July 22, 2025 – Marcus “Buff” Bagwell—iconic WCW star and five-time World Tag Team Champion—has undergone a right leg amputation above the knee. After a long, grueling recovery from a 2020 car crash, his damaged leg became unsustainable, leading to this life-altering decision.
The Crash That Shattered a Career
In August 2020, Bagwell crashed his vehicle in Cobb County, Georgia, suffering a shattered kneecap, broken ribs, and extensive trauma to his right leg. Over the next five years, he underwent nearly 40 surgeries, fighting both injury and addiction in pursuit of healing.
The Final Decision
Despite undergoing surgery after surgery—and battling deep addiction that began during his recovery—Bagwell ultimately had to confront the reality that his leg would never regain function. On July 17, 2025, surgeons removed his right leg above the knee in a prolonged procedure.
Sobriety, Support & Optimism
Buff has been sober since August 2022, crediting his strength and faith to that journey. Joined by his fiancée Stacy Brown and longtime friends, including fellow wrestler Steve Stasiak, Bagwell faced the operation with acceptance. His post-surgery message: “If they can run, I’m gonna be able to run, and I’m gonna run better. I want to get back in the ring, hit the ropes, have a match.”
A Legend in Transition
Buff Bagwell made his mark in WCW’s late-’90s run—memorable for his swagger and tag-team dominance. He briefly featured in WWE during the infamous Invasion era, then resurfaced on the indies and in TNA. Known for his mirror-toting persona and bold flair, Bagwell now faces a vastly different kind of challenge.
Final Take
Buff Bagwell has endured more than most in modern wrestling—losing not only his physical ability but years of health and stability. Yet here he stands: sober, clarified, and reborn with purpose. His aim to inspire through resilience and courage is perfectly wrestling—raw, emotional, unforgettable. And for a man who once declared, “What a perfect gimmick,” perhaps this next chapter is the greatest one yet.
