Jerry 'The King' Lawler to receive AutoZone Liberty Bowl's Distinguished Citizen Award

Jason Munz, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·2 min read
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Jerry "The King" Lawler, a professional wrestling legend and Memphis resident, will be this year's recipient of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl's Distinguished Citizen Award, the organization announced Friday.

The award will be presented to Lawler on June 4 at the Hilton Memphis Hotel, with a ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Lawler, a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and a 2022 inductee into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame, rose to prominence as an iconic performer on the long-running Saturday morning television series "Classic Memphis Wrestling."

In 1982, Lawler gained national attention for his part in a now-storied feud with comedian Andy Kaufman. Lawler and Kaufman, who died in 1984, created an early viral moment during a July 1982 appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman," when Lawler slapped Kaufman (who is being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Friday) across the face. It led to years of debate as to the legitimacy of the incident.

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In 1992, Lawler joined the WWE, where he occasionally performed in the ring. But it was his role as an on-air commentator alongside Jim Ross that brought him more fame.

“Jerry joins a decades-long list of renowned Americans who have distinguished themselves and reached the pinnacle of their respective careers,” Steve Ehrhart, the game’s executive director, said in a statement. “We are proud to include The King among the luminaries who have been honored by the AutoZone Liberty Bowl over our 65-year history.”

Past recipients of the Liberty Bowl's Distinguished Citizen Award include Paul “Bear” Bryant, Tony Dungy, Dick Vitale, Peyton Manning and 2022 honoree Steve Spurrier.

The 73-year-old Lawler was hospitalized in February after a stroke in Fort Myers, Florida. He has since returned to Memphis to continue his recovery.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler to receive AutoZone Liberty Bowl award