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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
WWE legend forced to have leg amputated after car crash in harrowing health update – ‘this is hard'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WCW legend Buff Bagwell had his leg amputated five years after a horror car crash from which he struggled to recover. Bagwell, 55, stood out during the late 1990s and early 2000s when pro wrestling fans enjoyed the infamous Monday Night Wars between WCW and eventual winners WWE. 2 WCW legend Buff Bagwell had his leg amputated five years after a horror car crash Credit: YouTube / Maven Huffman 2 Bagwell stood out during the Monday Night Wars in the late 1990s and early 2000s The Georgia native hadn't wrestled at top level since 2001 when his brief stint with Vince McMahon's promotion was ended just four months into his tenure. The former nWo member would then make sporadic appearances for the likes of TNA and the independent circuit, with his latest performance taking place in November 2024. That was four years after a shock crash that damaged his right leg so badly he found himself in a long and hard battle not to lose it. Despite multiple procedures and years of rehabilitation, however, Bagwell's friend Steve Stasiak announced on social media his leg had to be amputated above the knee following complications. Stasiak posted on Facebook: "Yesterday morning, Marcus Bagwell—Buff Bagwell—had his leg amputated above the knee. "I've known Buff a long time. I've seen him in the spotlight, I've seen him behind the scenes, and I've seen him fight through things most people never even hear about. "This one… this is hard. For him. For everyone who knows and loves him. "The injuries from his 2020 accident never fully healed. He gave it everything he had to avoid this outcome—but that fight led him here. And now begins a whole new kind of battle. "Buff was one of the brightest stars of a wild era in wrestling. He made you look. He made you care. But it's who he is as a person—past the lights, past the persona—that I hope people think about today. "If you're reading this, I just ask that you send a little love out into the world for Buff. No grand gestures. Just something real. A thought, a prayer, a moment." WWE legend John Cena's Wimbledon interview goes viral as fans say 'I need this level of confidence' And a number of WWE fans responded to Stasiak's call by sharing their love and support following the tragic news. One posted: "God will never send a test that you can't handle." Another commented: "Keep fighting, you got this." A third wrote: "Sending love and prayers." This fan said: "Sending love and positive thoughts and vibes his way." And that one stated: "I love you brother, Never give in, Never Give up." 'I am gone' Bagwell previously opened up about the accident, which occurred after he consumed alcohol and seemingly blacked out on the wheel. The Stuff stated no one else got hurt and shared all the details about the awful ordeal he went through following the crash. The former heavyweight lifted the lid on his battle with alcohol addiction the preceded the crash and how he managed to gain sobriety as well as a newfound love for God. Bagwell recently said: "I was heading home [from his father's house] and I had just had surgery, ironically this foot had pins in it and I had got this knee scoped for a minor meniscus tear. 'It was like a dream' "I had been drinking, just a few beers but whatever happened, I'm going down the road with a diet coke and I am gone. I am gone. But you don't realize you are gone. "It was like a dream. I remember hitting cars, seeing faces look at me. I got off at the wrong exit and somehow, I drove through a men's and women's bathroom. "The wreck runied my kneecap. From there, that started this whole journey, trying to fix my leg. "At one stage, I was in the hospital for seven weeks and every three days, I had a surgery. It just wouldn't get better. "I was so angry at what happened. I didn't think I could get sober but August of 2022 I went to rehab. August 2025, 27th, I will be three years sober. "The last three years of my life, I get overwhelmed with joy. I have been able to put together three of the best years of my life by putting God, Stacey [his fiancee] and myself in that order.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
WWE legend forced to have leg amputated after car crash in harrowing health update – ‘this is hard'
WCW legend Buff Bagwell had his leg amputated five years after a horror car crash from which he struggled to recover. 2 WCW legend Buff Bagwell had his leg amputated five years after a horror car crash Credit: YouTube / Maven Huffman 2 Bagwell stood out during the Monday Night Wars in the late 1990s and early 2000s The Georgia native hadn't wrestled at top level since 2001 when his brief stint with The former nWo member would then make sporadic appearances for the likes of TNA and the independent circuit, with his latest performance taking place in November 2024. That was four years after a shock crash that damaged his right leg so badly he found himself in a long and hard battle not to lose it. Despite multiple procedures and years of rehabilitation, however, Bagwell's friend Steve Stasiak announced on social media his leg had to be amputated above the knee following complications. Stasiak posted on "I've known Buff a long time. I've seen him in the spotlight, I've seen him behind the scenes, and I've seen him fight through things most people never even hear about. "This one… this is hard. For him. For everyone who knows and loves him. "The injuries from his 2020 accident never fully healed. He gave it everything he had to avoid this outcome—but that fight led him here. And now begins a whole new kind of battle. Most read in Sport "Buff was one of the brightest stars of a wild era in wrestling. He made you look. He made you care. But it's who he is as a person—past the lights, past the persona—that I hope people think about today. "If you're reading this, I just ask that you send a little love out into the world for Buff. No grand gestures. Just something real. A thought, a prayer, a moment." WWE legend John Cena's Wimbledon interview goes viral as fans say 'I need this level of confidence' And a number of One posted: "God will never send a test that you can't handle." Another commented: "Keep fighting, you got this." A third wrote: "Sending love and prayers." This fan said: "Sending love and positive thoughts and vibes his way." And that one stated: "I love you brother, Never give in, Never Give up." 'I am gone' Bagwell previously opened up about the accident, which occurred after he consumed alcohol and seemingly blacked out on the wheel. The Stuff stated no one else got hurt and shared all the details about the awful ordeal he went through following the crash. The former heavyweight lifted the lid on his battle with alcohol addiction the preceded the crash and how he managed to gain sobriety as well as a newfound love for God. Bagwell recently said: "I was heading home [from his father's house] and I had just had surgery, ironically this foot had pins in it and I had got this knee scoped for a minor meniscus tear. 'It was like a dream' "I had been drinking, just a few beers but whatever happened, I'm going down the road with a diet coke and I am gone. I am gone. But you don't realize you are gone. "It was like a dream. I remember hitting cars, seeing faces look at me. I got off at the wrong exit and somehow, I drove through a men's and women's bathroom. "The wreck runied my kneecap. From there, that started this whole journey, trying to fix my leg. "At one stage, I was in the hospital for seven weeks and every three days, I had a surgery. It just wouldn't get better. Read more on the Irish Sun "I was so angry at what happened. I didn't think I could get sober but August of 2022 I went to rehab. August 2025, 27th, I will be three years sober. "The last three years of my life, I get overwhelmed with joy. I have been able to put together three of the best years of my life by putting God, Stacey [his fiancee] and myself in that order.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Wrestling Legend Sting Reveals How He Wanted To Retire
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Wrestling legend Sting has revealed that he originally envisioned a different ending for his iconic career. While he retired in a celebrated, undefeated run, "The Icon" says he initially wanted to go out with a different persona. Speaking on the Major Figure Podcast, Sting discussed his desire to have retired as "Old Man Sting." He also commented on the constant fan requests for him to have one more match. Old Man Sting Since his official retirement match at AEW Revolution in 2024, Sting has let his signature black hair turn its natural gray and has grown out his beard. He told the podcast hosts that this look was something he wanted to incorporate into his final act. "I actually wanted to retire as Old Man Sting," he revealed (H/T to Fightful). This idea was more than just a passing thought. In January of 2025, Sting officially filed a trademark for the phrase "Old Man Sting," suggesting it was a character concept he was seriously considering for merchandise or a final run. The Legendary Career Of "The Icon" Sting's career has been defined by his incredible ability to reinvent himself. He first rose to superstardom in the NWA and WCW as the bleach-blonde, high-energy "Surfer" Sting, the colorful franchise player of the company. In 1996, he underwent one of the most groundbreaking transformations in wrestling history, adopting the silent, brooding, black-and-white "Crow" persona that would make him a global icon during the Monday Night Wars. Sting locking in the Scorpion Death Lock during his retirement match at AEW: Revolution 2024. Sting locking in the Scorpion Death Lock during his retirement match at AEW: Revolution 2024. Jeff Jones/AEW More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation After a brief and injury-shortened run in WWE, many thought his career was over. However, he shocked the world by signing with AEW in late 2020. An Undefeated Final Chapter Sting's three-year run in AEW is considered one of the most successful final acts in wrestling history. Teaming with his protégé, Darby Allin, Sting competed in 28 matches and remained undefeated. He and Allin captured the AEW World Tag Team Championships, and he successfully retired as champion, defeating The Young Bucks in a brutal and emotional final match at AEW Revolution 2024. Despite this storybook ending, fans still want more. Sting acknowledged the constant calls for his return. "I've got enough fans going, 'One more. Just one more.' Right, one more match," he said, before adding, "I'm 66 now, enough is enough." His post-retirement appearance at AEW All In 2024, where he came to the aid of Darby Allin, has only fueled that speculation. However, Sting seems content, noting that 2025 will be his final year of doing conventions in his full gear, signaling the true end of an era. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
AEW's MJF Praises Unpopular WWE Business Practice
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. AEW star MJF has shared his thoughts on WWE running shows head-to-head against his home promotion. In a recent interview, MJF said that he views the practice not as a petty move, but as a savvy business decision. Speaking with TV Insider, the former AEW World Champion gave credit to WWE's leadership for their competitive tactics. He stated that if he were in their position, he would do the same thing. It's Business, Not Personal Rather than showing frustration, MJF explained that he respects the move from a business perspective. He believes that any company should do what is necessary to "stomp out" its competition. "I think it's a smart business practice," MJF said. "I give jolly old St. Nick [Khan] and Trips [Triple H] a whole lot of credit. At the end of the day, if you can stomp out your competition, you're doing what is necessary. Lord knows I would." He added that while some may view WWE's scheduling as a coincidence, he believes it is a deliberate and calculated business strategy. "They're not doing this by happenstance," he stated. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation A History Of Wrestling "Wars" The concept of "counter-programming" is deeply rooted in wrestling history. The most famous example is the "Monday Night Wars" from 1995 to 2001, when WWE's Monday Night Raw went head-to-head with WCW's Monday Nitro. The intense competition, which included tactics like giving away taped results and talent jumping between companies, is often seen as the creative and commercial peak of the industry. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 21: Wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman visits the SiriusXM Studios on August 21, 2023 in New York City. Friedman defends the All Elite Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship on November 18,... NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 21: Wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman visits the SiriusXM Studios on August 21, 2023 in New York City. Friedman defends the All Elite Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship on November 18, 2023 at AEW Full Gear. More Photo bySince AEW's launch in 2019, a new, smaller-scale war has emerged. The two promotions first went head-to-head during the "Wednesday Night War," when AEW Dynamite consistently beat WWE's NXT in the ratings, forcing NXT to move to Tuesday nights in 2021. A Timeline of Competition Since the end of the Wednesday Night War, WWE has continued to schedule programming and events opposite AEW's major shows. In October 2023, a "Supersized" episode of NXT, featuring major stars like John Cena and Cody Rhodes, went directly against Dynamite and won the ratings battle. On multiple occasions, WWE has scheduled premium live events like NXT Battleground on the same weekend as AEW's flagship Double or Nothing pay-per-view. This trend continues this coming weekend. AEW will present its massive All In: Texas stadium show on Saturday, July 12. On that same day, WWE will be airing two premium live events: Saturday Night's Main Event on NBC and The Great American Bash on Peacock. While AEW President Tony Khan has criticized these moves in the past, MJF clearly sees the competition as a sign of respect. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Bringing In Two Wrestling Legends For Evolution: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Two legendary former WWE Women's Champions are scheduled to be in Atlanta for this Sunday's Evolution premium live event. According to a new report from WWE Hall of Famer Alundra Blayze and the formidable Jazz are both expected to be present for the show. While their exact roles have not been confirmed, their presence opens the door for surprise appearances. It is highly speculated that they could be entrants in the high-stakes battle royal, where the winner will earn a future world championship match. A Trailblazer And Her Infamous Moment Alundra Blayze was the centerpiece of WWE's women's division in the mid-1990s "New Generation" era. A three-time WWE Women's Champion, she was known for her athletic, hard-hitting style that was ahead of its time. However, she is most famous for one of the most controversial moments of the Monday Night Wars. After leaving WWE for WCW in 1995, she appeared live on an episode of WCW Monday Nitro and infamously dropped the WWE Women's Championship belt into a trash can. This act made her a controversial figure for nearly two decades before she and WWE reconciled. She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015, where she brought the story full circle by "pulling" the title back out of the trash. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation One Of The Toughest Ever Jazz was one of the most dominant and physically imposing champions of the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras. Her legitimate toughness and smash-mouth style set her apart from many of her contemporaries. She was a two-time WWE Women's Champion, with her first reign lasting an impressive 98 days. She engaged in memorable feuds with the top stars of that era, including Trish Stratus and Lita. After leaving WWE, she continued a successful career, most notably having a dominant 948-day reign as the NWA World Women's Champion. The presence of these two legends at Evolution adds another layer of history to the event. They represent two distinct, important eras in the evolution of women's wrestling, and their potential involvement has fans buzzing ahead of this Sunday's show. WWE has stacked the card for this show and will likely add more star power to it. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
