The Total Package debuted on the very first episode of WCW Nitro and remained an integral part of the show all the way until 2001, when the company closed its door. Always featured heavily in high-profile feuds and storylines, Luger was a premier talent for WCW, even if effort and ability was often called into question. Especially late in his career with the promotion. A performer with a million dollar body and some unrivaled intensity during his babyface comebacks, especially when he was at his most motivated, Luger was key to WCW's battles with the New World Order throughout 1996 and '97. During his first three years back with the company, Luger was consistently in the hunt for the WCW heavyweight title. Whether the big gold belt was held by The Giant, Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair, Luger constantly proved to be a thorn in their sides. More importantly than his spot at the top of the card was his involvement in the saga of Sting, which stretched one full year and would culminate in the monumental Starrcade 1997 main event. It was Luger who doubted Sting's loyalty to WCW and it was those doubts, that lack of trust that led to the Stinger walking out on WCW and ascending to the rafters, where he would sulk for well over a year. During that time, Luger would carry the mantle for WCW. He would feud with Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Hulk Hogan, ending "Hollywood's" year-long title reign in August 1997 on a memorable episode of Nitro. Luger would lose the title back to Hogan five days later but it did not diminish what was one of the most important moments in the history of the show. As he grew older, his character descended into uncontrollable douchebaggery as he became more and more obsessed with his physique. At one point, he even dropped the Lex Luger name and became known simply as "The Total Package." By the time he began partnering with Buff Bagwell, fans could not wait to see someone put an end to Luger's time on television. At WCW Greed in March 2001, fans got what they wanted when Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo defeated the team of Totally Buffed in under one minute. It was a fitting conclusion to Luger's run on WCW Nitro, which started off hot but limped to a conclusion.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
