Marcus “Buff” Bagwell, the former World Championship Wrestling (WCW) star, is candidly sharing his decision to undergo a right leg amputation after five years of physical and emotional challenges.
The 42-year-old wrestler, known for his time in the ring, discussed his decision in a heartfelt YouTube video shared on Friday, July 19, revealing the difficulties he faced after a 2020 car crash that severely injured his knee.
The Road to Amputation
Bagwell’s decision to amputate his leg came after he suffered a severe infection following another procedure on his knee. He was presented with two options: a 20% chance of saving the leg through multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and the insertion of a steel rod, or opting for amputation.
After years of struggle, including depression and addiction, Bagwell chose amputation, hoping it would offer him a “new chance at life.”
In the video, Bagwell sat beside his fiancée, Stacy Brown, as he explained his feelings leading up to the surgery. “When I look down and see that I’m getting ready to amputate my leg, no more do I start getting depressed about it even for a second,” Bagwell said, adding that he felt a sense of joy and relief due to the long journey of suffering he had endured.
A Five-Year Struggle
Bagwell’s struggles began after his 2020 car accident, which caused his vehicle to crash into a shopping mall and collapse a brick wall. He recalled that the incident could have resulted in his death or imprisonment, yet he managed to survive.
Over the next few years, Bagwell underwent more than 20 procedures as he fought to save his leg. During this time, he battled addiction, particularly alcohol, and said he isolated himself, even continuing to work while using a walker to get around.
“My leg wasn’t healing, and so I just was super depressed, and I did everything you hear. I isolated,” he recalled. Despite his best efforts, Bagwell couldn’t find a solution to his leg injury and felt anger and frustration with his situation. He decided to break free from his addiction and get sober, entering rehab in August 2022.
Three Years of Sobriety
Bagwell celebrated a significant milestone in his life: three years of sobriety. Reflecting on his journey, he said that sobriety, his relationship with Stacy, and his faith had brought him the happiest years of his life. “I’ve been able to put together three of the best years of my life by putting in this order: God, Stacy, and myself,” he said.
Plans for the Future and a Potential Return to Wrestling
Bagwell’s career as a wrestler might not be over. Despite the amputation, Bagwell expressed his desire to return to the ring. “I’m going to be able to run and I’m going to be able to run better,” he said in the video.
He emphasized that his goal is to get back in the ring, hit the ropes, and showcase his comeback from the dark moments of his life. “It’ll show some that I’ve come out of the darkness with this thing, and I’ve turned it around all the way to being back in the ring as Buff Bagwell.”
Fellow wrestler Maven Huffman documented Bagwell’s experience in the hospital before and after the amputation, sharing it with fans to offer insight into the difficult process.
Looking Ahead
As Bagwell prepares to move forward with his prosthetic leg, he is hopeful for the future. He spoke about the prospect of being in the best shape in 20 years and shared how the procedure would give him the freedom to do everyday activities, like eating at restaurants or attending church without the burden of his previous injury.
“It’s hard to take away five years of torture and to know that that torture is going to be cut off,” Bagwell said, but added that he was excited about his future with a prosthetic. “I think it’s going to be a wonderful thing.”
