Recap and Preview

1988 had started hot with the return of Eddie Gilbert after a three-year absence. Gilbert returned with brother Doug, father Tommy and valet (and then-wife) Missy Hyatt. Gilbert’s feud with Jerry Lawler was very focused and brought out fans to see the renewal of their feud. When Gilbert accepted a position with the Alabama-based CWF promotion, Robert Fuller returned to the area after nearly a decade away and established the Stud Stable in area rings. Fuller would provide a foe for Jeff Jarrett much of 1988. Jerry Lawler’s year changed dramatically in May and lead him down an interesting path the rest of the year. 

Lawler Strikes Gold 

In the midst of the Jerry Lawler feud with Eddie Gilbert, Jerry Jarrett made a special announcement. AWA champion Curt Hennig was scheduled to wrestle in Memphis on May 9. The promotion had tapped Lawler to face Hennig that night. Lawler though was ready to put up or shut up. Lawler had decided if he lost the match to Hennig on May 9 he would retire from wrestling. 

Jerry Lawler had chased the elusive world championship for the better part of two decades. The promotion even tailored specific programs presented and booked to highlight Lawler as a serious world title contender. Lawler had always fallen short of his goal. 

He had tried though. Lawler had battled Jack Brisco, Terry Funk, Harley Race, Ric Flair, Nick Bockwinkel, Rick Martel and Curt Hennig for either the NWA or AWA title in the territory. Lawler had also squared off against others who had claimed some version of the world title before including Lou Thesz, Dory Funk, Jr., Dick the Bruiser and Superstar Billy Graham. He had also faced others before they won world title crowns such as Randy Savage, Rick Rude, Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes and Stan Hansen.