SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
Lance Russell, a legendary and supremely respected Memphis wrestling announcer, died at age 91 this morning. His family posted on Russell’s Twitter account that he died, with a note that his followers “all have been a blessing in this difficult time. Thank you!!!”
Hey All, wanted to share the sad news that dad passed away this morning. You all have been a blessing in this difficult time. Thank You!!!
— Lance Russell (@MemphisLance) October 3, 2017
Russell broke his hip last week and was hospitalized. His family updated his condition over the weekend, saying he was
Russell was universally respected as an iconic, likable key personality on and off camera, and a key to the success of Memphis wrestling during Memphis’s peak run as a territory. He announced wrestling in Memphis from the late 1950s into the 1980s. He helmed the live Memphis TV show and was seen as a virtual costar with top draw Jerry Lawler.
On Sept. 8, Russell posted a picture of himself with Jerry Lawler eating at Lawler’s new restaurant. He had been active on social media in recent weeks, including posting a picture of himself wearing a hat. “Thinking about wearing a hat again,” he wrote. “What do you think?” He also posted a picture of himself after getting a haircut on Aug. 24, and noted that he “talked some wrestling with guys at the shop” He also posted a get-well wish to Ric Flair on Aug. 21 when Flair was hospitalized, along with a picture of himself interviewing Flair.
Just wanted to take a moment and wish The Nature Boy, best wishes and a speedy recovery!! Happy Eclipse Day!! pic.twitter.com/zEcLVq7l0P
— Lance Russell (@MemphisLance) August 21, 2017
Although Russell also announced for WCW in the 1990s, he will forever be connected to Lawler and his time hosting live Memphis wrestling, largely on WMC-TV. He is regarded as one of the best interviewers because he could guide green wrestlers who often passed through Memphis who had little experience on the mic. He also was tremendous in reacting to heels saying outlandish things. “Oh, come on, Jerry!” he’d exclaim, exasperated at Lawler during his heel runs.
His partner on commentary, Dave Brown, acknowledged the death of his decades-long friend. “My lifetime friend, Lance Russell, died early this morning. I cannot express how sad I am. He was responsible for my TV career success.”
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
Jerry Lawler wrote: “Memphis Wrestling Legend, Lance Russell passed away today. The wrestling world and I have lost a great friend. Condolences to his family.”
WWE.com references Russell’s “relaxed drawl” as the soundtrack for Lawler and his rivalry with Andy Kauffman and refers to him as being the “consummate moral compass.” He was a great example of an era in pro wrestling when, to a degree, the lead babyface in a pro wrestling territory was the lead announcer. Fans were guided by Russell’s wave of emotions, whether it was frustration and disgust with heels cheating or elation and pride when babyfaces overcame and achieved success.
Paul Heyman did some of his earliest standout work standing next to Lance Russell. He posted a picture of himself and Lance on Twitter this morning.
There are people far more qualified than I to pay tribute to @MemphisLance, but I must pay my respects. RIP #LanceRussell pic.twitter.com/gTKeYmA3Cz
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) October 3, 2017
In a touching Tweet, Jim Ross asked Lance to “say hi to Jan,” his wife who died earlier this year.
NOTE: Friday’s “Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast” later this week will be focused on Lance Russell, including a 70 minute career-overview interview I conducted with Lance in 1990 that has never been heard before, plus a fresh introduction from longtime Memphis promoter Randy Hales, someone who has known him well for decades and been around him recently.
when I watch Memphis Wrestling on Youtube or dailymotion, Lance Russell was always the voice. nobody else compared. Watching him in WCW and SMW was also a treat as well. Him, Sam Manecker, Roger Kent, these are the guys that made my being a wrestling fan worthwhile. Guys like this don’t exist in wrestling anymore.