The ‘Voice of Memphis Wrestling’ Has Passed Away

WWE have revealed via their official website that Lance Russell, the legendary ‘voice of Memphis Wrestling‘ has sadly passed away at 91 years of age.

Russell began his announcing career back in the late ’50s. He spanned nearly 40 years until he semi-retired in 1997. He was a prominent fixture of the wrestling scene in Memphis, with his charm and persuasiveness guided more fans to watch the wrestling from that region in America.

He was the voice behind the famous Jerry “The King” Lawler vs. Andy Kaufman rivalry from the early 1980s. This was something that made national headlines.

He created a milestone moment in wrestling when he alerted a cameraman to begin filming when an impromptu tag team fight broke out in the concession stand at the Tupelo Sports Arena in MIssissippi. Take a look at that here:

Tupelo concession stand brawl: Lance Russell, Dave Brown talk about some highlights from their time together.>>https://t.co/6Gso4piHFn #wmc5 pic.twitter.com/SaPjsOz8rE

— Action News 5 (@WMCActionNews5) October 3, 2017

Russell also commented in WCW from 1989 to 1992. Here are a list of responses from friends and fans since his death:

My dear friend and greatest wrestling commentator ever, Lance Russell passed away this morning. I would have never been without him. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/bD4AlK5dsF

— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) October 3, 2017

https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/915230544492933120

My lifetime friend, Lance Russell died early this morning. I cannot express how sad I am. He was responsible for my tv career success. pic.twitter.com/6jXV8OtEex

— Dave Brown (@davebrown5555) October 3, 2017

Horrible weekend for all of us. @MemphisLance Russell has passed at 91. Memphis icon–sport's nicest man–best at what he did–friend.#RIP

— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) October 3, 2017

So sad to hear of the passing of Lance Russell this morning. He was such a kind gentleman. R.I.P. Lance

— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) October 3, 2017

Just read Jerry Lawler's tweet about Lance passing away, while it saddens me, he was a great man for 91 years!! Jimmy and I loved him RIP

— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) October 3, 2017

In the chaotic world of Memphis wrestling Lance Russell was our calming voice
He reassured us that things would be OK
Great host,commentator,announcer & storyteller
I still say "Wait till the King finds out about this" & he made The Empty arena match
We Love you @MemphisLance pic.twitter.com/hxjJXEZaio

— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) October 3, 2017

Last time I saw Lance, @RAW Memphis at FedEx Forum 2014 backstage. Great announcer, greater person. #RIPLanceRussell @MemphisLance pic.twitter.com/mqAtxRtRlk

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) October 3, 2017

Love you #LanceRussell…

…RIP @MemphisLance…

…say hi to Jan…. pic.twitter.com/52hV5YcH3U

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) October 3, 2017

We highly suggest you watch the following video of Lawler introducing Russell to the audience at a ‘Raw’ taping back in 2014.

Jerry "The King" Lawler introduces Lance Russell at Memphis

What are your fondest memories of Russell? Did you ever have the honor and privilege of meeting Russell? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page or Twitter account. Additionally, you can find me on Twitter at @SOSNH1995. We also want to remind you that we have a Newsletter you can sign up to. This will allow us to send you the best news in one place via an email. We also have the Wrestling Rumors app that we encourage you all to download to get updates faster than they release on our various pages. It is available on Android and iOS devices.