The Hollywood Outside Agitator vs. the King of Memphis: The Jerry Lawler-Andy Kaufman Wrestling Feud and the Political and Cultural Climate of the Post-Civil Rights South, 1981–82

This paper examines the feud between Jerry “the King” Lawler and Andy Kaufman in the Memphis Territory between1981-82. The essay argues that despite being a comedian and entertainer, Kaufman was perfect for the business because of his dedication to kayfabe, and that his career path resembled suspending disbelief within his audience. Kaufman tapped into ideas regarding xenophobia and sexism, making him the perfect foil as a heel in the post-Civil Rights South. The essay points out that this feud is an important part of the transformation from wrestling to sports entertainment, drawing from interviews, newspaper articles, documentaries, biographies, autobiographies and podcasts.