WCW Veteran Marcus “Buff” Bagwell has undergone an above-the-knee leg amputation following a grueling five-year battle to save his leg. In a heartfelt video alongside his fiancée Stacy Brown, Bagwell gave fans an unfiltered and emotional account of the journey that led to this life-changing decision. In August 2020, Bagwell was involved in a serious car crash. He had just undergone surgery on his foot and knee, and had been drinking earlier in the evening. While driving home with a Diet Coke in hand, Bagwell lost control of his vehicle in a dissociative haze. His SUV ultimately crashed into a brick structure containing a men’s and women’s bathroom behind Cumberland Mall in Georgia. “I drove through a men’s and women’s bathroom… and nobody got hurt. Nobody died. It was a miracle,” he recalled.
But Bagwell’s right knee was severely damaged. The wreck obliterated his patellar tendon – something he describes as far more vital than most people realize. In the wake of the accident, Bagwell underwent 39 surgeries, including a rare “flap surgery” that involved transferring calf muscle to the knee. The procedure failed to restore his leg’s function and triggered a series of complications, including staph infections and repeated hospitalizations – at one point, a harrowing seven-week stay during which he endured surgery every third day.
The physical trauma spiraled into emotional collapse. Bagwell turned to alcohol to cope, at one point hiding small liquor bottles in his pockets to maintain a constant buzz. He describes it as the deepest addiction he’s ever faced. “I kept falling. My leg wasn’t healing. I isolated. I was walking around with bottles in my pocket. It was the worst,” Bagwell admitted.
In August 2022, with support from fellow wrestler Diamond Dallas Page, Bagwell checked himself into rehab. He has been sober ever since, approaching three years of sobriety this coming August.
“I thought I couldn’t do it. But I did,” he said. “I’ve put together three of the best years of my life… by putting in this order: God, Stacy, and myself.”
While sobriety brought personal healing, the leg never recovered. A recent infection from yet another surgery pushed Bagwell to finally consider amputation. Doctors offered a 20% chance of saving the leg – if he agreed to multiple high-risk surgeries and lifelong physical therapy. The alternative: amputation and the chance at a full, functional life with a prosthetic.
“I tried everything. I can look down at my leg and say, ‘Hey buddy, I tried,’” he said.
Bagwell shared that everyday tasks – like putting on socks, attending events, or simply sitting comfortably at a restaurant – became nearly impossible. His fiancée Stacy often had to help him with shoes or other basic needs.
“People didn’t understand why I limped or looked off balance. I’ve had to explain it over and over. Now the story is simple: I tried to save it. I couldn’t.”
Despite the magnitude of the surgery, Bagwell sees this as a second chance at life.
“I believe I’ll be in the best shape I’ve been in 20 years. I’ll be able to do cardio. I’ll be able to walk into a gym without help. This is going to give me a better quality of life.”
As he faced surgery just 12 hours away at the time of recording, Bagwell expressed gratitude to those who’ve stood by him and the new life he hopes to build – free from addiction, pain, and immobility.
“This is the biggest thing I’ve ever faced, but I’m ready. It’s time.”
Former WWE Superstar Maven met Bagwell and documented the whole journey. The operation, originally expected to take 90 minutes, ran over 5 hours due to complications. But when Maven and crew returned, Buff was there – awake, alert, and reflective.
“There were 10 seconds when I first looked, and it was like, ‘Whoa man.’ But it went to the next chapter. I was good.”
Bagwell described the surreal experience of phantom pain. “I can feel my ankle right now. It’s not there, but I can feel it like it is.” And what about the leg? “They showed me a picture,” he laughed. “It looks like the lamp from A Christmas Story.”
But this isn’t a story about what’s been lost. It’s about what’s next. “I think this is happening because God is leading the way to all of this,” Bagwell said. “You think I was put here just to be Buff Bagwell on TV? What if this is the real reason? If they can run with a prosthetic, I’m going to run. I want to get back in the ring, hit the ropes, have a match. I’ve come out of the darkness. Buff Bagwell is WCW Rookie of the Year, 5-time World Tag Team Champion with four different partners. Soon-to-be Hall of Famer. Let’s see who Buff Bagwell really is.”
Ric Flair tweeted the following about Buff:
“After Seeing What Happened With My Good Friend Buff Bagwell’s Leg Amputation, It Makes Every Health Issue I Have Complained About Minor In Comparison To The Loss Of A Limb For Such An Active Young Man. A Good Friend And Great Talent In The Business! Get Well Soon My Friend! Godspeed!”
After Seeing What Happened With My Good Friend Buff Bagwell’s Leg Amputation, It Makes Every Health Issue I Have Complained About Minor In Comparison To The Loss Of A Limb For Such An Active Young Man. A Good Friend And Great Talent In The Business! Get Well Soon My Friend!… pic.twitter.com/67VR1f6Suy
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 19, 2025
Flair got heat from fans on social media, as many called him out for making Buff’s health situation about himself. Flair was diagnosed with skin cancer for the second time recently.
Also Read: Ric Flair Accused of Pooping Himself at Tampa Bars
