Jerry Lawler was treated by paramedics after collapsing at the announcers’ table during “Monday Night Raw” at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Monday.
Lawler collapsed during the tag team match between Kane & Daniel Bryan and The Prime Time Players. He was treated in the locker room-area by WWE medical staff, and was then taken from the arena to a medical facility in Montreal.
Announcer Michael Cole appeared on the telecast to explain to the viewers what happened.
“This is not part of our entertainment tonight,” said Cole. “This is a real-life situation. Earlier this evening, my broadcast colleague Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler passed out while working here at ringside. He collapsed on the ground. He was stretchered to the back where he received CPR.
“The latest update that we have now is he has been taken to a local hospital in Montreal. We are being told that he is receiving oxygen. Jerry is breathing on his own, although this is extremely a serious situation.”
An emotional Cole then said the telecast would go on without commentary.
“Jerry, my prayers are with you. Out of respect to Jerry tonight, there’s going to be no further commentary on this broadcast.”
Cole said he hoped to provide viewers with another update on Lawler’s condition at the end of the show, and he did.
“We’re being told that Jerry is more responsive as we speak. He’s reacting to lights in his eyes. He is in the isolated portion of the emergency room. He is awaiting a CT scan. We are told that in typical Jerry fashion, he is fighting hard.”
As you can see from the photo below shared by reporter Arda Ocal, Cole was in disbelief without his announcing partner next to him:
Wrestling News Source also shared a photo of Lawler on a stretcher being taken away by paramedics:
For those of you who questioned whether this was a hoax, that photo should answer things.
Cole also offered a final update on Lawler’s condition at the end of Monday’s show.
“We are being told that Jerry Lawler’s condition has stabilized. Jerry is breathing on his own, and his heart is beating on its own.”
The news about Lawler’s condition brought together the wrestling community. It didn’t take long for many past and present wrestlers to share support of “The King” over Twitter:
I’ve just heard about Jerry Lawler!! Time for prayer everybody!! We’re here for you King, God Bless!!
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) September 11, 2012
God bless the Jerry Lawler I love him forever
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) September 11, 2012
Prayers & positive energy for @jerrylawler to gain strength & health… Jerry game me a chance to grow as a wrestler in USWA in ’95!!
— Scotty Riggs (@REALScottyRiggs) September 11, 2012
Everyone in the @wweuniverse unite for Jerry Lawler!!!!let’s show him how much he means to us.. #king #king #king
— Jack Swagger (@RealJackSwagger) September 11, 2012
