Scott “Bam Bam” Bigelow, a beloved WWE, WCW, and ECW star, is remembered not only for his agility and unique wrestling style but also for a remarkable act of bravery outside the ring—when he ran into a burning home and saved three children’s lives. This heroic episode in the summer of 2000 left a lasting impact on the wrestling community and fans worldwide, showcasing the profound courage beneath his tough exterior.
The Night Bam Bam Bigelow Became a Real-Life Hero
On a quiet night returning from a wrestling trip to Japan, Bigelow confronted a perilous scene near his Florida home. Around 3:30 a.m., as he turned onto his block, he noticed a fire and heard the heartbreaking cries of children trapped inside. Without hesitation, Bam Bam forced his way through a makeshift barricade—running through a wall composed of two-by-fours—to reach the upstairs where the children were trapped [1].
In his own words from a 2007 interview, he described the fireball he literally dove into: “I landed right in a ball of fire. It was the best move I made.” Despite suffering severe burns covering roughly 40% of his body during the rescue, Bigelow managed to carry all three children back down safely, just before the front stairs collapsed, which could have spelled tragedy for them all [1][2].
The Physical and Emotional Toll of the Rescue
Bigelow’s selfless act left him hospitalized for several weeks as he battled second-degree burns, a visible testament to his bravery. According to sources close to his later years, the pains and injuries from the fire contributed to his struggles with addiction to painkillers, a tragic pattern unfortunately common among wrestlers battling injuries during that era [3]. Despite these challenges, Bam Bam wore his scars as a badge of honor—a symbol of the life he saved through sheer bravery and determination [1].
A Wrestling Career Marked by Resilience and Versatility
Apart from this courageous incident, Bam Bam Bigelow’s wrestling career was notable for his unique blend of agility and size, trademarked by his signature flame tattoo covering his bald head. He rose to prominence in multiple wrestling promotions, including WWE, ECW, and WCW, and was beloved for his “monster” persona mixed with impressive in-ring skills.
In ECW, Bigelow was a key member of the influential stable The Triple Threat and captured both the ECW World Heavyweight and Television Championships. One of his most celebrated moments was his brutal match with Taz at ECW’s Living Dangerously 1998, which ended with them crashing through the ring, a spot that would become iconic in wrestling history [4].
Later, at WCW, he was part of the Jersey Triad faction and a two-time WCW World Tag Team Champion under the “Freebird Rule,” further cementing his legacy as a versatile and enduring competitor [4].
Backstage Response: A Legacy Beyond the Ring
According to a WWE insider, “Bam Bam was more than just a wrestler; he was a man of heart and courage. The story of him saving those kids from that fire is well-known backstage and represents the essence of who he was—fearless, selfless, and larger than life in every way.”
His peers often recall the incident as a reflection of the real heroism that sometimes shines brightest in professional wrestlers, who endure physical and mental battles both inside and outside the ring [1][3].
Remembering Bam Bam Bigelow
Bam Bam Bigelow passed away in 2007 at the age of 45, with his legacy forever intertwined with his courage and resilience. While his life had its ups and downs, this singular heroic act remains a defining moment remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.
His story is a powerful reminder that beyond the spectacle of wrestling, athletes like Bigelow risk their lives to protect others in ways that transcend sports entertainment.
Bam Bam Bigelow’s bravery continues to inspire new generations of wrestling fans. His story exemplifies how real-life heroism can shine even amid the drama of professional wrestling.