Marcus “Buff” Bagwell, a former star of World Championship Wrestling (WCW), has undergone an above-the-knee leg amputation following years of struggles stemming from a severe car accident in 2020. The announcement was made on Friday by Steve Stasiak from Book Pro Wrestlers, confirming that the surgery took place on Thursday morning.
Bagwell’s journey began after the devastating accident that led to over 30 surgeries, multiple infections, and various complications in an attempt to save his injured limb. Stasiak released a statement noting, “After doing everything he could to avoid this outcome—through surgeries, infections, and a long, exhausting recovery—his fight has now taken a deeply challenging turn.”
Despite the gravity of his situation, Bagwell has approached his challenges with a positive mindset. He has openly discussed his experience on his YouTube channel, revealing that the ordeal not only impacted his physical health but also led him down a path of addiction and depression. However, he found strength and ultimately achieved sobriety in 2022, which speaks to his resilience and determination during this tumultuous time.
Buff Bagwell, widely recognized for his charismatic persona and athletic prowess during the late 1990s wrestling boom, made a mark in the industry, particularly as a multi-time World Tag Team Champion and a notable member of the New World Order (nWo) faction in WCW. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges many face and the hope of recovery and personal growth that can emerge from adversity.
This allows fans and supporters to rally around Bagwell during his recovery and celebrate his legacy in professional wrestling while offering encouragement as he navigates this new chapter of his life.