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tom.powell@wreg.com twitter.com/tompowell3
(Memphis August 17, 2009) He's a wrestling Hall-of-Famer who would like to claim a spot in the Hall of Mayors at Memphis City Hall.
Jerry "The King" Lawler sat down with WREG News Channel 3's Tom Powell to talk about why he's running for mayor.
Lawler already has a crown, a successful 38-year wrestling career, and world-wide fame.
"Why would you want to give that up to be mayor?" Powell asks.
"I do have a good life, and I owe that great career all to the people of Memphis," Lawler says.
Lawler says his fame has its advantages, sure. He says if elected he'd try to bring some high-profile friends into the city to invest. Donald Trump? Perhaps. But by attempting to go from the wrestling ring to political ring, Lawler gets asked the same question all the time.
"Are you serious about wanting to run for mayor?" Powell asks.
"You know that's the biggest hill I have to climb in this race," Lawler says.
The veteran wrestler who has enjoyed nearly four decades in the wrestling business, says if folks would take him seriously about politics, if they really listened to his views, they'd be ready to work for and contribute to his campaign.
"Yes, I am very serious. I'm in this race to win, and I think I can win," Lawler says. "I'm all about bringing common sense to this city."
Common sense is something Lawler says many Memphis politicians lack. He says some try to hold the citizens in a sleeper hold.
"I think we've been manipulated in this city by politicians for far too long," he says.
Lawler says former Mayor Willie Herenton's actions after his recent retirement would make for a good story-line in the WWE. "The Memphis political scene and this mayor's race, we're a laughing stock. We're a joke of the nation, and rightfully so when you look at what's going on here it's comical. It's sad."
Lawler has a vision for Memphis that includes more police officers, less government waste and better schools. He'd like to see a change at the top, both at the Memphis Police Department, and at Memphis City Schools. He also says it's time to talk openly about racial tension. "I would have the best chance of being able to unify this city more so than any other candidate."
Lawler knows being mayor would mean staying in the public eye. Over the years he and just recently, his son have been the focus of negative media attention. "Have I been to court? Yes, I've been to court. When you're a public figure you become a target, that's just the way it goes," he says.
But he says Memphians know Jerry Lawler, and they know he'd bring new ideas to city hall, like turning an old city bus into a mobile mayor's office. "We'll park it every two weeks in a different location," he says.
The King who would be Mayor.
Jerry Lawler says he may entertain on television, but when it comes to running for mayor, he's as serious as can be.
Jerry "The King" Lawler is holding a meet-and-greet on Tuesday August 18th from 5-7 P.M at the Fox and the Hound on Sanderlin.
- Jerry "The King" Lawler Serious about Run for Mayor
- Veteran Wrestler and Announcer says Memphis Needs a New Direction
- Says Memphis Politicians have been Manipulative
tom.powell@wreg.com twitter.com/tompowell3
(Memphis August 17, 2009) He's a wrestling Hall-of-Famer who would like to claim a spot in the Hall of Mayors at Memphis City Hall.
Jerry "The King" Lawler sat down with WREG News Channel 3's Tom Powell to talk about why he's running for mayor.
Lawler already has a crown, a successful 38-year wrestling career, and world-wide fame.
"Why would you want to give that up to be mayor?" Powell asks.
"I do have a good life, and I owe that great career all to the people of Memphis," Lawler says.
Lawler says his fame has its advantages, sure. He says if elected he'd try to bring some high-profile friends into the city to invest. Donald Trump? Perhaps. But by attempting to go from the wrestling ring to political ring, Lawler gets asked the same question all the time.
"Are you serious about wanting to run for mayor?" Powell asks.
"You know that's the biggest hill I have to climb in this race," Lawler says.
The veteran wrestler who has enjoyed nearly four decades in the wrestling business, says if folks would take him seriously about politics, if they really listened to his views, they'd be ready to work for and contribute to his campaign.
"Yes, I am very serious. I'm in this race to win, and I think I can win," Lawler says. "I'm all about bringing common sense to this city."
Common sense is something Lawler says many Memphis politicians lack. He says some try to hold the citizens in a sleeper hold.
"I think we've been manipulated in this city by politicians for far too long," he says.
Lawler says former Mayor Willie Herenton's actions after his recent retirement would make for a good story-line in the WWE. "The Memphis political scene and this mayor's race, we're a laughing stock. We're a joke of the nation, and rightfully so when you look at what's going on here it's comical. It's sad."
Lawler has a vision for Memphis that includes more police officers, less government waste and better schools. He'd like to see a change at the top, both at the Memphis Police Department, and at Memphis City Schools. He also says it's time to talk openly about racial tension. "I would have the best chance of being able to unify this city more so than any other candidate."
Lawler knows being mayor would mean staying in the public eye. Over the years he and just recently, his son have been the focus of negative media attention. "Have I been to court? Yes, I've been to court. When you're a public figure you become a target, that's just the way it goes," he says.
But he says Memphians know Jerry Lawler, and they know he'd bring new ideas to city hall, like turning an old city bus into a mobile mayor's office. "We'll park it every two weeks in a different location," he says.
The King who would be Mayor.
Jerry Lawler says he may entertain on television, but when it comes to running for mayor, he's as serious as can be.
Jerry "The King" Lawler is holding a meet-and-greet on Tuesday August 18th from 5-7 P.M at the Fox and the Hound on Sanderlin.
