Lex Luger Reflects On Comparisons To Hulk Hogan After WWE Departure

Lex Luger has addressed whether he believed he could have taken Hulk Hogan’s place as WWE’s top star following Hogan’s 1993 departure.

Speaking on his podcast, Lex Expressed, Lex Luger discussed the frequent comparisons drawn between himself and Hogan and whether he felt any pressure to fill the massive void left by one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.

“People mentioned that all the time, but there will only ever be, in my mind then and now, one Hulk Hogan,” Luger said. “I never felt in competition, or wanted to emulate or follow in his footsteps, or be the next Hulk Hogan, because I always felt there would never be another Hulk Hogan. I just wanted to be the best Lex Luger I could be with my character, so I never felt any pressure. A lot of the fans mentioned that, but my thought process never went there at all.”

Following Hogan’s departure, WWE appeared keen to position Luger as their next top babyface. He was quickly given a patriotic makeover, donning red, white, and blue gear as part of a new all-American hero persona.

Despite the company’s efforts to mould Luger into a mainstream star, he never fully reached the heights Hogan had achieved. While he enjoyed significant popularity during his time in WWE, he could not replicate Hogan’s cultural impact.

Which WWE Hall Of Famer Did Lex Luger Say Gave Him His Iconic Nickname?

Lex Luger recalled how the legendary Dusty Rhodes coined his iconic “The Total Package” nickname. Luger said that Dusty wanted Luger to embody the persona of “the total package” and be the “brains, brawn, and the beauty” of wrestling. Luger also said that Rhodes was responsible for giving him his Torture Rack finishing move.

H/t to ITRWrestling.com