Lex Luger is one of wrestling’s all-time legendary performers in WCW. Luger’s real name is Lawrence Wendell Pfohl, but he was widely famous by his stage name ‘The Total Package’. He was born on June 2nd, 1958, in Buffalo, New York. Lex Luger was only the second person to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in 1991 and held the title for 230 days.
Jim Crockett’s promotions in the NWA were potentially the reason for Luger’s initial push in the wrestling circuit. Lugar has won multiple championships, which include the WCW World Heavyweight Championship (2 times), the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time), and the NWA/WCW US Heavyweight Champion(5 times).
Lugar retired from wrestling in 2005 but remained a part of the wrestling industry through other roles. He is an active investor in football, bodybuilding, and television other than wrestling. Lex Luger’s net worth is estimated at around $400,000 in 2024.
Full Name | Lawrence Wendell Pfohl |
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Date of Birth | June 2nd, 1958 |
Age | 65 years |
Wife | Peggy Fulbright (1981–2003) |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Wrestler, American Football Player, and Bodybuilder |
Net Worth | Around $400K |
Salary | Around $350K |
Lex Luger Early Life and Career
Lex Luger was born on June 2nd, 1958, in New York; in his early life, he developed into an impressive athlete, excelling in basketball, soccer, and football. He attended high school in Orchard Park, New York, and got a scholarship to Pennsylvania State University through his excellent football ability. He signed with the Miami Hurricanes; after being kicked out of the team due to an Off-field incident, he joined Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League in 1978.
After trying his best in football and switching numbers of teams, Luger finished his footballing career in 1984, playing for Tampa Bay Bandits, Memphis Showboats and Jacksonville Bulls in the United States Football League. He moved to wrestling after meeting Bob Roop in 1985, trained by Hiro Matsuda. Luger debuted as Lex Luger in September 1985, winning the Southern Heavyweight title. He chose Lex Luger as his ring name because he was a Lex Luthor fan.
Luger was Teamed with Barry Windham and fought a couple of fights before Lex Luger challenged Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. He fought brilliantly well in the championship match against Ric Flair, and the battle ended in a 60-minute draw, resulting in a title retainment for Ric Flair.
In 1987, Luger Joined Jim Crockett Promotions under the National Wrestling Alliance(NWA) and became a member of the Four Horsemen. His worldwide famous nickname, ‘The Total Package’, was taken by him during his time at NWA. He defeated Nikita Koloff for the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship in his first year at NWA. He lost the same title to Dusty Rhodes in a steel cage match due to the interference of the Four Horsemen’s manager, Dillon, which ended his journey with the Four Horsemen.
After leaving Four Horsemen, he founded a tag team with his former friend Barry Windham and named it “The Twin Towers” in 1988. They won the NWA World Tag Team Championship together, but Windham turned back on him, resulting in Luger finding a new tag team partner in Sting and facing challenges for the world title. He began the longest-reigning U.S. champ, holding the title for 523 days.
The year He joined WWE as “The Narcissist’ in 1993. He was involved in a controversial decision at SummerSlam 1993, celebrating without winning the title. Lugar was moved down to the mid-card and formed the “Allied Powers” tag team in 1995. He left WWF as his contract expired, without telling it to McMahon.
Lex Luger returned to WCW in 1995, joining the nWo Civil War and briefly winning the WCW title. He has his struggles with drugs and tragedy with Miss Elizabeth, his that time live-in girlfriend. Luger was arrested and charged after Elizabeth’s death, serving probation. He suffered a spinal stroke in 2007 and underwent years of physical therapy. He found solace in religion, became a born-again Christian, and contributed to WWE’s wellness policy.
Lex Luger Brand Endorsements
Lex Luger was a prominent name among popular brands during his career. He has appeared in various commercials for different brands and made special appearance at.various events and speaking engagements. Luger has also been invited as a guest on many TV shows due to his immense popularity during his wrestling days.
Lex Luger Charity Work
In the episode 15 of the 6th season Hardcore Pawn. Lex Luger sold his ring robe for $3.5K to the American TV star and author Les Gold for charitable work. The former wrestling champion has also been a part of several associations and used to gather the network pledges through wrestling and fan-accommodating occasions. He has also worked with different NGOs which aim to control the use of drugs among people.
Lex Luger Wife
Lex Luger was married to Peggy Fulbright, an acclaimed real estate agent. The couple got married in 1979 only to part ways after 24 years in 2003. Luger and Fulbright are also the parents to two children.