Prime Years: 1980 - 88 Why He Should Be Studied: Don't be fooled by the over-the-hill, cliche-spouting man who sits behind the WWE commentary desk these days: at one time, Lawler was one of the biggest draws in the business (and to this day still gets punters through the door in his beloved Memphis). That's because Lawler knew how to connect with an audience. He wasn't an adonis, with a rock-hard physique. He didn't have movie star looks. Jerry knew how to connect with the people, HIS people, and especially knew how to work a big time match. Also, if you're wondering how Lawler is still able to wrestle and is in good physical shape, it's because The King was incredibly smart when he wrestled. While many performers rely on their physical gifts to get over and have great matches, Jerry Lawler used his mind. Never having the biggest of arsenals, Lawler essentially punched, kicked, sold and hit a piledriver. He realised early on that it's not what you do, but when, how and why that is important. For a lesson in wrestling psychology and storytelling, some classic Jerry Lawler matches should be watched by today's WWE superstars ASAP. Also, The King has the best punches in the game, bar none.
