Jerry Lawler Cancels Public Appearances to Deal With Ongoing Health Issues

Jerry “The King” Lawler is stepping back from the spotlight once again—this time, due to ongoing health struggles that continue to impact his daily life more than a year after suffering a massive stroke in 2023.

According to PWInsider, Lawler quietly canceled several upcoming public appearances, including his advertised spot at HorrorHound Weekend, citing “personal reasons.” The WWE Hall of Famer made the decision to focus on his health, specifically the complications that have lingered since the stroke that nearly took his life.

This new update comes months after Lawler appeared on Busted Open Radio in June 2025 and spoke openly about the physical and mental toll his stroke left behind. While the conversation started off light, honoring Lawler’s legendary in-ring career and commentary legacy, it quickly turned into a raw glimpse into his current reality. The most striking moment came when Lawler struggled to remember the name of one of the biggest stars he’s ever shared the ring with.

“Oh gosh, I just can’t think of their names… One of them is one of the top heels or babyfaces right now… oh my gosh…” Lawler admitted during a live segment.

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Host Mark Henry gently guided him to the answer, after which Lawler finally acknowledged, “It was CM Punk, yes…” But that wasn’t the only moment his memory failed him. Later, while talking about legendary matches and past rivals, Lawler froze again when asked about someone he called one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

“Oh gosh, my mind just goes because of the stroke… Oh gosh… the guy I was thinking of… I can’t bring it up…”

Eventually, the name surfaced: “Yes, absolutely… Terry Funk was the greatest guy I ever worked with.”

Bully Ray, also on the panel, tried to lighten the moment with a joke—but Lawler didn’t shy away from the reality. “That must have been one hell of a stroke if you can’t remember Terry Funk’s name,” Bully quipped.

Lawler’s response was gut-wrenching in its honesty: “It’s true… I can’t remember… I know his name… I just can’t bring it up.”

Toward the end of the segment, Lawler apologized to fans and listeners alike, offering a glimpse at how deeply these episodes affect him. “I’m sorry, I just have these… I don’t know… these bouts with my strokes and stuff like that, but I just can’t help it.”

This stroke, which followed his near-fatal heart attack during a live episode of WWE Raw in 2012, left Lawler with memory lapses and weakness on the right side of his body. He’s spoken before about how it affected his ability to draw—one of his lifelong passions—and now it seems it’s beginning to impact his public commitments too.

Despite everything, Lawler has continued to meet fans, appear at wrestling events, and stay connected to the business. But with this latest round of cancellations, it’s clear even “The King” has his limits—and health is taking priority.

Should Jerry Lawler step away from public life completely to focus on recovery, or do you think he still has more to give by sharing his journey? Drop your thoughts in the comments.