WWE Hall of Famers Jerry Lawler and Lita have both been removed from weekly WWE programming duties including all pre-show and PPV event panels according to new reports by The Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online and PWInsider.com.
This move comes as WWE started to officially phase out the 30 minute pre-shows for both RAW and Smackdown Live from the WWE Network and other social media platforms and are now airing 10 minute pre-show specials before TV going forward.
One report stated that WWE has moved both Lawler and Lita from full-time deals to Legends contracts with the company. WWE looks to be featuring special guests for panels on PPV events going forward after featuring Hot 97 and ESPN Radio personality Peter Rosenberg before the TLC PPV this past Sunday night in Dallas.
WWE issued this statement to PWInsider regarding Lawler’s status with the company.
“Jerry Lawler has a Legends agreement with WWE, however, he will no longer regularly appear on our pre-shows. He will continue to host special events, including WWE’s annual Hall of Fame celebration at WrestleMania.”