Lately it seems the only time I can find to spend a few minutes in front of my computer is when I am on an airplane. Right now I am flying to Philadelphia to wrestle Curt Henning on an independent show promoted by Blue Meanie and Jasmine St. Claire. That sounds like fun, doesn't it? It's Saturday, October 19th, and tomorrow we do our No Mercy Pay Per View from Little Rock, Arkansas. I have to wrestle tonight in Philly, then get up around 3:30am to get to the airport in time to be on a flight that leaves at 5:20am that will take me to Atlanta then home to Memphis at around 8:30am, just in time to rush to my house, change clothes, and jump in my car to drive the 160 miles to Little Rock! Sound like fun yet? Well, it just keeps getting better. After the Pay Per View, I'll drive back home to Memphis, probably arriving around 2am. Then leave the following morning to drive 200 miles to Nashville for Monday Night Raw. After the show Monday night I'll drive back home and arrive probably around 2:30am. Then on Tuesday I am wrestling a dark match at the Pyramid in Memphis before the Smackdown taping. Then Wednesday morning I have to catch a 5:30am flight to Raleigh, North Carolina, to make a court appearance at 9am there! Now I know you think that sounds like fun. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I know I have possibly one of the greatest jobs in the world, but sometimes the travel involved can make it seem a bit less glamorous. Speaking of jobs, my last update where I gave some of my opinion on the current state of the WWE, brought a lot of response from you all. I enjoyed getting your feedback on my thoughts, and, as a matter of fact, I thought I would include a few of the responses in this update. I also appreciate the kind words from a lot of folks who picked up on the fact I still find it difficult to accept the fact that Stacy and I are "over" so to speak. I don't know if any of you caught it or not, but last week on Raw I got an unexpected surprise. It really wasn't a big deal, and I'm sure no one even thought a thing about it, but at the time, it hit me like a "Big Show" fist to my stomach. During the video montage of Intercontinental Champions highlights, there was a brief clip of Chyna winning the IC belt, and there, climbing into the ring to congratulate her, was Stacy. Just to suddenly see her pretty face on my monitor when I never was expecting it, was quite a jolt, and it was hard for me to say anything for a couple of minutes. Anyway, thanks also to everyone who said nice things about Joni and how lucky I am that she is understanding of my feelings about Stacy. Right now, Joni and I are not together anymore but we are still the best of friends. She just signed with Jerry Jarrett and the NWA/TNA to appear as "Priscilla" for the Flying Elvis's. She is very talented and very beautiful and I know she will do well. Thanks as well to all the people who said they enjoyed seeing me back in the ring on Raw in the "Anything's legal in Nevada" match. That was a lot of fun, and I thought Steven Richards and I had a decent match...and the "Ho Train" ride afterwards was even better. OK, OK...Unfortunately the "Ho Train" was just part of the storyline, but there are a lot of beautiful women in Las Vegas. I did meet a girl there named Candy who was a real knockout. It's sort of funny to me that most people think I don't wrestle anymore because they only see me doing commentary on Raw. They don't know about the independent shows or the house shows I wrestle on like this coming Tuesday at the Smackdown taping. I am hoping that when my book comes out on December 17th, I can get involved in some sort of wrestling storyline that is related to the book and get to wrestle on Raw a few times along with promoting my book. Speaking of my book, I just got a call from the publishers, Simon and Schuster yesterday, telling me I have to be at a recording studio in Memphis on the 25th to read my book for the audio tape version. I think mine is going to be the first book available on audio tape as well. That sounded exciting until they told me the recording session would probably take around ten hours! Now I'm having fun! Well, I told you I was going to share some of the responses to my last update with you. You remember I was commenting on what I thought was part of the reason the WWE is not exactly on fire right now. To make a long story short, I think we need a "Hero" right now. We had two of the best of all time in The Rock and Steve Austin, and with those guys gone for the time being, we are left with mostly young guys who aren't yet in the position to, or don't have experience enough to take their place. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying they won't ever be there, because they will. We are just at a point in time that the replacements for Austin and the Rock aren't ready. I compared it to a sports team like the Cleveland Indians going through a "rebuilding" period. It's something that you have to go through, but it's not always a pleasant experience. Anyway, here are some of the responses I received:
 

Mr. Lawler,
I was just wanting to e-mail you to say that I really enjoyed
reading your most recent update, the one that you wrote on the plane ride
from Vegas. In your words about the status of the WWE right now I think
that your right on the mark about not having the veterans wrestlers on the
rosters. But, I just wanted to say that in my view if yourself and J.R.
where not on RAW that the ratings would be severely lower. It amazing how
you two compliment each other and always keep the show running even when you
have matches like "Trish vs. Jaclyn" and few months ago.
I can't wait to get your book when it come out, if its as incisive
as the pre-mentioned article then it will be ROYAL.

Keep up the great work!!

Darren J Carte, CADD Tech.

 

Mr. Lawler (or "King", whichever you prefer):

First off, I just want to say that you are the reason I watch RAW, and you
are hilarious and you should think about doing some stand-up comedy after
your time in WWE expires. Also, I hope you do a book signing tour and come
to Minneapolis so I can meet you then.
6 months ago today (on my birthday), the girl of my dreams left me. The
thing is, I bought an engagement ring for her 3 days before that, and was
planning on asking her to marry me one month later. 10 days after she
dumped me, my dad got into a serious car accident and was in a coma for 3
weeks. With no mom or sister available, I had to make the decision all by
myself whether or not to keep my dad here on Earth or to let him go...and
the whole time my mind was already messed up cause of my dream woman leaving
me.
I read your recent column and felt and have reacted the same way as you.
I hate when people say "give it time", or "you'll find someone better",
cause I honestly don't believe I ever will...ever again. She was my
soulmate (I don't know if you believe in stuff like that, but I do). And it
hurts, every minute, every hour, every day.
I know you probably wish nothing more than to have one last chance with
Stacy. To be honest, I feel your pain...and unlike when a lot of other
people say that line, and actually have no clue what your feeling, I believe
I do feel what your feeling...cause I feel the same way.
It would be great if you wrote me back. Take care King, and best wishes.

Asif Siddiq

 

Hello King:

I saw your recent post on kinglawler.com and thought I'd drop you a note.
My girlfriend of almost 3 years just broke up with me about two weeks ago,
and I related with a lot of what you had to say. Suprisingly, what you
wrote comforted me greatly, and I felt compelled to write back. Actually,
I don't have much to say because I identify exactly with what you wrote.
Being a young man (23), I don't really have any friends who have been
through quite that long of a relationship, and reading your thoughts helped
me feel better about my thoughts.

Anyways, Let's talk wrestling. I am not old enough to have seen you in
your full-time wrestling days. And for that reason, I think you should
talk less about "puppies" and more about your experiences in the ring.
Most of the wrestling insight on Raw comes from JR, not you. While JR has
probably seen it all in his day, he's never been in the ring and I know
your "war stories" would be just as interesting as anything he
contributes. I'm not saying loose the sense of humor, but You have done as
much for the wrestling industry as anyone else in it's history, and your
legacy deserves to be more than just the guy who yelled about puppies and
HLA on RAW. Unfortunately, for the new generation of fans, I feel that is
the impression they get. I'm sure your book will tell about many of these
experiences, but you have 2 hours every monday to literally put your legacy
in stone. Thanks for Reading

Jeff

Dear King,
I just finished reading your update on KingLawler.com and wanted to say thank you. You have taken all of us (by us I mean your fans) places that most superstars, be they film, tv, sports or wrestling, would never let us. You have shared your ups and downs with us. The thing that impresses me the most is that you share your hurts. I'm not going to tell you the same thing that everyone else has (that there's someone out there, time heals all wounds...) It will hurt, possibly for a long time. Stick close to your friends and loved ones. They will get you through. Now, time for me to get off my soapbox. I can't wait to read your book. I've seen the Rock's book and Mick Foley's but haven't read them. Your book will be the first. You have made a fan of me not just with your witty repartee on Raw every Monday, but also with your updates on your website. I don't want to take up much of your time so I'll sign off, but once again Thanks!

"A true friend stabs you in the front"
Oscar Wilde
Jim McGregor

Hi Jerry! It's Gilson! How are you doing? That was an awesome Raw tonight! One of the best Raw's this year, if you ask me!

I loved how you got in the ring and wrestled too! I just love it when you get to wrestle on Raw. It steals the whole show in my opinion. You can still wrestle with the best of them too, Jerry! I mean that. I wish you would wrestle more, and show those young bucks how to wrestle, the old-school Memphis style! And I bet you had fun with all of the Godfather's hoes afterwards! LOL. [I know, I know. I'm such a big mark, huh?]

The crowd in Las Vegas seemed to really be behind you tonight too, which was very awesome. Las Vegas is such a cool place. A real fun town. The atmosphere for Raw was better tonight too, since it was in Las Vegas. I've only been to viva Las Vegas twice myself. Once when I was 11, and then when I was 18. But even at age 11, I fell in love with that town.

Speaking of that, I am actually going to Las Vegas at the end of the month with my family for Halloween and my 20th birthday. I can't wait. I wish I could have been out there tonight to see you wrestle! Oh well. Someday.

I'm actually even thinking about dressing up as you for Halloween this year! Not a scary costume at all, but it would be scary to all them monsters and other villains out there. I'd feel much braver too when I go into them Haunted Houses as well. :-D Just gotta keep telling myself, "What would the King Do?" when I go into a haunted house. ;-)

I may just find me an Elvis Impersonator as well, and playful choke him and pretend he is the Honky Tonk Man. j/k...And who knows? I may get all the babes if I dress up as you! :-P

So, can you recommend some cool places for me to visit, Jerry? Where does the King go when he hits Viva Las Vegas? :-) What are the royal recommendations? What places are worthy enough to have the King's feet touch their floor? 8-)

Anyway, I guess I should go for now. As always, it was fun e-mailing you. I hope to hear from you one of these days. It would totally make my day to get a e-mail from The King. I know you are a very busy man though, so it's cool if you cannot respond. But I hope you don't mind if I keep e-mailing you every now and then, because it's a lot of fun.

Have a good one, King!

Your fan,

Gilson.


 

Dear Mr. Lawler...I respectfully disagree.
The lower ratings for Raw have nothing to do with Austin and Rock not being there. The story lines have gone in the toilet and the show has become embarrassing to watch. I think the downward spiral started when the roster was split between Smackdown and Raw. There was a brief turnaround when Triple H, Jericho and some of the other talent came back to Raw. I actually was intrigued and even a little excited when Bischoff showed up, but it seems that Raw has now taken on a lot of the undesirable qualities of the WCW. I have spoken to friends that feel the same way. We were fans of WWF because they didn't insult our intelligence with that cheesy, low brow trash that WCW threw out to its audience every week. I truly hope that the writers or powers that be, start listening and get us back to the quality programs that we enjoyed and WATCHED.
Thanks for your time...Lori

I just wanted to comment on the remarks you made recently on your website about WWE's current situation.

I completely agree with the point you made about needing some veterans to keep fan interest and get those really amazing promos into the show. And I'll tell you why some fans react badly to the veterans: they focus too much on "He couldn't possibly beat that guy in real life, he's too old". When I was watching a WWE PPV earlier this year with a group of friends, I was the only one who cheered and nearly fell out of his seat when one of my favorite stars of all time, Hulk Hogan, won the WWE title from HHH. Everyone else in the room thought the whole match was crap and that Hogan was too old to hold the title again. And its not just him, the same comments are starting to surface about the guys like the Ric Flair and even the Undertaker. Fans need to focus more on the fun of the show, and stop worrying about whether or not it's "realistic". Once fans treat WWE like more of a soap opera than a sporting event, then WWE will be back on top. One of the contributing factors to this is the fallout from the years of "WWF Attitude". Now that everyone pretty much uses their real name and a blown up version fo their own personality, rather than having unknown powers like the Undertaker used to etc..., then fans start to treat the show as real athletic competition without taking the entertainment aspect into consideration.

Anyway, I wish you and all that you work with good times ahead. I was very glad when you returned to WWF after Survivor Series and nearly fell off the couch. There certainly isn't anyone who could currently replace you in color commentary. Thanks for listening, and good luck!

Chris Kennedy

 

Jerry,

Just wanted to say Thank-You for being in Canton, Ohio. My sister and I drove from Mount Sterling Kentucky, about 35 miles east of Lexington to Canton to see the Road Warriors, when we got to the arena we found out that you and Dusty Rhodes were also there. We were thrilled!! Instead of getting to see 2 of my favorites, I got to see 4 of them and you made the show great, it was worth waiting till midnight.

Thank you
Ramona Back

Hey Jerry. How you doing? I just recently read your latest online commentary. Great stuff. I strongly agree with everything you said.

I am a regular on many wrestling boards, and I can tell you.....I am not a big fan of smart marks at all. I am constantly fighting them off it seems on those boards, and always defending the WWE. "Smart Marks" are very negative people in my view. I just hope that you and the WWE knows that those computer nerds do not speak for ALL wrestling fans. Some of us love the entertainment the WWE provides. Heck, I actually like the entertainment a tad bit more than the actual wrestling. After all, look at the Austin/McMahon feud. That whole angle was based around the mic work, the promos, the skits, etc. And some of us even like the old lions better than the young lions, including me. I just hope the WWE does not try to cater to those net nerds, because WCW did the same and look what happened. Net Marks are a very small force in the wrestling business, if at all. It's the "marks" and "casual fans" that make the WWE what it is I say. Not those people who have never had a girlfriend before and live on the net.

Although I guess I have some respect for them. After all, the character "Comic Book Guy" of "The Simpsons" would have never even been created if it was not for guys like them.

In fact, here is a transcript scene from "The Simpsons" between "Bart Simpson" "Comic Book Guy" that pretty much describes any conversation a real wrestling fan has with hard-core Internet Wrestling fans when talking about wrestling.

"COMIC BOOK GUY": Last night's "Itchy & Scratchy" was, without a doubt, the worst episode ever. Rest assured, I was on the Internet within minutes, registering my disgust throughout the world.

"BART SIMPSON": I know it wasn't great, but what right do you have to complain?

"COMIC BOOK GUY": As a loyal viewer, I feel they owe me.

"BART": What? They've given you thousands of hours of entertainment for free! What could they possibly owe you? If anything, you owe them!

"COMIC BOOK GUY":..........Worst episode ever.

:-D

BTW, I have been plugging your site on the many boards that I post on, informing every one of your new commentary and I am pleasantly surprised that many of those smart marks also agree with what you said.

 

to Mr. Lawler,

i wanted so many times to e-mail you, but I never quite knew what to say as far as sounding so professional, so that hopefully I could one day get a response from you. I also know that you are a very busy man, so i am going to try my hardest to not take up too much of your time, so here I go. I have been watching you in the WWE as well as the independent circuit for many years, and i always seem to notice that even though I don't know you personally, that it takes your poise and talent, as well as your attitude in order to make it in the wrestling business. As of right now, I have just finished doing a T.V. show for ABC called "Bob Patterson" where i played Jason Alexander's son. Well, the show didn't go too well, as it was cancelled, but I always knew that if there are 2 business' that are the most un-reliable to get into, that's wrestling and acting. I mean when it comes to the two of them, you cant just sit around and make that your whole life, because there is a very slim chance that things are going to fall your way. And now that it's coming up on a year that i haven't done anything since the show, people start to talk about if all i got was lucky and it will never happen again. I'm trying my hardest in college, and also have been training in Jersey All Pro and LIWF since im a resident in New York. Though people say I might not be in the best phsyical shape in the world, i pull through with charisma, and that's what landed me in the show in the first place. I guess what Im saying is, since im probably rambling lol, is that the reason why I got onto the show is all because of you, because you are the reason why i go all out in front of a crowd and try to make every person i see laugh. so I doubt ever in my life i will ever get the chance to meet you, [even though i shook your hand once at a MSG raw], all i wanted to say was everything I try to do in life is because of what ive learned from you, and that you are the best of the best when it comes to the professional sport of wrestling and acting.

even though u might not think it, you did alot for my life, and i cant ever thank you enough.
James Guidice

 

King,

My name is Rick, I'm a big fan of yours and I just wanted to say how much I can sympathize with what you are going through with Stacy...one quote from your latest commentary really hit home with me, personally..

" July was a pretty rough month for me for a couple of reasons. I still can't believe it's been a year ago, July 13th, that my wife Stacy left me. One year and two months she's been gone, and sadly, I still miss her as much today as I did the day she left. I know that sounds hard to believe, but I have had a really tough time trying to get over Stacy. I still remember a lot of the e-mails I got from people last year saying things like, "You'll get over her in time...." or "It will hurt less and less as time goes by....or "One day you'll find someone new and you'll forget about Stacy." Well, to me, a year is a pretty long time, and I was hoping that by now it would hurt less, and that I would be over her, but that's just not the case. Stacy is still in Florida. We talk on the phone from time to time and I have even gone down there to seen her a few times, but nothing good has come of it."

September of last year I lost my first and only true love...she broke up with me for reasons that, to this day, are still unclear to me...and much like you, it still hurts, and I am still in contact with her, and yes, I miss her so much. I just felt compelled to write you an email to let you know that you aren't the only one who is still suffering from the pain of losing a love after a year..it's natural...but you have to be strong, it's hard. and I am giving it my best...and seeing you in such a similar situation makes me feel a little better about it, and I wish you the best of luck in dealing with it. I'm sure you and I would have some sad, sad stories to share if we'd ever run into each other in a bar in Pittsburgh. Take Care, King. Thanks for reading.
Rick Fike

 

Jerry,
Your the man!!!! Your one of the main reasons I watch RAW! Your definitly the best commentator around, very funny. Too bad you don't wrestle more on RAW, your match with Steven Richards was great, and entertaining. It would be an awesome match if you wrestled Flair on RAW. After a long crappy day at work, watching/listening to you on RAW is a great time. Instead of complaining about WWE, more people should enjoy it for what it is...entertainment and fun.....a great way to forget about everyday tensions. Anyway, just know your work is appreciated. Can't wait until your autobiography comes out.
Yours Truly,
Joe D.

King,I know you're very busy but I must share this with you. While browsing
the net tonight I read your update. I can relate to your downs without Stacy.
In May of 94 my wife left me, it took awhile for me to get over it especially
during the major Holidays. I left Memphis move to Ripley.TN in 1996.an later
remarried in Sept 99. As I read your update it reminded me of the movie
Mahogany (Billy Dee Wms & Diana Ross) She played an up an coming successful
model while his role was everyday 9to5. An one of the storylines I remember is
SUCCESS IS NOTHING IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO SHARE IT WITH.

I'm a 45 year old black male making about 22k annually, In a way I'm happy
I haven't been successful as I have would wanted to be, I drive a 1995 S-10 have a lovely wife with two kids. Hoping one day I can purchase a brand new X-cab GMC like I see everyday. Just keep on enjoying life with your new friend I know
it want be the same but your're JERRY "THE KING" LAWLER myself along w/others
watch you while growing up, you're very successful with the best job in the world
(WWE),rich,travel all over the world.


Thanks Darryl

 

Well, These are just a very few of the hundreds and hundreds of e-mails I received from you all, and believe me, I read each and every one of them. I really appreciate you who take the time to write me and tell me what you are thinking, or tell me your opinions, whether you agree or disagree, I just enjoy hearing from you. Once again, Thanks! It's now 4am in Philly and I have to be on the hotel shuttle to the airport in about 20 minutes, so I will cut this off now and talk to you all later!!!
Jerry Lawler