One former WWE star is grateful for his recent appearance in the spotlight.
In 2003, Zach Gowen found himself thrust into the spotlight of WWE at the young age of 20. The star had lost a leg to amputation after a battle with cancer as a child, and in his WWE debut, he had his prosthetic leg stolen by Roddy Piper and Sean O’Haire as he attempted to help Mr. America (Hulk Hogan).
Gowen’s storyline with Mr. America would continue and led to a feud with then-Chairman Vince McMahon that culminated at Vengeance. Following his rivalry with McMahon, Gowen’s time on television was greatly reduced, and after a number of losses (including a brutal beatdown by Brock Lesnar), he was released from his WWE contract in February of 2004.
The star has remained active on the independent scene, and after a surprise appearance on Collision on May 8th, Zach Gowen is set to face Ricochet on a special Beach Break edition of Dynamite on May 14th.
Speaking in a new interview with The Takedown on SI, Gowen opened up about his AEW opportunity and expressed gratitude for once again being featured on such a large platform.
“Listen, I’m 40. I’m a 42 year old, tax paying father of four. That’s what I’m saying. I’m a suburban dad, brother. And the fact that over the past three or four days this has happened, this is just wild to me, but I’m so grateful.
“I haven’t been on a national platform like this since I was 20 years old in WWE. So, the fact that this is happening now at 42-years-old, this age, this maturity level, I have such a greater appreciation for the gift that’s being presented to me than I than I could have ever done when I was 20 years old. So at the foundation of everything that I do, it’s gratitude.”
“We’re Going To Create Magic” – Ex-WWE Star Zach Gowen On Facing Ricochet In AEW
After praising Ricochet as one of the best wrestlers in the world, Gowen spoke about his anticipation for their Dynamite match, saying that he believes the two will tell a wonderful story inside the squared circle.
“Like I said, I’m a 42 year old, one legged father of four. I live in the suburbs. I mow my grass and I pay taxes. Like, there’s there’s no way I’m going to be able to keep up with him, but I’ve learned some things over my years in terms of being able to form a genuine connection with the audience, to the ability to tell a story, the ability to convey emotion, to take an audience on the ride. And I think with my experience and his skill level coming together. I think we’re going to create magic.”
