Lex Luger was one of the notable names who switched from WWE to WCW during the Monday Night Wars.
On a recent edition of his “Lex Expressed” podcast, Luger reflected on his decision to leave WWE.
Luger had a memorable return when he returned to WCW on the debut episode of Nitro.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On believing he still had a chance at winning the title in WWE: “There was always a chance. That was actually…my intention was to re-sign [with WWE]. The decision to move back over to WCW was a last-minute ‘Hey, we’re having our own Monday night show. We didn’t know you were available.’ I met with Eric and Sting, and it all happened in a period of a few weeks. My intention all along was to re-sign with Vince.”
On leaving WWE: “I can be stubborn, I guess if you want to use that word, [but] I was always confident. I was like ‘You know what? We went in a different direction, but I want to work my way back into contention and possibly [get back] up to the top of the card again and possibly be World Champion in WWE.’ I wasn’t leaving WWE because I thought my career was over there at the time. I just thought that the opportunity of getting back with Stinger [was too good to pass up], and I always kind of felt at home more with WCW at the time. And they were having a brand new fresh show. I thought that might be a nice opportunity.”
Lex Luger’s Decision to Leave WWE for WCW: A Reflection
During the Monday Night Wars, a time when World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) were engaged in a fierce battle for wrestling supremacy, many notable names made the switch from one promotion to another. One such name was Lex Luger, whose decision to leave WWE and join WCW had a significant impact on his career.
In a recent episode of his podcast, “Lex Expressed,” Luger took the time to reflect on his decision to leave WWE and return to WCW. He discussed his intentions, the opportunities that presented themselves, and the factors that influenced his choice.
Luger began by sharing that his initial plan was to re-sign with WWE. He believed that there was still a chance for him to win the championship and work his way back to the top of the card. However, a last-minute opportunity arose when WCW decided to launch their own Monday night show, Nitro. Luger met with WCW executives Eric Bischoff and Sting, and within a few weeks, he made the decision to switch promotions.
The wrestler admitted that he can be stubborn, but he was always confident in his abilities. Leaving WWE was not a sign that he thought his career was over there; rather, it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Luger felt more at home with WCW and believed that the fresh start offered by Nitro could be a nice opportunity for him.
The Monday Night Wars were a pivotal time in professional wrestling history, with both WWE and WCW striving to outdo each other in terms of ratings and fan support. Luger’s move from one promotion to another added fuel to the fire and intensified the competition between the two companies.
Luger’s return to WCW on the debut episode of Nitro was a memorable moment for fans. It marked a significant shift in his career and set the stage for new storylines and rivalries. The decision to leave WWE and join WCW not only impacted Luger’s trajectory but also contributed to the ongoing battle between the two wrestling giants.
Looking back, Luger’s choice to switch promotions was a pivotal moment in his career. It showcased his willingness to take risks and explore new opportunities. While his time in WCW had its highs and lows, it undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry.
In conclusion, Lex Luger’s decision to leave WWE for WCW during the Monday Night Wars was a significant turning point in his career. His intentions to re-sign with WWE were overshadowed by the last-minute opportunity presented by WCW’s Nitro. Luger’s move not only added to the fierce competition between the two promotions but also provided him with a fresh start and new possibilities. Ultimately, his decision shaped his wrestling journey and left a lasting impact on the industry.