I have a great relationship with the WWE now - Lex Luger

Lex Luger

Former WWE superstar Lex Luger talks about his new book, his relationship with Vince McMahon, his WCW days, Sting and more in this latest interview.

On the release of his book: “So far, so good.” He had help writing the book and says that getting the right people to help him write the biography was why the release was pushed back a few times. He jokes that the delays were entirely on him but is thrilled to have it out now.

On Sting: “Still are best of friends…we talk all the time.” Luger says he was honoured to speak for Sting during his TNA Hall of Fame induction and maintains a close friendship with Steve Borden to this very day. Sting also wrote the foreword to Luger’s autobiography which some say is worth the price of the book in and of itself as it is so well done.

On contacting WWE regarding possible use of pictures for the book: “I have a great relationship with them now,” Luger said. He added that he could have gotten pictures from them for his book if he had asked, but the publishers opted to have personal pictures used instead. He feels it was the right move as the personal pictures make it a more personal feel rather than a career retrospective.

His relationship with Vince McMahon: “I know he wants to come off as “Bad Boy Billionaire” but he’s not,” said Luger. Luger elaborates saying that when he was down and out after wrestling with all the problems he faced, Vince always went out of his way to check in on him and offer help. He feels not enough people realize that Vince is a genuinely good person on top of business man. But, he says that is probably by Vince’s own design.

Comparing the WWF from the NWA/WCW he previously knew: “Vince is a creative genius,” says Luger. He puts over the great things he did in the NWA like being a member of the Horsemen but he loved the Narcissist character and felt it could have gone further. When he was approached about the “Yankee Doodle Dandy” patriotic gimmick later dubbed the “American Rebel” by Stan Lane on commentary, Luger says he remembers speaking to Vince about it and not being sure if it would work. Vince said, “When you step off that boat, you’re going to be a red, white, and blue hero.” He says he was right and it was an amazing run.

On jumping to WCW for the first Nitro: “It was huge! To have worked a WWF house show the night before and the following night be on Nitro?” says Luger.

On beating Hollywood Hulk Hogan for the WCW Title: “I didn’t know until I got to the ring!”, Luger says. Luger says that Hogan felt the WCW fans needed a positive as the nWo had been getting the better of them for so long. He was honoured that he felt strongly enough to choose him to be the guy to capture the belt. “It was only a week, but it was huge!” He then jokes about the after match celebration and the Giant (Big Show) carrying him around like a little baby. They then joke about how long it took to scrub off the nWo paint.

His brief return to the ring in 2003 with TNA: “I was a mess back then,” Luger said. On the appearances (a tag match with Jarrett against Sting and AJ and an attack on AJ where he slammed him over the top through a table weeks later), Luger said he remembers that AJ Styles was an absolutely incredible athlete and an incredible guy as well. He says he’s glad to see TNA has a strong foundation but obviously is not yet in any position to compete with the WWE.