Following the news of Buff Bagwell’s leg amputation, wrestling veteran and trainer Lance Storm offered a thoughtful perspective on Bagwell’s stated goal of returning to the ring. While wishing him the best, Storm argued that a successful and happy life post-amputation is, in itself, the most powerful example he can set, with or without another match.
On a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Live, Storm and host Bryan Alvarez discussed Bagwell’s situation. Bagwell had stated that he wants to get a prosthetic and have one more match to prove that a great life is possible after such a procedure. Storm gently pushed back on the idea that an in-ring return was necessary to achieve that goal.
A Different Definition of Success
“I wish Buff all the best, but having the ‘I want to get back into the ring to prove that life can go on’… It’s like, stay sober, stay positive and live a happy life as a good person with your prosthetic,” Storm said. “I don’t know, and I don’t like with the ‘I want to get back in the ring so that I can prove this.’ It’s like, if you want to get back in the ring, by all means, go ahead. But being an example and a positive motivator for people just requires you to stay sober, stay positive and live a good life post-amputation. Like, that’s a success.”
Storm, who now works as a producer for TNA Wrestling, elaborated on his belief that success in wrestling shouldn’t be the only measure of a person’s worth, a mindset he feels is too common in the industry.
“I think us in the wrestling business always try to equate success in the wrestling business as being this giant milestone and proving of worth,” he explained. “And it’s like, I think we can have great worth outside of the wrestling business. So stay positive, stay sober, and all the best, and I hope he lives a good, long, happy life. Match or no match.”
Finding Happiness In and Out of the Ring
The conversation then broadened to a general philosophy on what it means to be successful as a professional wrestler. Storm recounted a Q&A he once did where he was asked how he defines success, and his answer applied directly to Bagwell’s situation.
“It’s different for everyone,” Storm stated. “If you have a real job and wrestle once a month on the Indies and you’re happy, then you’re a success. If you are the biggest star in the history of the business and you’re happy, then you’re a success. Define your own success with happiness in life, and don’t worry necessarily about what others think and the fame that goes with a certain job.”
Marcus “Buff” Bagwell underwent an above-the-knee leg amputation on Friday, July 18, following a long battle with complications from a severe car accident in 2020. He has stated that the difficult journey following the accident ultimately led him to sobriety.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit F4WOnline.com with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
