Buff Bagwell’s Unconventional Career Change
If you grew up watching WCW, you probably remember Buff Bagwell for his strut, his bravado, and those unmistakable top hats. Now, Bagwell’s name pops up in a world far removed from the wrestling ring—he’s turned into one of the most sought-after male escorts in America. That’s not a storyline: it’s real life.
Bagwell, whose real name is Marcus, didn’t plan for this. After his wrestling career wound down, life hit him hard. Medical complications left him buried in bills, and at one point, he lost his home. The money dried up almost overnight, and the kind of fame that once paid handsomely just wasn’t paying the bills anymore. Looking for a big break (or maybe just a lifeline), Bagwell landed at Cowboys4Angels, a luxury escort agency famous for its reality show connections and sky-high rates. Entering the world of paid companionship, he figured it would be a little TV mentorship. But what he got—on-camera intimacy and high-dollar weekends—was something straight out of a cable drama.
Life as a High-End Escort
So, how does a wrestler-turned-gigolo actually work? Bagwell’s profile described him as a true southern gentleman who’s always ready for a good time. Customers could book far more than just a dinner date: his packages started at $800 for a two-hour meet-up and soared up to $25,000 for a full week of companionship. Overnights ran $3,000, while a full weekend topped out at $8,000. It’s a serious business, and Bagwell’s popularity shot him up to the agency’s second spot—just behind Nick Hawk, a reality TV figure in his own right.
But this new turn in Bagwell's life wasn’t all glitz. He was still married when he joined Cowboys4Angels, but he worked with an open relationship arrangement. His then-wife, Judy, couldn't hide her heartbreak over his new profession. For Bagwell, though, desperation outweighed embarrassment. This was about survival, not ego: he’d lost what wrestling had given him, and this was a way to stay afloat.
Agency founder Garren James even confirmed just how quick fans and clients were to embrace Bagwell in this new role. The wrestling fame? It was a foot in the door, sure, but Bagwell seemed to tap into curiosity and nostalgia, drawing clients who wanted both the company of a famous face and someone who could play the perfect southern host for a night, a weekend, or a longer escape.
Bagwell’s foray into reality TV, specifically on the show 'Gigolos,' started with a bit of misunderstanding. He thought mentoring would be his job; instead, he was expected to get a lot more personal on camera, adding yet another twist to his life story. And for some, this might sound like he went off the rails. But for Bagwell, it was about surviving, paying off debts, and trying to find solid ground again after wrestling’s bright lights faded. The world may talk, but he's doing what he needs to keep moving forward.
