Jerry Lawler HATED Being Used As A WWE Announcer

There's a reason why 'King' wore wrestling gear for years behind the desk...

Jim Ross Jerry Lawler

WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry 'King' Lawler told Steve Austin's podcast that he absolutely hated being used as an announcer for years when he first joined the company.

The current Raw colour commentator said he deliberately wore his wrestling tights behind the desk because he wanted to work matches, not work as an announcer. Vince McMahon, spotting his employee's grumbles, made him feel better by pointing out that he'd handpicked Lawler to replace the outgoing Randy Savage.

Lawler was a fan of old Memphis announcers like Lance Russell and Dave Brown, but he never viewed himself as a classic announcer and claims he'd have been happier wrestling full time when he joined WWE in 1992.

Advertisement

For someone who was never totally keen on it, Jerry became one of the best colour men in the business. His chemistry with McMahon, Jim Ross, Michael Cole and others over the years has become legendary, and his slick style is why WWE still use him today in 2020.

When fans ask him how much he loves announcing, Lawler can't help himself. "I never loved it. It was always the wrestling that I loved", he told Austin.

Advertisement
Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.