WWE legend looks unrecognisable 15 years after retiring and losing hulking body in dramatic transformation
NOT MANY athletes are able to keep their stunning physiques forever – but WWE’s former ‘Narcissist’ barely looks recognisable now.
Lex Luger was one of the biggest names in the wrestling business during the 1990s and early 00s.
The now 63-year-old was a major high school and college football star prior to embarking on his legendary in-ring career.
After making the breakthrough and becoming a heavyweight champion in WCW, he moved to rival WWE in 1993.
Vince McMahon instantly made him a huge heel as he posed in a mirror pre-match to admire his bulking body.
The powerhouse was then transformed into an All-American persona following the departure of Hulk Hogan from the company but his time there ended in 1995.
READ MORE ON WWE
Luger made a shock return to WCW Nitro to kickstart the Monday Night Wars as he continued to get bigger and bigger physically.
However, things started to take a turn for the worse following his retirement from wrestling full-time.
Back in April 2003 he was charged with battery after a domestic dispute left his girlfriend Elizabeth Hulette with facial injuries.
He was arrested two days later for driving under the influence after police found him with slurred speech and bloodshot eyes while his licence was still suspended.
Most read in Sport
A month afterwards there was further heartache when Hulette died in the house that she shared with the former Four Horseman Member.
The ex-bodybuilder was charged with drug possession when cops found illicit substances including steroids and pain meds at the house.
He pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 while Hulette’s death was ruled accidental.
Things began to spiral for Luger both in his life and physically when his wrestling career ended in 2007.
He was left paralysed after suffering a nerve impingement in his neck but bravely regained mobility with the use of a walking cane.
Show any 90s wrestling fan an image of Luger from his heyday and they will instantly be able to recognise him.
But after admitting to popping plenty of pills and drugs throughout his years at the top, not many could point him out these days.
Speaking to ESPN in 2007, he said: “If you snort it, spray it, shoot it, inject it, I did it, buddy. Or I was around it. That was my life.
Read More on The Sun
“Alcohol? I abused it all, buddy. I took a lot of pills. I was a pill popper.”
Now the born-again Christian speaks openly about his demons to help others and has returned to WWE to help with their wellness programme.