Jerry Lawler No-Sells Terry Funk's Taped Promo - Re: Empty Arena Match (April 1981)

[@TBOTSS]

"He's a lover... of chickens!". It doesn't get any better than that.

[@foreverunsaved6661]

I am surprised that Funk didn't call Lawler an egg sucking dog.

[@herzkine]

..like Trump...mean the bucket of KFC..of course:-D tbh i fear Donald and Jerry borh love vety young chicks

[@mrparkinson]

If they took RAW off the air and replaced it with three hours of this every monday nigh I wouldnt miss RAW.

[@edwardoleyar9825]

Same here. Id actually remember that wrestling was on and would watch it.

[@evanabbott2737]

Of course!👍

[@hattorihanzo2275]

This is a great idea. It should happen. Ratings will improve.

[@jameschilders7423]

I don't miss raw now, I quit watching, I've been a wrestling fan since I was 11, I was a wrestler, from 1998 til 2015. Raw is a circus, I know Vince makes a pile of money, but his product sucks when it comes to the real wrestling fans, and insiders.

[@robdangripp9406]

That would be awesome but I'm sure that the WOKE PG audience would lose their freaking mind

[@toptenguy1]

It's hard to imagine that Terry Funk was actually not old at one point. LOL

[@charliebrown8747]

Indeed

[@williamschutz4982]

Funk said "No referee", but soon as he entered the ring in the empty arena he demanded a count out!!!

[@tonyd7601]

Brilliant promo by Funk. Lawlers reaction was spot on. Those folks in Memphis knew what they were doing. The No Sell Sold It Brilliantly.

[@larrytaylor6407]

Jerry Lawler has a one track mind like a hog at slop time! Lines to remember! Priceless!

[@DoubleAgents]

He's a lover... of chickens!

[@thedarkchild86]

+Double Agents Great one liner .....lol

[@jonathanturbide2232]

Double Agents Chickens 20 years and younger...

[@paulsilas9070]

Especially fried.

[@rehobothwell]

I think Terry was saying, "You are what you eat". Lol

[@hondamanvtec2894]

Who dosnt love Chicken 🤣

[@STEJTHEGREATEST]

I love how they manage to make this low budget show so compelling to watch!!!!!! If it was WWE, they would've had Lawler sitting in make-up chairs, getting his face fluffed up so that he can be standing in front of the camera, ram-rod straight for a 30 second EXACT promo, and yet Lawler just half-heartedly accepted the written challenge and walked off, coming off like a real fighter!!!!! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

[@reggiesmith6196]

I find it hilarious that marks like you have to find some way to shoehorn a WWE comparison or negative critique whenever other wrestling is on and being discussed.

[@stevebooth7819]

WWF/WWE fans will never get how great Lawler was in Memphis. They reserved it for the big name / over heel guys (Funk, Idol), but they would actually book out some angles like this one where they would run with the fact that Lawler was always on top in the territory and it was kinda fishy. If you weren't a fan of the territory and you saw this promo set, you'd think Funk was the face here (except for bashing on the fans). Nobody else did this kind of stuff ... as crazy as the brawls and gimmicks got, this kind of close-to-real stuff is why Memphis was so crazy over with the fans for so long.

[@STEJTHEGREATEST]

+Steve Booth I always hated how Lawler was booked as a joke in WWE, losing one-sided to the likes of the Underweartaker, when really he was capable of so much more!!!!!!!!! Vince loves cartoon characters more than real, gritty tough men, that's clear!!!!!!!!!

[@STEJTHEGREATEST]

+Steve Booth Sadly, it's like Lawler realized that in order to make it in WWE, he had to become a living cartoon himself, obsessing over "puppies" and being a veritable manservant to McMahon!!!!!!!!

[@christopheroliver4757]

We were stunned the first time we saw Lawler in WWF.

[@misterknightowlandco]

Yeah, he was a cartoon 🤴 in wwf as a wrestler, but he’s also going to be remembered by wwe fans as the best color commentator of a whole generation and probably the second best second color guy they ever had short of Bobby the 🧠. So it’s not like he got shafted in the deal.

[@dakliq420]

​@@STEJTHEGREATESTthat cartoon made a lot of money in WWE and became one half of one of the greatest commentary teams of all time. And I would say fans absolutely respected Lawler as a talent,they just didn't get to see his Memphis stuff.

[@arkansoul]

This is how you sell an angle. Pure gold, baby!!!

[@Mr.Majestic77]

Terry Funk calling Jerry Lawler a jackass, a lover of chickens, compares him to a pig. Classic. CWA: The best promotion next to Jim Croketts NWA.

[@MJBYouTubeNetwork]

This promo from this insane legend from Texas led to the Funk-Lawler Empty Arena confrontation. I heard some key words here: No fans, no police, no referees.

[@AndraeS19751]

When Wrestlers did Better Promos than today's Wrestlers

[@yellowveedub]

I wish I could go back in time to this era again. I grew up in the 70s pre teen and 80s as a teen 90s as a legal drinking adult. All I can say to kids of today you have a shitty era to grow up in. I'd relive any one of those decades.

[@JepMasta]

I remember one person said that this promo told us two things about Terry Funk: 1) Funk is crazy 2) He HATES Jerry lawler

[@rehobothwell]

I had to laugh at the part where the announcer gives Funk's letter to Lawler that was already opened by the announcer.

[@brianmorton25]

Terry Funk and Jerry Lawler are two of the best wrestlers of all time by far no one can ever compare to them either they are meaning the both of them are the best....

[@dereka3341]

Once again, just shows that back in the day, Memphis wrestling was the best. Growing up in south central KY, I got to see stuff like this, every Saturday.

[@alrussell1985]

i love how lance no sells terry funk's threats to him like he s so sure funk wont hit him. tna needs that kinda respect for there officials

[@nassermj7671]

'and besiiiides he has the poolice on his siiide - this is a totally one siided....' I just live his Southern drawl. Oh Lordy!

[@scottsimmons7897]

Terry Funk was the only one who could compete with Flair in regards to his charismatic promos.

[@nassermj7671]

god i love his TX drawl. no one does it like Terry

[@justinbrown5852]

Now THAT is a wrestling interview! Bravo!

[@AndraeS19751]

I'm Going To Prove this to You...LANCE!!!!

[@kwabenarasuli8108]

RIP to one of the best to ever do it!!!

[@Bigdaddysquish]

Jerry was building suspense and emotion for the legendary empty arena match. His reaction stirred emotion and anticipation in the crowd, was he going to accept or not? Only way to find out was buy a ticket or tune in! Cagey Veteran who knew how to milk a situation, something modern talent could learn from.

[@bo0tsy1]

What situation is there when we know they all have contracts....?

[@frasermackie19]

Holy shit! Funk used to be young?!?!

[@stephenbianchi7141]

EvenflowDDT He's 62 years old in this footage.

[@dewaynewhite2928]

terry funk is the man, he was exciting to watch for sure, he was definitely a good heel of wrestling in his time, he is awesome

[@robertbishop5357]

I think that the ability of both to pull off an empty arena match was pure genius. Hey Lance, no reaction is a reaction.

[@tenzin682]

I think Terry's hat is too small for his head!! He's a lover of chickens? That's fucking awesome!!

[@battlestarmarc]

Lawler is a great talker. Funk was one of the best heels ever. Funk did seem crazy.

[@theninthheart4736]

Funk was a baby face mostly, not a heel

[@VolumedMusicMan]

Dusty was an egg sucking yellow dog, and lawler was a lover of chickens. Terry Funk rules!

[@adanvaldcontreras4283]

Best promos... Rip.

[@reginaldadeogun8180]

This Lawler-Funk feud is one I've always wanted to check out. With Terry's unfortunate passing, I figured now would be a good a time as ever. These Funk promos are phenomenal.

[@MemphisWrestlingVideoVault]

@CombatSportFan - Lance worked so naturally that I think some people--even today--can't tell they're being sold an angle. In this video, his and Lawler's unscripted reactions are quite natural: Very simply, they don't know what to make of Funk's proposal. And neither do I, so I'm with them and, rest assured, so was the home audience. Mission accomplished. :)

[@Jabbaro123]

One of the best promo's ever.

[@nassermj7671]

True; young talent is a cut above - BUT - they will never come close to old school. I don't want to see the day when these legends are no more.

[@CuzinBilly]

terry funk the heel i love to love

[@illegalforeignobjectwrestl5821]

It's almost a shame Terry is better remembered by today's fans as the aging legend making one last stand rather than the crazy-like-a-fox wild man he was for most of his career. In his prime, there was no one like him.

[@andocommando3071]

At the same time, he was also the most beloved babyface working in Japan, and while being a gaijin.

[@CactusJacksEar]

He did it all and then some.

[@Saber808]

No WWE Bullshit here. All the guts all the blood and all the glory

[@MJBYouTubeNetwork]

And pride.

[@stevemtc1]

You are so right

[@thelastlonewolf2047]

I Strongly Agree with you

[@MrChristopherHaas]

One of my all time favorite promos.

[@tedoverholt156]

LAWLER IS A LEGEND IN TENNESSEE...THESE SHOWS WERE GREAT

[@Saber808]

Agreed. I think Randy Orton can somewhat save it If he can breath and eat old school

[@ninjajesus81]

That's some high quality production right there. WWE has nothing on this.

[@Mr.Majestic77]

Those (2) white girls in the front row were eyeing Lawler down like a freah peice of meat!!!

[@ograidernation1]

Loved watching wrestling down at the old Louisville Gardens ...what a time to be a wrestling fan . Miss those days

[@slezy108]

i think the best Funk Lawler promo was when they were in florida and funk poured dirt and oil on him and said this was what it was like to be jerry lawler

[@animedrawer69]

Jerry Lawler reactions kind of reminds me of Kevin Owens

[@nileperch1069]

Terry , you were always my favorite wrestler . Championship wrestling from Florida with gordon solie *****

[@SomethingRules]

Shoutouts to Daniel Bryan.

[@ozzyisgreat4eva]

“He’s a lover of chickens.” Long live The Funker!

[@godswill5590]

GREAT move by Lawler. Can you imagine how hard it would've been to have that match if people actually KNEW they'd be at the Coliseum at a particular time? GENIUS

[@yellowveedub]

Great showmen right here

[@seebee6804]

This is a top 5 fued of all time. Funk would just walk periodically into Memphis and demand Lawler. Insane and crazy, you dont even need a back story.

[@trevorballard368]

Sometimes, less is a lot more.

[@johnhawk1969]

#loverofchickens? Funk was always a #manofuniquewords

[@chriskoob]

you take this lance!!!

[@cecilwampler1242]

The wrestlers today will never know what it feels like to deliver a promo like Funk did. They are just never given the time or freedom.

[@Power_Press711]

The camera work on this is awesome

[@TheDavidJasonReed]

The genius of Jarrett & Lawler

[@joesha28]

Is it me or Old school Jerry Lawler reminds me of Kevin Owens, the way he sounded and some of his mannerisms.

[@greer504]

Lance Russell is the perfect mediator. Haven’t had a better interviewer until Mean Gene.

[@STEJTHEGREATEST]

During the interview with Terry Funk, Lance Russell reminded me of Richard Jones from Robocop before he turned evil!!!!!! I'M GUESSING HAVING SO MANY WRESTLERS DISRESPECTING HIM EVERY EPISODE OF THE SHOW BROKE HIM DOWN MENTALLY EVENTUALLY, AND HE DECIDED HE WASN'T GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Percussius_]

lol he called him "Jerry Lol'er"

[@DreamWorldSyd]

How do you say it?

[@CP-kb1du]

Terry Funk Legit Legend and Tough ....

[@johnneyslaton6818]

Play it at 50% speed and it’s hilarious

[@daviddavidson8050]

"And I'm gonna prove ta you Lance that he doesn't have any guts!" - classic Funkster

[@jonahpedersen5429]

That’s a pretty good old school promo.

[@marlinmealer6506]

WOW THE ENVELOPE IN THE SUIT JACKET WHAT CONTINUITY

[@trevclark9840]

With Lawler's no comment reaction and then adding "What do you want me to say?" to Lance Russell as he walked away, it made me think that someone (maybe Funk himself) wrote something on the note inside the envelope to rib Jerry Lawler, but it seriously pissed him off instead. So much so, that he just walked off the set after reading it. There's definitely writing there. I'd love to know what the note actually said.

[@L_Train]

I bet the place he wrote down was the locker room showers. Re watch this promo with that in mind and it comes across differently.

[@hogant3670]

Terry Funk former NWA Champ having to lose to this Pillsbury doughboy Lawler,heck Terry was selfless in his career

[@neilgoldring4832]

Fuck scripts!!!!!! Just let the legends talk & magic happens............ Magic! 2:49 "Terry Funk, you are the better man, Terry Funk.........Ohhhhhh Terry Funk!"........."Please let me up & let me go" Classic Funk promo....Classic

[@1980bwc]

Everything Funk said about Lawler in this promo was 110% true.

[@terminat1]

How did Jerry ever become king with such a bad attitude?

[@joethecabdriver]

I love Terry Funk.

[@volstar8]

No sell describes it perfectly. It also set up Lawler's stroll down the MSC aisle with his white robe and crown in tow.

[@davidsuter3286]

Another great promo from Terry Funk.

[@hank7216]

Legends

[@angelacallaway2195]

the beginning of Terry funk crying my eye like a big baby 😂

[@citizenken7069]

Some of us real old-timers can remember when Jerry Lawler was as obnoxious as Terry Funk. That's right: Lawler was a "heel" in his early days of wrestling.

[@bitteroldman]

With Sam Oliver Bass as his manager

[@citizenken7069]

@@bitteroldman That's right. Sam Bass later died in a car accident.

[@jamesdriskill5784]

“I have got a DATE and I have got a TIME!!”

[@IRON5]

Do you have Terry Funks promo after the empty area match? Where he said he would break Lawler legs?

[@stevemtc1]

If you watched this back in the day t his looked so convincing he looked like a real hateful person and jerry was brilliant at keeping the fans wanting more

[@self-parternerd8661]

- "I want you Jery LOLer!!!" LOL

[@ColdSmokes]

Funk was 37 years old here!

[@scottsimmons7897]

Terry Funk is quite a talker.

[@MemphisWrestlingVideoVault]

@CombatSportFan - I watched Super Smackdown and now I understand: Punk's angle is clearly in response to online marks shouting "WWE sucks" everywhere they go. The WWE is taking the public's opinion of them head-on and attempting to deal with it by using Punk (a smart mark's kinda wrestler) as their mouthpiece. So, we can safely assume this angle is simply the WWE dealing with its army of online haters. Like me. :D

[@Power_Press711]

On his SIIIIIIIIIIIIDE

[@OldTimerpit]

in the 50's & 60's when I was growing up it meant anyone who was interested in children sexually

[@CactusJacksEar]

Makes sense referring to Jerry Lawler then.

[@joshuabrooks4907]

Terry Funk made it cool to be a little unhinged.

[@samiam7342]

wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@chuckwilburn1298]

Cowboy Bob Orton Jr vs Leonard Nimoy better known as mr. Spock

[@richardwillams7086]

Rip Mr funk

[@Votedjt2024]

Terry funk is fromer nwa world heavy champion is my favorite wrestler all time

[@ryand4533]

Someone please explain why they wear the tights?!?!?? It’s such an odd choice and one strap? For what? And the “drop the strap” thing makes no sense what so ever.

[@robertlee8474]

I stopped watching when this age of wrestling ended and the big money stuff started…better for the business maybe.. but I’d rather watch these old videos than the new stuff.

[@kevinbrown-ge6sz]

I'm pretty sure it was against the rules for Funk to poke Lance Russell like he did throughout the video.

[@hattorihanzo2275]

Yes.

[@yardlet6]

He was talking about Dusty Rhodes.