WWE News: Jerry Lawler on 'Puppies', falling asleep and upset fans at RAW 25
What’s the story?
On a recent edition of his podcast Dinner With The King (*transcription courtesy—PWPodcasts*), Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler and Glenn Moore looked back at RAW 25.
Lawler clarified that he and Jim Ross didn’t fall asleep during the RAW 25 broadcast, and also revealed that it was Triple H who changed the show at the Manhattan Center on the fly because of upset fans. Lawler also addressed his usage of the term ‘Puppies’ during RAW 25.
In case you didn’t know…
The WWE recently put forth RAW 25—a special celebratory edition of Monday Night RAW, as the show completed 25 years this January.
Several past and present WWE Superstars and on-screen personalities attended the event and appeared on the show for the milestone episode.
The heart of the matter
Addressing the photograph circulating the interwebs, which showed him and Jim Ross seemingly asleep at the commentary table, Jerry Lawler asserted that the old monitors were placed at a certain angle that forced them to look down—something which was further accentuated by the awkward angle of their chairs that were different from the usual commentary seats—owing to which the photo suggested that the duo were asleep while on duty.
Additionally, Lawler explained that the chemistry between himself and JR was good but could’ve been even better had they been given more time so as to prepare. He added that if they’d work a few more shows together, they’d regain their original chemistry and rhythm on the commentary desk.
Furthermore, Lawler elucidated that as and when RAW 25 progressed, fans at the Manhattan Center began voicing their displeasure as they felt that most of the Superstars would be at the Barclays Center, owing to which Triple H made certain additions to the show at the Manhattan Center and brought over talent from the other venue through limousines or local car services.
Lawler also recalled his usage of his popular commentary catchphrase—one that he used in abundance during the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras—‘Hey JR, I’m waiting for the puppies’, during RAW 25. Lawler mouthed the phrase on the broadcast, and JR chimed in with ‘Don’t start that’. Lawler continued—
“Then immediately, I heard in my ear (headset), they said 'King, they asked to stay away from the "puppies" comments.' So, that was my one and only time to say 'Puppies,' but at least I did say it."
What’s next?
RAW 25 served to hype up the WWE Universe ahead of the Royal Rumble PPV which will take place this Sunday, January 28th at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
With the WWE receiving widespread praise for putting on an amazing show for the fans at RAW 25, excitement for the ‘Rumble is said to be at an all-time high.
Author’s take
People on the internet need to put their foot off the gas when it comes to bashing WWE performers on the basis of photos circulating the ‘net. No one is perfect, and with Lawler and Jim Ross providing great coverage of RAW 25, it’d be safe to assume that they were not sleeping on the job.