Wrestling icon Marcus “Buff” Bagwell has made the difficult decision to have a sub-knee amputation on his right leg following years of chronic pain and medical challenges that started with a severe car accident in 2020. After a catastrophic crash that destroyed his knee and over 30 surgeries failed to save his leg, Bagwell struggled with substance abuse and physical limitations but ultimately chose amputation as a path to regain his life.
Bagwell’s accident occurred in August 2020 when he lost control of his car and smashed into a $300,000 brick building in Marietta, Georgia. He was under the influence at the time, and the crash left his right patella severely damaged, making knee replacement surgery impossible. Despite numerous surgeries aimed at salvaging his leg, chronic pain and open wounds persisted. In 2022, doctors warned he had a 75% chance of losing the leg and that further surgery carried only a 20% chance of preserving a functional limb.
The prolonged battle took a toll on Bagwell’s mental health, leading to struggles with alcohol and prescription drugs. Assistance became necessary for basic tasks, and the once-athletic wrestling star felt trapped in his body. The turning point came when his partner Stacy showed him a video of an amputee living an active life, inspiring Bagwell to embrace amputation to break free from ongoing suffering.
His amputation surgery lasted five hours due to complications, but Bagwell remained resilient. He described the phantom sensations common to amputees but quickly focused on recovery. Remarkably, the five-time tag team champion has not ruled out returning to the wrestling ring with a prosthetic leg, motivated by other amputee athletes who have regained full mobility.
Now 54, Bagwell is using his experience as a platform to inspire others facing hardship, emphasizing that a fulfilling life is possible after amputation. His story, documented by Maven Huffman, highlights both the risks of substance abuse and the strength of human resilience.
For Bagwell, the amputation symbolizes a new beginning, a release from years of pain, and the start of his next chapter.
Fan Take: Marcus Bagwell’s journey is a powerful reminder for WWE fans that resilience and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles. His potential return to wrestling with a prosthetic could inspire new standards of perseverance and innovation in the sport, showing that physical setbacks don’t have to end a career in wrestling.
