As the likes of Rey Mysterio and The Great Muta are announced for the 2023 WWE Hall of Fame, one name remains decidedly absent.
Lex Luger has yet to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and is one of the biggest names not to go in. His career is one of the best of all time, and Luger was a big player during the Attitude Era.
In this article, we’ll look at why Lex Luger isn’t in the WWE Hall of Fame, why he is confined to a wheelchair and what he would do if he was inducted.
Why Isn’t Lex Luger In The WWE Hall Of Fame?
When I say his legacy will not be forgotten – that is not strictly true.
By the WWE at least, it has been entirely forgotten, or ignored to say more accurately. The company have completely disregarded his impact for both WWE and WCW, regularly not inviting him to legends nice and various other televised events.
With his multiple WCW Championships and Royal Rumble win in WWE, Lex Luger should be a shoo-in for the WWE Hall of Fame. Sadly, WWE want nothing to do with him.
There have been theories as to why. Some claim that it is due to his part in Miss Elizabeth’s death, although WWE have never taken a stand on that before. While he was there whilst she OD’d he did not kill her. Unlike WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka, and his girlfriend.
Instead, the most prevalent rumour is a sad one. Due to Lex Luger being confined to a wheelchair, it has been said that Vince McMahon does not want to induct him.
It’s a horrible reason, but one that is entirely believable. You can see Vince’s logic – he wants to present his superstars as heroes to the fans, and seeing them run down and lacking in mobility would not be a good look.
Its not a good reason at all. He didn’t suffer an injury to paralyse him in the WWE ring, and you couldn’t blame WWE or Vince at all for not inducting him.
Of course Lex Luger should be in the WWE Hall of Fame, wheelchair and all. His career speaks for himself and he was hugely important in the history of wrestling. He fired the first shot in the Monday Night Ward, defecting from WWE to WCW on the very first WCW Monday Nitro.
That itself is WWE Hall of Fame worthy.
Lex Luger Would Walk On Stage At Hall Of Fame
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Luger revealed that despite his spinal cord injury, he is in excellent physical condition. He can still drive and would love to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, claiming he is in “phenomenal health”.
He even revealed that he would attempt to walk on stage if he were to be inducted, which would be one of the all-time great moments in WWE Hall of Fame history.
“It’s mind-boggling. I’m in phenomenal health,” Luger declared. “Other than my mobility issues from my spinal cord issue, I’m very healthy, and that’s a miracle of God after what I put my body through. I usually use a wheelchair or a walker, but I can walk some.
“I might pop out of the chair for that. I would take that chance, if that moment comes. That honor would be the cherry on top of my career.”
Why Is Lex Luger In A Wheelchair?
Lex Luger is in a wheelchair because he suffered a severe spinal stroke, paralyzing him and putting him in a chair for life.
In 2007, Luger suffered a severe spinal stroke that left him paralyzed from the neck down. The stroke occurred while he was on the road, promoting a book about his life and career.
The stroke was a result of years of physical trauma and substance abuse. Luger was known for his intense workout regimen and often pushed himself to the limit during matches.
He also struggled with addiction to steroids and painkillers, which took a toll on his body. These factors, along with a genetic predisposition to heart disease, put him at high risk for a stroke.
After the stroke, Luger spent months in rehabilitation, working to regain some function in his arms and legs.
While he is still confined to a wheelchair, he has made progress in his recovery and has become an advocate for spinal cord injury research. Despite the challenges he has faced, Luger remains positive and determined to make the most of his life.
