Jerry Lawler: How WWE Must Handle the King's Eventual Return

Jerry "The King" Lawler is doing all that he can to get back to his old self after suffering a heart attack during last Monday's Raw. WWE had to call in JBL to do some color commentary at Night of Champions, so the company is set for the time being. 

Given how much of a staple Lawler has been at the announce booth and for Raw since the show debuted in 1993, not to mention how well his recovery has been going, it's possible he could be back sooner rather than later. 

While it will be great to see Lawler back where he belongs, this has to be a long, drawn out process and the decision can only be made when it is 100 percent certain he is physically and mentally up to the task. 

Physically, Lawler might be feeling at or close to peak physical condition. Based on the information that has been reported, he is extremely lucky to be where he is right now. 

Mentally, there is going to be an adjustment for Lawler. Even if he doesn't see it right now, it is going to be in the back of his mind when he first steps back into an arena that he could suffer another heart attack. 

It is an extreme, potentially life or death version of the yips.

Lawler has a passion for wrestling that keeps him coming back to the WWE week after week. It's why he is still doing matches at over 60 years old. It is why the fans love and respect him. 

However, at some point, you have to worry about more than just stepping out from behind the curtain to call a show. 

Obviously, the WWE is a more entertaining place with people like Lawler involved. He has a unique charm and charisma, especially as an announcer, that makes him so appealing to the audience. 

No one else that the WWE can possibly call in to do color commentary, with the exception of Jim Ross, has that kind of appeal. JBL is a great talker, but he is not someone who has a way of relating to the audience. 

WWE does need Lawler back, but it has to be at the right time when all is right with him and he is capable of handling the job. Given that Lawler is not exactly hurting for money, I can't see him risking anything to get back any sooner than he has to. 

With that being said, as harsh as this sounds, the WWE is a company that moves at a frenetic pace. I am not saying Lawler would be permanently replaced, but if Vince McMahon falls in love with someone else, Lawler could be bumped. 

I would be shocked to see that happen, though I also don't want to see Lawler come back before he is absolutely ready to perform physically and mentally. 

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