RIP Jerry Jarrett: The man who forged the crown for the King of Memphis Wrestling

Jerry Jarrett is a name that has become synonymous with the world of professional wrestling. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest wrestling promoters of all time, and for good reason. Jarrett's contributions to the wrestling business are numerous, but perhaps his most significant achievements were his efforts to promote wrestling in Memphis, Tennessee.

Jarrett was born on September 4, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee. His father was a wrestling promoter, and Jarrett grew up around the wrestling business. He began his career as a wrestler, but it wasn't long before he realized that his true talents lay in promoting and booking wrestling shows.

In the 1970s, Jarrett turned his attention to Memphis, which was a hotbed for wrestling at the time. He partnered with wrestler Jackie Fargo and began promoting shows in the area. The two of them quickly became the driving force behind Memphis wrestling, and they created some of the most memorable programs in wrestling history.

One of the most notable programs that Jarrett promoted was the feud between Jerry Lawler and Andy Kaufman. Kaufman was a comedian and actor who had a love-hate relationship with wrestling. He began wrestling women on his comedy tours and claimed that he was the intergender wrestling champion. Lawler, who was the top star in Memphis at the time, took offense to Kaufman's antics and challenged him to a match.

The Lawler-Kaufman feud became a national sensation and helped to put Memphis wrestling on the map. The two men had several matches, including one on the David Letterman show, and their feud helped to bring a new level of attention to the wrestling business.

Jarrett was also responsible for bringing some of the biggest stars in wrestling to Memphis. He was instrumental in the careers of wrestlers like Bill Dundee, Dutch Mantel, and Austin Idol. He also helped to create the career of Jeff Jarrett, who went on to become a major star in the wrestling business.

Perhaps Jarrett's greatest contribution to Memphis wrestling was his creation of the Memphis Wrestling TV show. The show was a weekly staple on local television, and it featured the top stars in Memphis wrestling. The show became a must-watch for wrestling fans in the area, and it helped to make Memphis wrestling one of the most successful and popular promotions in the world.

In conclusion, Jerry Jarrett is a true legend in the world of professional wrestling. His contributions to the business are immeasurable, but his efforts to promote wrestling in Memphis, Tennessee, are particularly noteworthy. Through his programs, top stars, and TV show, Jarrett helped to create one of the most successful and beloved wrestling promotions in history. His impact on the wrestling business will be felt for generations to come.