History of Lex Luger in Timeline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
January 1, 1986: Birth of Luger's Son, Brian
On January 1, 1986, Lex Luger's son, Brian, was born.
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.
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.
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).
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.
September 24, 1990: Birth of Luger's Daughter, Lauren Ashley
On September 24, 1990, Lex Luger's daughter, Lauren Ashley, was born.
1990: Luger Appears in Superboy Series
In 1990, Lex Luger was a guest star in Season 3, Episode "Mindscape" of the Superboy series.
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: 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: 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.
March 5, 2003: Luger Misses Court Hearing
On March 5, 2003, Lex Luger did not appear in court for a hearing on a previous offense of driving with expired tags and having no proof of insurance.
April 19, 2003: Luger Involved in Domestic Dispute
On April 19, 2003, Lex Luger was involved in a domestic dispute with Miss Elizabeth (Elizabeth Hulette) in Marietta, Georgia, where he allegedly struck her. Police found Hulette with injuries, and Luger was charged with battery.
May 1, 2003: Miss Elizabeth Dies; Luger Arrested on Drug Charges
On May 1, 2003, Miss Elizabeth Hulette died in the Marietta townhouse she shared with Lex Luger. Following a search of the residence, Luger was arrested and charged with 14 felony counts of drug possession. The death was eventually ruled accidental. Substances found included anabolic steroids, oxycodone, synthetic growth hormone, testosterone, and alprazolam.
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.
December 2005: Luger Removed from Flight and Charged with Probation Violation
In December 2005, Lex Luger, along with Scott Steiner and Buff Bagwell, was removed from a flight to Winnipeg for causing a disturbance. Luger was charged with violating his probation for leaving the country without permission and was later sentenced to four months in Cobb County Jail.
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.
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.
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.
September 22, 2007: Luger Inducted into XWF Hall of Fame
On September 22, 2007, Lex Luger was inducted into the XWF (later Legend's Pro Wrestling) Hall of Fame.
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.
2011: Luger Works with WWE on Wellness Policy
In 2011, Lex Luger began working with WWE on their Wellness Policy.
October 13, 2012: Luger Inducts Sting into TNA Hall of Fame
On October 13, 2012, Lex Luger inducted Sting into the TNA Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona, before the Bound for Glory pay-per-view.
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.
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.
2021: Luger Becomes Fully Reliant on a Wheelchair
By 2021, Lex Luger became completely reliant on a wheelchair for mobility.
August 7, 2022: Luger Subject of WWE Legends Episode
On August 7, 2022, Lex Luger was the focus of an episode of Biography: WWE Legends.
March 3, 2024: Luger Attends Sting's Retirement Match at AEW Revolution
On March 3, 2024, Lex Luger was present at Sting's retirement match at AEW's Revolution alongside Magnum T.A., Scotty Riggs, and Nikita Koloff, although he wasn't shown or mentioned during the broadcast.
February 2025: Luger Able to Stand From Wheelchair After Yoga Rehabilitation
By February 2025, after working with Dallas Page in yoga rehabilitation, Lex Luger was again able to stand from his wheelchair on his own.
March 2025: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
In March 2025, it was announced that Lex Luger would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
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