In 1997, Lex Luger made a significant impact in WCW by pinning Hulk Hogan to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, delivering one of the first major setbacks to Hogan’s NWO dominance. During an episode of "Lex Expressed," Luger shared that Hogan personally chose him to be the next world champion, despite the brief duration of his title reign.
Luger recalled, "I couldn’t find it until I was about to enter the ring. They asked Hulk, ‘Who do you want to do this with?’ and he said, ‘100% want to do it with Lex.’ That was a huge vote of confidence from one of the biggest stars in the business. It was an incredible feeling to return and reach that level again."
Although Luger beat Hogan, his championship reign lasted only five days before Hogan reclaimed the title at WCW Road Wild 1997. Luger explained the short reign was designed to keep fans hopeful about the world title scene, as Hogan had held the title for nearly a year as a villain. This brief run was Luger’s second and last time holding a major world wrestling championship.
Luger also revealed that despite the short reign, Eric Bischoff was ready to increase his salary. After leaving WWF in 1995, Luger’s initial WCW contract was meant to test the waters, but after the title win against Hogan, Bischoff decided to reward him with a raise. Luger continued to work with WCW until 2001.
If using quotes from this article, please credit "Lex Expressed" with AH/T to Wrestling Inc.
Fan Take: This moment is pivotal for WWE fans because it spotlights a rare instance when Hulk Hogan himself chose his successor, adding depth to wrestling history and wrestler legacies. It reminds fans that even brief title runs can significantly influence the sport’s storytelling and wrestler careers, keeping the championship scene unpredictable and exciting.
