Wrestling Icon Buff Bagwell Undergoes Leg Amputation: “This Is My Comeback”

Marcus “Buff” Bagwell, a former WCW and WWE superstar, has undergone a below-the-knee amputation of his right leg, marking the end of a harrowing five-year medical battle — and the beginning of what he calls his “next chapter.”

The decision, though life-changing, was one Bagwell made willingly after years of pain, addiction, and over 30 failed surgeries stemming from a 2020 car crash. The operation was documented by fellow wrestling veteran Maven Huffman, who has closely followed Bagwell’s journey.

The 2020 Crash That Changed Everything

Bagwell’s downward spiral began in August 2020, when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a $300,000 brick building near Cumberland Mall in Marietta, Georgia. He admitted to blacking out behind the wheel after mixing alcohol and Xanax.

The impact shattered his right kneecap, making standard knee reconstruction impossible. “It exploded on impact,” Bagwell recalled. What followed was a marathon of failed surgeries, infections, open wounds, and pain that derailed his mobility and quality of life.

Five Years, 30+ Surgeries, and a Breaking Point

More than 30 operations later — including 21 within the first year — doctors told Bagwell in 2022 that his leg was unlikely to be saved. His options were limited to complex surgeries with only a 20% chance of regaining any function — and no guarantee of mobility.

Unable to walk or even put on his shoe without help, Bagwell sank into a deep cycle of substance abuse. “I was drinking and staying messed up every day,” he said. “It was all just too much.”

The Turning Point

Salvation came in the form of support — from his partner Stacy and inspiring videos of amputees living full lives. Realizing that amputation could free him from physical and emotional pain, Bagwell made the decision to move forward.

“I saw this as the only real path forward,” he said.

The Surgery and Road to Recovery

The amputation, initially expected to last two hours, stretched to over five due to complications. Though anxious, Bagwell came through with optimism, even sharing that he could still feel phantom sensations of his missing ankle and calf.

“I’ve got little pain… but mentally, I’m ready,” he said.

A Return to Wrestling?

Despite the loss of his leg, the 54-year-old has not ruled out a return to the wrestling ring — this time with a prosthetic. Drawing inspiration from other athletes with limb loss, Bagwell hopes to defy expectations once again.

“I want people to see that you can still live an incredible life — with or without a leg,” he said.

A Mission to Inspire

More than just a comeback story, Bagwell’s journey has become a mission. From the glitz of WCW’s tag team championships to rock bottom and now recovery, he’s using his experience to spread a message of hope and resilience.

“I want this story to help people. If you’re struggling, know that you can fight back,” he said. “This isn’t the end — it’s my new beginning.”