ComedianAndy Kaufmanspent much of his professional vocation hassle hearing with his particular ( and peculiar ) sword of confrontational comedy , a acquisition that translated well into the world of professional wrestle in the 1970s and eighties . His wallop in that industry is now being recognize with a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame .
accord toVariety , Kaufman — whodiedin 1984 at historic period 35 after a abbreviated conflict with lung Crab — is ready to be inducted into the packaging ’s 2023 class of wrestling notables on March 31 , the dark beforeWrestleMania 39 .
Though he never in reality wrestle for WWE ( then WWF ) , Kaufman geld amemorable figurein the business . Making frequent appearances in and around the Memphis grappling circuit , the doer claimed to be able to outwrestle any woman who challenged him . In interviews , Kaufman would boast of his credential ( “ I ’m from Hollywood ! ” ) and offered flag-waving jokes that would incite wrestling crowd against him . ( Women , he say , “ belonged in the kitchen . ” )
finally , he entered into a competition with Memphis - based matman Jerry Lawler . When the two converge in the ring , Lawler demolished Kaufman , who feign being seriously injured . It was convincing enough thatThe New York Timesreported in earnest on his recuperation , write that “ infirmary officials listed him in salutary condition . ”
In their most memorable spot , Lawler slapped Kaufman during an visual aspect onLate Night With David Lettermanin 1982 . Kaufman take a firm stand he would litigate NBC for $ 200 million and plough it into an all - grappling web .
Though bizarre , the wrestling stint was on brand for Kaufman , who swear less on conventional jokes and more on create awkward situations for audiences . On stage , he would scan fromThe Great Gatsbyand lecture anyone who sound off . Other times , he might do his laundry or nap in a sleeping old bag . OnSaturday Night Live , he lip - synchronize the paper fromMighty Mouse . In 1982 , Kaufman was “ vote off ” the show when producers invited spectator to call in their preference on whether he should come out again . ( He never did . )
The 2023 WWE Hall of Fame ceremonial willstreamon Peacock at 10:30 Eastern Standard Time on March 31 .
[ h / tVariety ]
