10 Stupidest Reasons WWE Wrestlers Turned Babyface

6. Lex Luger (Phoney Patriotism)

Lex Luger SummerSlam
WWE.com

Lex Luger is the prototypical example of a forced turn.

In 1993, he abandoned his 'Narcissist' gimmick in favour of becoming a Hulk Hogan 'American Hero' rip off who feuded with that nasty Japanese heel Yokozuna. In the WWF of '93, the pride of 'Old Glory' had to be defended against any and all threats, and that's why big sexy Lexy went babyface.

The xenophobia and phoney patriotism was sickeningly see-through. Vince McMahon expected fans to forget that Luger had been cast as an arrogant, self-obsessed bodybuilder who didn't have time for their sh*t. Now, overnight, he was the saviour of everything North American and determined to kiss babies, shake hands and embark on the world's most boring bus tour.

Lex's sudden about face made little sense, and it failed to turn him into the next coming of Hogan. The same guy who had sneered at the people was by no means the best choice to become their hero, and everybody knew it. Eventually, McMahon did too.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.