Judy Bagwell, star of one of WCW’s most infamous matches, has died

Sad news about a woman who brought wrestling fans a lot of joy over the years - although probably not in the way then WCW booker Vince Russo intended when he booked New Blood Rising’s Buff Bagwell vs. Kanyon match back in 2000.

Bagwell’s Rebuilding Buff podcast broke the news via its Twitter account. Judy Bagwell has died.

While the “Judy Bagwell on a Forklift” match won by her son is why a lot of fans know her name, Buff’s mom appeared on WCW television numerous times during the latter portion of the Monday Night War. In 1998, she was briefly a Tag champ, alongside Bron Breakker’s dad, Rick Steiner.

Okay, that’s not officially recognized (she filled in for Kaos since he & Rick were feuding with Buff & the nWo, but the angle was dropped and the belts vacated when Steiner was legitimately injured shortly after). But it’s another great example of how willing Judy was to go along with a bit and have some fun, which is why she’s a legend in our book.

Join us in sending condolences to the Bagwell family, and everyone who’s missing its matriarch today.