WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler issued his first public comments on the death of his mother Hazel. "Three years ago, we had no choice but to put her in a nursing home for people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease," Lawler told the WWE website. "The home was in Water Valley, Miss., where her brother, Larry, lives and is about 100 miles from my home in Memphis.

"I visited her every week. Her physical health has always been good, but she had no more short-term memory. Luckily, she always recognized me and my brother, Larry. About a month ago, her physical health started to deteriorate. I got the call telling me she passed away on Sunday morning. I feel like I’m letting people down by not being at Raw tonight, but there is just so much to do for her final arrangements." To read the full interview, visit WWE.com.

Powell's POV: Lawler said that he'll be thinking of his mother when he faces The Miz at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, so it appears he's good to go for Sunday. "This will be one last opportunity to make her proud of my career," Lawler concluded. Once again, our condolences go out to the Lawler family.

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