WWE Commentator Jerry Lawler Collapses During Live Broadcast

WWE commentator Jerry “The King” Lawler collapsed during a live Monday Night Raw broadcast after he reportedly stopped breathing.

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Lawler, 62, was given CPR inside the arena, The LA Times reports, after which he was rushed to a Montreal Hospital. It is believed that Lawler suffered a stroke.

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While Lawler’s collapse did not actually appear on live television, the incident occurred during the matchup between Daniel Bryan and Kane vs. The Prime Time Players. At the time, many audience members could be seen staring at the commentator area, which was off-camera during the match. Shortly thereafter, fellow broadcaster Michael Cole gave viewers an update, saying that Lawler had collapsed and was being treated by ringside doctors.

An emotional Cole continued to speak on Lawler’s condition throughout the evening, telling the audience that he was breathing on his own and reacting to stimuli, but was in isolated ER and awaiting further tests. 

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Lawler had competed in a match earlier in the evening and appeared to be fine during an on-camera appearance just moments before collapsing.

The WWE family has sent out an explosion of supportive messages for the King, with WWE Hall of Famer and Lawler’s former broadcast partner Jim Ross tweeting:  "I'm shaken by the news of my friend Jerry Lawler's medical emergency in Montreal. Hands shaking. Prayers for the King. I feel helpless."

Earlier this summer, Lawler suffered a strong kick to the back of the head during a matchup. “Thanks to all my friends for your concern tonight… I’m OK,” he wrote on Aug. 21. Two weeks later, on Sept. 3, Lawler wrote, “Finally feeling better. Thanks to everyone who asked about me. Punk crossed a line last week after the match was over.”