30 Most INSANE Things Wrestlers Have EVER Said On Live TV
5. Jerry Lawler Goes Low With Goldust
Jerry Lawler's venomous promo aimed at Goldust ahead of their King of the Ring 1997 qualifier on Monday Night Raw remains one of the most scathing and uncomfortable segments in WWE history.
As Lawler stared down the lens, his seething disdain pierced through the screen and into the souls of the audience, as he delivered a tirade so blisteringly offensive that it's painful to revisit. An exceptional performer known for his sharp wit, 'The King' appeared to be at the peak of his heel prowess, though the content makes it impossible to celebrate.
Opening with a derogatory jab, Lawler referred to Goldust as “our sissy friend,” immediately setting the tone for a promo that would rapidly escalate into deeply ugly territory. Accelerating from insult to outright slur, he labeled Goldust a “flaming f*g,” in a line that feels even more reprehensible when viewed through today's lens than it already was in 1997.
Going further, Lawler targeted Goldust's real-life wife, Terri Runnels, calling her “the biggest gold-digger in Georgia", before cruelly referenced the couple's young daughter, Dakota by stating, “She should have been called Target, because I heard everybody in Atlanta had a shot at it.”
Goldust's babyface turn had exposed him to attacks from heels like Lawler, who seized the opportunity to exploit the character's unique persona. Even in an era known for pushing boundaries, this promo stands out for its sheer malice. It's a moment that remains unsettling, especially in light of WWE’s modern efforts to maintain a polished public image.