Early Life and Education of Lex Luger: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Lex Luger. A timeline of key moments.

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

June 2, 1958: Lex Luger's Birth

On June 2, 1958, Lawrence Wendell Pfohl, known as Lex Luger, was born. He later became a professional wrestler, bodybuilder, and football player.

Others born on this day/year

1977: Redshirt Transfer Student

In 1977, Lex Luger sat out the season as a redshirt transfer student at the University of Miami after transferring from Penn State University.

1978: Kicked off Miami Hurricanes

In 1978, Lex Luger played for the Miami Hurricanes but was kicked off the team for "off-the-field incidents" after trashing his hotel room.

September 1985: In-ring Debut

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

January 1, 1986: Birth of Luger's Son, Brian

On January 1, 1986, Lex Luger's son, Brian, was born.

Others born on this day/year

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.

November 1988: JCP Sold to TBS

In November 1988, Jim Crockett Jr. sold Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) to Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), and the promotion was ultimately renamed World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

September 24, 1990: Birth of Luger's Daughter, Lauren Ashley

On September 24, 1990, Lex Luger's daughter, Lauren Ashley, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Luger's Family Featured on Survivor Series

In 1993, Lex Luger's family was featured in a 30-second video clip at the beginning of Survivor Series.

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.

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 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.

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.

September 28, 2006: Luger Declares Himself a Born-Again Christian

On September 28, 2006, Lex Luger appeared on Praise the Lord and declared himself a born-again Christian. He discussed his career's downward spiral and personal life issues, including Miss Elizabeth's death, leading to his conversion.

October 19, 2007: Luger Suffers Nerve Impingement Leading to Paralysis

On October 19, 2007, Lex Luger suffered a nerve impingement in his neck that resulted in temporary paralysis. He was initially in a quadriplegic state.

June 2008: Luger Can Stand and Walk with Assistance

By June 2008, Lex Luger was able to stand for short periods and walk with a walker after his paralysis.

2010: Luger Regains Ability to Walk and Drive

In 2010, Lex Luger stated that he was able to walk more comfortably and drive after his paralysis.

November 20, 2012: Luger Sells Ring Robe on Hardcore Pawn for Charity

On November 20, 2012, Lex Luger appeared on Hardcore Pawn, selling his ring robe for $3500 to Les Gold, with the proceeds going to charity. The robe was later bought by Dave "Super Dave" Plaza.

August 13, 2013: Luger's Memoir Released

On August 13, 2013, Lex Luger's memoir, "Wrestling with the Devil: The True Story of a World Champion Professional Wrestler – His Reign, Ruin, and Redemption", was released, with a foreword by Sting.

Wrestling with the Devil: The True Story of a World Champion Professional Wrestler--His Reign, Ruin, and Redemption

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2014: Luger Regularly Uses a Wheelchair

By 2014, Lex Luger was using a wheelchair regularly, though he could still walk short distances.

2018: Interview with Green Bay Press-Gazette

In a 2018 interview with the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Lex Luger reflected on his football career and said his wrestling career might have never happened had it worked out with the Green Bay Packers.