Former WCW and WWE superstar Lex Luger recently opened up about the secret behind his enduring career in pro wrestling. In a candid interview on “Insight with Chris Van Vliet,” Luger attributed his longevity and value to wrestling promotions, particularly World Championship Wrestling (WCW), to his unique ability to seamlessly transition between babyface and heel roles.
Lex Luger, explained that his adaptability was not just a personal trait but a strategic asset for the company.
I was very durable. People don’t realise is part of the reason I got switched back and forth so much was, Eric Bischoff said this as well, ‘I always knew Lex could handle being a top heel or like a top-5 babyface. I knew he could walk that line and stay authentic with the fans’.
This versatility allowed WCW to utilise Luger as a solution to various booking challenges, particularly when injuries struck other top stars. WCW President Eric Bischoff recognised Luger’s unique ability to maintain credibility with fans regardless of his alignment. However, Luger acknowledged that this frequent switching between face and heel roles might have had its drawbacks.
Eric said it might not have been the best for my career long-term, switching back and forth. You could be an arrogant heel or a confident babyface because you can pull it off. That’s a rare thing because most guys are either a really good heel or a really good babyface.
The ability to fill gaps at the top of the card, regardless of his role, kept Luger in prominent positions throughout his WCW tenure.
When Sting got hurt really bad with his knee, they switched me in my match with (Ric) Flair and I kind of took Sting’s spot as a top babyface.
Summarising his role, Lex Luger shared Bischoff’s apt description of him as “an utility all-star.” This meant that WCW could position Luger wherever he was needed, confident in his ability to perform at a high level.
They could put me wherever I needed to be and I could still perform for the company. That made me a very valuable asset because I never got hurt.”
Lex Luger’s durability, combined with his ability to switch between face and heel roles, ensured that he remained a central figure in professional wrestling for many years. His versatility allowed him to be featured in prominent roles consistently from 1988 until WCW’s closure in 2001.
Lex Luger Addresses His Absence From The WWE Hall Of Fame
During the same interview with Chris Van Vliet, Lex Luger has opened up about his absence from the WWE Hall of Fame and reflected on his evolving relationship with the company. Luger expressed his hope of being inducted one day but remains grateful for his career regardless.
H/t to TJRWrestling.net