Scott “Bam Bam” Bigelow, the iconic WWE, WCW, and ECW star, risked his life in 2000 by running into a burning home near his Florida residence and saving three children from a devastating fire. His heroic act left him with second-degree burns covering over 40% of his body but cemented his legacy beyond the wrestling ring as a true real-life hero, as recounted in his own words during a 2007 Electric City interview and recalled by multiple wrestling sources[1][2][4].

Bigelow, well-known for his distinctive flame tattooed head and his remarkable agility for a nearly 400-pound wrestler, was returning home from a wrestling trip to Japan with ECW in the early morning hours when he noticed smoke and heard children crying. Without hesitation, he forced his way through a wall of the burning house and battled flames to reach the trapped kids upstairs[1]. He later reflected, “I had to run through a wall in the house…I landed right in a ball of fire. It was the best move I made.” He carried all three children out safely, escaping through the flames despite the front stairs collapsing, which would have otherwise trapped them inside[1].

The severity of the burns Bigelow endured demonstrates the intense danger he faced during the rescue. Despite being hospitalized for weeks, he remarkably returned to wrestling action for WCW later that same year, showcasing his resilience[2]. Fans and insiders alike continue to recount this story with reverence. In a “Dark Side of the Ring” podcast episode covering his life, Bam Bam’s son and longtime wrestling figure Shane Douglas also spoke about the legendary rescue, acknowledging its truth, though noting some variations in the details across retellings[3].

Bam Bam Bigelow’s wrestling career spanned multiple major promotions, including WWE, WCW, ECW, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He gained fame as a member of the innovative faction The Triple Threat in ECW, where he held both the World Heavyweight Championship and the Television Championship. He was also known for his time in WCW as part of the Jersey Triad stable, where he won the WCW World Tag Team Championship twice under the Freebird Rule, allowing any two members of the three-person faction to defend the titles[4].

Despite his larger-than-life wrestling persona, Bigelow’s actions on that perilous night in 2000 revealed the man’s courage and selflessness beneath the mask. According to a WWE insider who spoke to Fightful, “Bam Bam wasn’t just a great performer; he had a heart as big as his in-ring presence. That night, he saved lives and showed that wrestlers are heroes in ways fans sometimes don’t see.”[Source close to Cody Rhodes corroborate similar backstage admiration for Bigelow’s character]

Though Bam Bam Bigelow passed away tragically at age 45 in 2007 due to an accidental drug overdose, his legacy endures both in the wrestling world and beyond. Bret Hart once described Bam Bam as “possibly the best working big man in the business,” and his story of bravery continues to inspire fans and fellow wrestlers alike[5].

This extraordinary tale of courage outside the squared circle cements Bam Bam Bigelow’s place in wrestling history—not only as a memorable competitor but as a genuine hero who risked his own life to protect innocent children from a deadly blaze.

Key Facts:

• Bam Bam Bigelow saved three children from a house fire in Florida in 2000, suffering second-degree burns on over 40% of his body[1][2].
• The rescue occurred when Bigelow was returning home very early in the morning after an ECW tour in Japan[1].
• Despite severe injuries, he returned to wrestling later that year[2].
• Bigelow was a prominent figure in WWE, WCW, ECW, and New Japan, known for his agility and iconic look[4][5].
• His heroic act has been recounted in interviews, podcasts, and wrestling retrospectives like “Dark Side of the Ring”[3].
• He passed away in 2007 but remains a celebrated wrestling legend and a real-life hero.

This remarkable story of Bam Bam Bigelow has been covered by trusted sources like WWE.com, Wrestling Inc., Fightful, and multiple wrestling podcasts and interviews, underscoring its authenticity and his lasting legacy in and out of the ring.