WWE commentator and wrestling personality Jerry “The King” Lawler collapsed ringside during Monday night’s episode of Raw.
Lawler, who had just participated in a tag-team match alongside Randy Orton, reportedly collapsed at the announcer’s table and was taken away on a stretcher with his shirt ripped open. Lawler was backstage at the Centre Bell in Montreal receiving CPR.
“This is not part of the show,” a somber Michael Cole, Lawler’s commentator announced shortly before 10:30 p.m.
Lawler was rushed from the Bell Centre to a local hospital.
“Jerry “The King” Lawler suffered a heart attack while commentating during last night’s broadcast of Monday Night Raw in Montreal,” the WWE said in a statement. “We are hopeful Jerry makes a full recovery and returns to WWE in the near future. Our thoughts are with Jerry and his family.”
Lawler’s girlfriend, Lauryn Laine McBride, said in a Facebook post last night that he is breathing on his own and is in stable condition.
“He is a strong man and we will get him back at his best as soon as I can get him home!” McBride said.
Cole’s original announcement preceded a commercial break and the announcer did not speak for a period of time when the show returned to the air.
“This is a real life situation,” Cole said. “There is going to be no further commentary on this broadcast.”
“I’m shaken by the news of my friend Jerry Lawler’s medical emergency in Montreal. Hands shaking. Prayers for the King. I feel helpless,” Lawler’s longtime ringside partner Jim Ross tweeted on Monday night.
Lawler competed on Raw against Dolph Ziggler and WWE Champion CM Punk. The WWE Hall of Famer has been in wrestling for over 40 years and has won 168 championships in his storied career.