Buff Bagwell has said he is open to returning to the wrestling ring, but only if he feels he can perform at a level that meets his own expectations.
Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the former WCW standout discussed the possibility of wrestling again while using a prosthetic leg. Buff Bagwell made it clear that the decision is not about simply appearing for nostalgia, but about whether he can still look credible between the ropes.
“I know I could wrestle again, another match or two,” Bagwell said. “But if I can’t do it where it’s ugly, I’m not going to do it. And I’m not sure that’s possible. I don’t want to be ugly. If it’s ugly at all, I’m not going to do it.”
To find out whether a return is realistic, Bagwell plans to test himself in the ring over the coming months. He said the goal is to push his limits privately before committing to anything publicly.
“We’re definitely going to, in the next couple of months, I’m going to get in the ring and just see what I can do,” he explained. “But I really do think no matter what I will do one match just to, because that’s one of my goals.”
Bagwell also revealed he has reached out about possible non-wrestling roles if an in-ring return proves unrealistic. He said he contacted Tommy Dreamer to discuss opportunities as a manager or on-screen personality, believing he could still contribute value to wrestling television.
Despite the physical challenges, Bagwell remains encouraged by his progress. He shared that he has been walking without a cane for two weeks, something he once believed might never happen.
“I didn’t believe I was ever going to walk without a cane,” he said. “I’ve been walking with no cane for about two weeks, and getting better and better every day.”
For Bagwell, any return will be on his terms and only if he feels he can do it justice.
When Did Buff Bagwell Last Wrestle?
Despite not having competed in a major promotion since his last TNA run in 2006, Buff Bagwell has remained semi-active on the independent scene, with his last match to date taking place on April 21, 2024, where he teamed with Big John Dalton to defeat Lord Gaston and Sir Matthew at a Memphis Wrestling event to win the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Title.
Bagwell retired from wrestling last year after he revealed that he had one of his legs amputated due to lingering injuries he was suffering from as a result of a car crash he suffered in 2020.
