to the ring with chairs, trash cans and anything they could get their hands on. Lawler took every shot full on (as did I) and gave it back without one complaint. He wasn’t always the most popular guy with some in the crew, but no boss ever is. He led by example and worked hard if not harder than anybody on the card. He wasn’t the top guy because he was part owner. He was the top guy because he IS a top guy. I and many others don’t call him Jerry. He’s King. I can’t remember calling him anything else.”

“I just turned 53. Earlier this year somebody called me an old man. He was joking around (I think) and meant no disrespect (again, I assume) but the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I challenged this 30 year old “kid” to a one hour match! Brilliant idea! I’ve done one hour matches at developmental practices before as a teaching exercise, talking and slowing the “less experienced” talent down. It had been a while since I’d been in the ring. I have a bad back and neck. We ALL have bad backs and necks! It comes with the territory! But once I made this stupid “challenge” in front of everybody, there was no backing out! I had the match. I even ended it with a moonsault off the top rope in front of a handful of developmental students. Why? I don’t have anything to prove. But to be considered an “old man” and I can’t “go” anymore?? Right, wrong or indifferent, I felt the urge to test myself and prove I’m not an “old man.” Well, if you don’t wrestle on a regular basis your body isn’t in “ring shape” and I felt every bump and shot I took. There’s not that many left who are able to get in the ring and help young talent slow down and relax. That’s why Jerry The King Lawler was and is such a valuable part of WWE and developing young talent. Timing, psychology and feeling are something that takes time to learn. Having a guy like Jerry Lawler who has literally done it all was invaluable. I don’t think the King would take too kindly to being called an old man. But human, yes. The schedule he kept over his career is enough to wear down anyone. Athlete or not, the body can only take so much.”

Even Jerry Lawler’s ex-wife, Stacy Carter wrote about what happened. “Right now he’s stable, being responsive with a tube down his throat. He’s squeezing people’s hands, nodding his head. He can point out where he’s hurting, stuff like that. The next step is to wait for the test results to come back tomorrow, the scan on his brain to see what – if any – brain damage he may or may not have. And that’s pretty much it. He’s still critical but stable. He’s strong and he’s stubborn, so if anybody can pull through its him.”

“WWE’s doctor was there when Jerry collapsed and fell out of his chair. He started CPR. From what I’ve been told is Jerry did not regain consciousness there. They did revive him there, but it took a long time – 15 minutes. It took a long time to bring him back. But he’s back now, he’s lightly sedated, and they’re taking him off the ventilator. He’s not in the heavy sedation that they had him in.”

“Jerry would be dead right now if it did not happen where it happened. Stuff like that just keeps running through my brain. Jerry normally grabs something – some food – on the way back to the hotel … fast food or if the bar is open, and he eats, then he’s there by himself. But this could have happened just two or three hours later and nobody would have been there with him and he wouldn’t be here right now. Or he could have been driving to the arena or flying to Montreal. If it had to happen, I’m very thankful that it did there.”

Social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter gave the fans daily updates on Lawler’s situation. While I am not a fan of Facebook or Twitter, I must admit that seeing what it can do in cases like this was pretty awesome.

On Tuesday, Stacy Carter tweeted, “He had a stint and balloon put in. Right now he is still heavily sedated. Will update when I know more.” She later went on Facebook and said, I have an update on Jerry. The docs are removing his ventilation & taking him out of sedation. He is responsive, which is great!!! It took a while to revive him last night so there’s the concern of brain damage. He had some tests done which will show how much if any damage there is due to the lack of oxygen to his brain. Unfortunately, the results won’t be in until in the morning. I appreciate all the calls, texts, tweets, & Facebook messages of support & I know Jerry will too. Thanks everybody!!”

Jerry Lawler’s girlfriend addressed the fans on Facebook saying, “I know everyone wants to speak to him and hear him…just know that he is doing great now and when the time comes for him to call and talk he will..I promise! Also, the rumor statutes that he was brain dead or had brain damage is completely FALSE. His CT scan of his brain came back NORMAL & he is just fine! Thanks again everyone for your love, support, and powerful prayers!! I will be bringing the King back home before you know it! :)”

Jerry’s son Brian kept the fans updated numerous times on the condition of his father. “Lauren and I are here at the hospital in Montreal. He does not look good at all. He is responsive to questions that he is asked which is very good. His sedation and breathing support are being lowered slowly right now. He was shocked a total of 7 times at the arena and underwent a balloon stint to open up a clogged artery when he arrived at hospital. Everyone out there needs to say a special prayer for his brain at this point, please. Tests on his brain will not be available until the morning. One of us two will keep all you guys informed as we know more.”

“The CT scan of my dad’s brain came back good! With his brain not receiving oxygen for as long as it did there was a chance he could have had brain damage. I truly believe everyone’s prayers are working and the Lord is holding him in the palm of his hand. Today is another day, so how about another prayer for “the King”.”

LOOKING BACK

While it never is a good thing to have a heart attack, I feel Jerry Lawler is a very lucky man to have suffered a heart attack at 9:58pm on Monday night. As soon as he started having the attack, the EMTs and trainers that were in attendance at RAW worked feverishly to stabilize Lawler. If Jerry had the heart attack a few hours later in his hotel room, this article would have been an article looking back at the life of Jerry “The King” Lawler. Instead, Lawler will continue to live his incredible life. Thanks to those unsung heroes, we can all turn on Monday Night RAW next week to watch a professional wrestling show, and not a Jerry Lawler Tribute show. We’ve seen two (Owen and Eddie) too many of those tribute shows. It’s too soon for another. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Lawler. Get well soon.