Marcus “Buff” Bagwell, known for his time in WCW and as a five-time champion, faced a drastic life change after a devastating car accident.
Quick Facts:
- Bagwell suffered a severe knee injury in a car crash in 2020.
- He couldn’t bend his injured knee for five long years.
- Despite considering amputation early on, efforts were made to salvage the leg.
In 2020, the 55-year-old wrestled with the fallout of a car accident in Atlanta, where his vehicle crashed into a bathroom and left his kneecap severely damaged. Admission of under-the-influence driving contributed to the dark time, but ultimately, what plagued him more than anything was the inability of his leg to heal, leading to constant stiffness.
“I had to transform my mindset. I’ve come to feel a sense of joy now that the source of my pain is gone,” Bagwell explained in an exclusive chat with PEOPLE. “For so long, I was embarrassed and ashamed by my injury.”
Following the accident, multiple surgeries didn’t yield the results Bagwell was hoping for. Despite undergoing over 40 procedures — 21 of which were crammed into one rough seven-week stretch — he was left with a leg that just wouldn’t bend. “You start focusing on something you’ve never dealt with before. Amputation was barely an option, though we seriously considered it. We kept thinking of ways to fix it instead,” he recounted.
After deciding to recover from struggles with alcohol and drugs, the battle continued as new infections set in after other operations. Finally, the severity of the situation made him consider a surgery that was gradually getting closer: an above-the-knee amputation. This pasture replaced all the complicated medical jargon and constant career disruptions.
On July 10, he underwent a five-hour surgery. Upon waking up, he recalled not recognizing the new reality staring at him and was left in shock. For a brief moment, panic set in, but within seconds he realized this was the pivot he needed. “In those ten seconds of disbelief, I ultimately felt solid with my choice to go ahead with the amputation. I just knew,” he shared.
Excited about what’s next, he plans to get a prosthetic leg soon. Bagwell described how he felt an immense sense of relief. “Losing that leg seemed terrible initially, but now I feel like I’ve gained a leg back. Having the prosthetic means I’ll finally be able to exercise and live again.” This newfound feeling of freedom awaited him after grappling with unhappiness for years.
Bagwell recalled the struggle of living with an immovable leg, which had caused him not only psychological distress but impacted his daily life. Driven by hope, the jovial wrestling star is plotting a comeback both in fitness and in the wrestling arena, aiming for a place in the WWE Hall of Fame one day.
Stay tuned for Buff Bagwell’s journey ahead. For the full original piece, visit People.
