Career Timeline of Lex Luger: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Lex Luger built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lawrence Wendell Pfohl, known as Lex Luger, is a retired American professional wrestler, bodybuilder, and former football player. He achieved prominence in Jim Crockett Promotions, World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Luger was a major star in WCW, where he won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice and the United States Heavyweight Championship five times. He later joined the WWF as "The Narcissist" before becoming a patriotic hero. His career was cut short due to injuries and personal struggles.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1982: Signed with Green Bay Packers

In 1982, Lex Luger signed with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League, but he spent the entire 1982 season on the team's injured reserve list with a groin problem.

1983: Released by Green Bay Packers

In 1983, Lex Luger returned to the Green Bay Packers training camp, but was released before the regular season began.

1984: Played in USFL

In 1984, Lex Luger finished his football career playing in the United States Football League for the Tampa Bay Bandits, Memphis Showboats, and Jacksonville Bulls. He was a teammate of Ron Simmons while playing for the Tampa Bay Bandits.

September 1985: In-ring Debut

In September 1985, Lex Luger made his in-ring debut. He was featured alongside Percy Pringle and Rick Rude.

October 31, 1985: First Victory

On October 31, 1985, Lex Luger gained his first victory against Cocoa Samoa in Championship Wrestling From Florida (CWF).

September 1, 1986: NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

On September 1, 1986, Lex Luger fought NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair for the title at Battle of the Belts III, resulting in a 60-minute draw, and Flair retained the title.

July 11, 1987: NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Win

On July 11, 1987, Lex Luger defeated Nikita Koloff for the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship.

December 2, 1987: Left The Four Horsemen

On December 2, 1987, Lex Luger left The Four Horsemen after refusing to comply with J.J. Dillon's request to eliminate himself from a Bunkhouse Stampede battle royal at the Knight Centre in Miami, Florida.

1987: Reignited feud with Nikita Koloff

In 1987, Lex Luger's feud with Nikita Koloff from 1987 was reignited when Koloff attacked Luger after his match with Dan Spivey at WrestleWar.

February 3, 1988: First Match as Tag Team

On February 3, 1988, Lex Luger and Barry Windham had their first match as a tag team, dubbed The Twin Towers, at a TV taping at WTBS Studios in Atlanta.

March 27, 1988: NWA World Tag Team Championship Win

On March 27, 1988, at Clash of the Champions I, Lex Luger and Barry Windham defeated Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson for the NWA World Tag Team Championship.

March 18, 1989: Teamed with Michael P.S. Hayes

On March 18, 1989, Lex Luger teamed up with Michael P.S. Hayes against Barry and Kendall Windham in a match, televised on March 18, 1989, which saw Hayes turn on Luger, setting himself as a contender to the U.S. Title.

1989: Halloween Havoc and Starrcade

In 1989, Lex Luger wrestled Brian Pillman at Halloween Havoc and was also featured in an Ironman tournament at Starrcade against Ric Flair, Sting, and The Great Muta.

1990: Won Fourth NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

In 1990, Lex Luger won back the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship at Starrcade: Collision Course, beginning his fourth reign.

June 14, 1991: No.1 Contender

On June 14, 1991, Lex Luger became the No.1 contender for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship by defeating The Great Muta at Clash of the Champions XV: Knocksville USA.

1991: Feud with Ron Simmons and Rick Steiner

In 1991, after winning the world title, Lex Luger feuded with Ron Simmons, retaining his championship at Halloween Havoc. He later feuded with Rick Steiner, defeating him at Clash of the Champions XVII. After fulfilling his contract obligations, Luger took time off at the end of 1991.

1992: Loss of WCW Title

In 1992, Lex Luger defended his title against Masahiro Chono at WCW/New Japan Supershow II. He then lost his WCW title to Sting at SuperBrawl II.

1993: Joins WWF as "The Narcissist"

In 1993, Lex Luger joined the WWF as "Narcissus", later "The Narcissist", revealed by Bobby Heenan at Royal Rumble 1993. He posed before mirrors and used his metal plate forearm as a weapon, leading to a feud with Mr. Perfect, culminating in a win at WrestleMania IX.

1993: Most Popular Wrestler of the Year

In 1993, Lex Luger was voted the Most Popular Wrestler of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated readers. He also main evented SummerSlam in 1993 alongside Yokozuna in a WWF World Heavyweight Championship match.

1993: Feud with Ludvig Borga and Royal Rumble

In late 1993, Lex Luger feuded with Ludvig Borga. At Survivor Series 1993, his team, "All-Americans", won against Yokozuna's team. At the Royal Rumble in 1993, Luger and Bret Hart were declared co-winners, leading to a title match at WrestleMania X, where Luger was disqualified against Yokozuna.

1993: Becomes "Made in the USA" and "Lex Express" Tour

In mid-1993, Lex Luger transformed into a fan-favorite, known as "Made in the USA". On July 4, 1993, he body slammed Yokozuna on the USS Intrepid. He then started the "Lex Express" tour, leading to a title match at SummerSlam 1993, which he won by knocking out Yokozuna, but did not win the title due to the match stipulations.

1994: Royal Rumble Co-Winner and WrestleMania X

In 1994, Lex Luger was a co-winner of the Royal Rumble with Bret Hart. He also main evented WrestleMania X in 1994.

June 1995: Tag Title Shot with British Bulldog

In June 1995, Lex Luger, as part of the Allied Powers with British Bulldog, earned a shot at the WWF Tag Team Championship against Owen Hart and Yokozuna at In Your House 2: The Lumberjacks, but they failed to win.

August 1995: Negotiations and Contract with WCW

In August 1995, after expressing his desire to leave the WWF, Lex Luger was contacted by WCW Vice-President Eric Bischoff and offered a contract, which he accepted despite the lower salary, seeking to prove his doubters wrong.

September 11, 1995: Faces Hulk Hogan on Nitro

On September 11, 1995, Lex Luger faced Hulk Hogan for the WCW World Heavyweight Title on Nitro, with Hogan winning by disqualification.

1995: Royal Rumble Participation

In early 1995, Lex Luger participated in the Royal Rumble 1995 main event, eliminating several wrestlers but ultimately being eliminated by Shawn Michaels.

January 22, 1996: Wins World Tag Team Championship with Sting

On January 22, 1996, Lex Luger and Sting defeated Harlem Heat on Nitro to win their first World Tag Team Championship.

August 4, 1997: Defeats Hogan for World Heavyweight Championship

On August 4, 1997, Lex Luger defeated Hulk Hogan on Nitro to win his second World Heavyweight Championship.

May 25, 1998: Joins nWo Wolfpac

On May 25, 1998, Lex Luger joined the nWo Wolfpac, playing a role in their war against nWo Hollywood.

August 10, 1998: Wins United States Heavyweight Championship

On August 10, 1998, Lex Luger defeated Bret Hart to win his fifth United States Heavyweight Championship on Nitro.

August 1999: Returns to Nitro

In August 1999, Lex Luger returned to Nitro during a Sting/Hogan angle for the World Heavyweight Championship.

September 1999: Helps Sting win the World Title

In September 1999, Lex Luger helped Sting win the World Title at Fall Brawl.

September 27, 1999: Debuts "The Total Package" Gimmick

On September 27, 1999, Lex Luger debuted "The Total Package" gimmick on Nitro, with a Terminator-style entrance and Miss Elizabeth as his manager.

December 1999: Match against Sting at Starrcade

In December 1999, Lex Luger, as The Total Package, had a match against Sting at Starrcade, with Elizabeth turning on Sting.

January 2000: Begins Arm Breaking Storyline

In January 2000, Lex Luger started a storyline where he would break the arms of his opponents using a steel chair.

February 2000: Forms Alliance with Ric Flair

In February 2000, Lex Luger formed an alliance with Ric Flair to take out Hulk Hogan, later forming a tag team named Team Package.

April 2000: Joins Millionaires Club

In April 2000, Lex Luger joined the Millionaires Club after Vince Russo formed the New Blood.

November 20, 2000: Faces Booker T for WCW World Heavyweight Championship

On November 20, 2000, Lex Luger faced Booker T on Nitro for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

January 2001: Forms Tag Team with Buff Bagwell

In January 2001, Lex Luger formed a tag team with Buff Bagwell named "Totally Buff", defeating Goldberg and DeWayne Bruce at Sin.

March 2001: WCW Purchased by WWF and Luger's Hiatus

In March 2001, the WWF purchased WCW, leading to Lex Luger taking a hiatus from wrestling.

November 2002: Luger Returns to Wrestling and Wins WWA World Heavyweight Championship

In November 2002, Lex Luger returned to wrestling, joining the European tour of World Wrestling All-Stars. He teamed with Sting in Dublin, Ireland, to defeat Buff Bagwell and Malice. At Retribution in November 2002, Luger won the vacant WWA World Heavyweight Championship after Jeff Jarrett interfered on his behalf.

February 25, 2004: Luger Returns to TNA

On February 25, 2004, Lex Luger returned to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), putting A.J. Styles through a table during a tables match against Abyss.

August 26, 2006: Luger's Final Match

On August 26, 2006, Lex Luger's final match took place at a United Wrestling Federation event in Oklahoma, where he teamed with Buff Bagwell to defeat Jeff Jarrett and Scott Steiner.

2006: Luger Returns to TNA

In 2006, Lex Luger returned to TNA, appearing on the April 27th Impact! episode as a potential tag team partner for Sting at Sacrifice. Throughout September and October 2006, he aided Sting in preparing for his match against Jeff Jarrett at Bound for Glory.