WCW Nitro Debut Wrestlers: Where Are They Now?

Lex Luger shocked the world on Nitro's debut episode. Having informed Sting of his desire to leave WWE in August 1995, Luger got a call from Eric Bischoff. He made the decision to jump ship just a few weeks later, and having wrestled for WWE the night before, Luger made his presence felt in the evening's Hulk Hogan vs. Big Bubba Rogers main event.

First appearing in the crowd during the Ric Flair vs. Sting match, Luger got his hands dirty by saving Hogan from the Dungeon of Doom, then challenging him to a title match. It was one of the most shocking debuts in wrestling history, and not a single person within WWE knew he was leaving. Luger's move signalled that none of WWE's expiring contracts were out of WCW's reach, and that Ted Turner and Eric Bischoff were more than willing to get their hands dirty in the fight for wrestling supremacy.

Luger was never the best wrestler, but he was a genuine superstar. He stayed with WCW until Vince McMahon purchased the company in March 2001, but left in the aftermath. The following years saw Luger make appearances on the European independent circuit and in TNA, but his personal life took several unfortunate turns shortly after.

Lex was plagued with legal issues following WCW's demise, and he suffered a severe spinal injury in October 2007. Left in a quadriplegic state for several months, it took Luger a year before he was able to stand on his own accord again. This time period saw Luger lose all of his trademark muscle mass, but it's not all doom and gloom. By 2010, Luger was able to walk comfortably and drive without assistance, and he started working with WWE on their Wellness Policy in 2011.