Wrestling Star Buff Bagwell Amputates Leg After 5-Year Battle

• Marcus “Buff” Bagwell had his right leg amputated due to complications from a 2020 car accident.
• The decision followed five years of surgeries, chronic pain, and mobility struggles.
• Bagwell described the surgery as a necessary step toward regaining freedom and comfort
• Wrestling legends and fans have rallied around him, showing strong emotional and financial support.
• Recovery and prosthetic fitting are planned, and Bagwell is optimistic about returning to active life.

Marcus “Buff” Bagwell, best known for his larger-than-life persona in the wrestling world during WCW’s prime, has undergone a life-altering medical procedure. The 54-year-old star had his right leg amputated below the knee after enduring years of post-accident complications stemming from a serious 2020 car crash. On July 19, Bagwell’s official Twitter account confirmed the procedure, marking the culmination of what his team described as “a five-year journey trying to fix his body.”

Bagwell, once known for his charisma and flamboyance in the ring, had been battling mounting health challenges—chronic pain, repeated surgeries, and limited mobility—before making the painful but necessary decision to amputate. “This wasn’t taken lightly,” his representative, Michael Long, told Wrestling Inc.. “Marcus has tried everything from therapy to reconstructive surgeries, but the damage was too extensive.” For Bagwell, this isn’t an ending—it’s a turning point in reclaiming a quality of life long lost to injury.

“My Body Just Couldn’t Take It Anymore,” Says Bagwell

Speaking publicly for the first time since the surgery, Bagwell shared a candid and emotional update with his fans on the podcast Rebuilding Buff. “I’ve been living in pain for so long that I forgot what normal even felt like,” he said. “I kept thinking I could beat it, that another surgery would work. But my body just couldn’t take it anymore.”

Known for his resilience inside the squared circle, Bagwell brought that same fighter’s spirit to his recovery. Despite years of physical setbacks—including multiple procedures on his leg and hip—he stayed optimistic, often attending fan conventions and podcast appearances using a walker or wheelchair. “This surgery means freedom,” he added. “I want to walk again, maybe even dance again. That’s not a dream—it’s a goal.”

Support Pours In from Wrestling Legends and Fans

Since the announcement, a flood of well-wishes from across the wrestling community has poured in. Fellow wrestlers like Diamond Dallas Page, who had previously helped Bagwell through rehab, posted a heartfelt message: “Proud of you, Buff. The fight in you is real. This isn’t a setback—it’s a step forward.”

Fans, too, have been showing unwavering support online. One comment on Bagwell’s Instagram post read, “You’ve always been a fighter, Buff. This makes you even stronger in our eyes.” His team has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with post-surgery care, including a custom prosthetic, rehab, and living support, which has already begun gaining traction.

A New Chapter Begins with Courage and Hope

While the physical loss is undeniable, the emotional clarity Bagwell has found is inspiring. The amputation marks a symbolic end to years of silent suffering and a fresh start rooted in possibility. “I’ve been to the darkest places, but I’ve never stayed there,” Bagwell reflected. “This is about moving forward, one step—eventually one real step—at a time.”

His medical team is optimistic. With proper rehabilitation, the former wrestler could be fitted with a prosthetic limb in the coming months. “Marcus is mentally strong and motivated,” said Dr. Emeka Johnson, one of his consulting physicians. “That mindset makes all the difference in recovery like this.”

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