In 2007, Lex Luger suffered a spinal infarction, leading to temporary quadriplegia and the need for a wheelchair

. While the precise cause was initially unclear, doctors found severe swelling in his spinal cord

. Details of the events leading up to his paralysis:

• Luger was in San Francisco for a convention in October 2007 when he felt a sharp pain between his shoulder blades

• He checked into his hotel but woke up before dawn with intense pain in his lower neck and shoulder blade area

• Unable to reach the phone, he fell off the bed while trying to get to it

• Doctors later discovered massive spinal cord swelling

Luger has since regained some mobility and can stand and walk short distances

. He considers his condition a "blessing in disguise," allowing him to focus on spiritual growth