Lex Luger Was Paid Half of What He Expected for WWE SummerSlam 1993

Lex Luger, known for his remarkable physique and charismatic presence, has earned a lasting place in the hearts of fans throughout his distinguished career. However, it appears he was paid half of what he expected for SummerSlam 1993.

Lex Luger was the top babyface for WWE going into the 1993 SummerSlam event. After his memorable moment slamming Yokozuna on the USS Intrepid on the Fourth of July, Luger embraced a patriotic persona, trading his previous narcissistic image for a “Made in the USA” theme and wearing American flag-themed gear until he left WWE in 1995.

SummerSlam 1993 marked the peak of Luger’s babyface run. He faced Yokozuna for the WWE Championship and won by countout, which meant he did not become the WWE Champion despite the celebratory atmosphere in the ring. Luger’s summer had a lackluster ending after extensive promotion with the “Lex Express” tour across America.

While speaking on his Lex Expressed podcast, Luger talked about his pay for SummerSlam 1993, noting that he was disappointed with his earnings. He had hoped for a six-figure sum, expecting at least $100,000, but was only paid around $50,000. Luger acknowledged that he was relatively new to the company at the time and didn’t expect WrestleMania-level pay. While not completely dissatisfied, he had hoped for a higher amount given his significant summer tour and absence of pay during that period.

“Back then, I was newer to the company. I didn’t expect, like, a WrestleMania [payday], because that was the really big one. Now, SummerSlam is like number a strong number two,” he said. “So I expected a decent payoff. I wasn’t disappointed, but I thought maybe, with not getting paid all summer, it would have been a little more than that. I got, like, $50,000 or something, if I had to guess, right around there, I think. I was hoping for like $100,000. I was hoping, because I didn’t get paid all summer, I was hoping for like $100,000 at the time or something, but I got like $50,000. I think I had been hoping for a little bit more.”

Luger also mentioned that he didn’t receive any pay throughout the summer because he wasn’t actively wrestling due to his promotional tour on the bus. He explained that he had zero earnings during that period, as his contract wasn’t guaranteed like those in WCW. He noted that in those days, if you didn’t work, you didn’t get paid. However, he did appreciate that WWE covered his hotel expenses.

“I didn’t get paid all summer. I got zero,” he said. “I wasn’t working. You know how it was back then. I didn’t have a guaranteed contract like WCW. My contract wasn’t guaranteed. No play, no pay. At least they paid for my hotel.”

Lex Luger also remains optimistic about a WWE Hall of Fame induction. Regardless, Luger will always be remembered for his contributions to the business and that’s all that matters.

What do you think of what Lex Luger had to say about his disparity in pay? Do you believe he deserved more? Sound off in the comments section below!