Former WCW star Buff Bagwell has claimed that he offered to work for WWE for free in an effort to get another run with the company.
With the collapse of WCW in March 2001, WWE swiftly brought the company and set about expanding it’s roster. While names such as Sting, Hulk Hogan and Goldberg remained out of WWE’s reach initially, the company signed numerous now former WCW stars to begin what would eventually become the infamous ‘Invasion’ angle.
Alongside the likes of Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page, Buff Bagwell arrived in WWE following WrestleMania X-Seven. Bagwell wrestled his one and only televised WWE match on the July 2nd episode of Raw where he took on Booker T. The match was presented under the WCW banner as they had “taken over” the main event slot. The match featured a WCW referee, a different announce team and graphics.
However, the match failed to ignite the passion of the live crowd and was badly received by fans. Bagwell left WWE in the weeks following the bout.
Speaking on the Cheap Heat Productions podcast, Buff Bagwell has now claimed that he offered to work for WWE for free in order to return to the company. The former WCW star said that he spoke to John Laurinaitis while he was Head of Talent Relations and made the offer.
“I even offered Laurinaitis, when he was running things, I offered him, I said, ‘Look, bring me in for a month, bring me in for two weeks, bring me in for a week,'” said Bagwell. “Whatever you wanna decide to bring me in for, bring me in for.’ I said, ‘I’ll wrestle it for free.’ I said, ‘Pay for my trans[port], but I’ll wrestle it for free.'”
Since leaving WWE Bagwell has appeared in IMPACT Wrestling and in numerous promotions across the independent scene.
Buff Bagwell signed with WCW in 1991, going on to become a five-time World Tag Team Champion. During his run with the company he also enjoyed spell with the nWo.
H/t to Sportskeeda for the transcription.