Former WWE star Zach Gowen issues statement after shocking AEW debut

A former WWE star, who had not been seen on national TV for nearly two decades, made a shocking appearance on AEW this week. He sent a message to his fans before returning next week.

The aforementioned superstar, who wrestled in World Wrestling Entertainment, is Zach Gowen. The man who defied all odds, wrestling with one leg, was spotted in attendance for the latest episode of Collision during the match between Angelico and Ricochet.

The former WWE United States Champion attacked Gowen and left with his prosthetic leg in a sign of major disrespect. Following the altercation, AEW President Tony Khan announced that the duo will collide in a match at the upcoming Dynamite: Beach Break episode.

This will mark the star's return to national TV after over 20 years. Before he steps into the AEW ring, Gowen took to his X to thank all the fans who remembered him and were looking forward to getting in the ring again.

Look who just shut down all of Tony Khan's critics! More HERE.

"I haven’t been on a national tv wrestling program in 22 years. Thank you to those that remembered me!!! I haven’t forgotten about yall either. The magic of professional wrestling is still very much alive in my soul and I’m so grateful I get to share that once again."

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Zach Gowen was a superstar in WWE during the mid-2000s

Gowen became prominent during his stint in WWE at the height of the Ruthless-Aggression era. He debuted on the May 15, 2003 episode of SmackDown as a planted fan who tried to help Mr. America/Hulk Hogan against Roddy Piper and Sean O'Haire.

Gowen's association with Hogan made him a target for former chairman Vince McMahon on live television. This led to his rivalry with the boss, who hired mercenaries like Brock Lesnar to take him out.

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Moreover, he also wrestled Big Show, John Cena, and Nunzio. Gowen was with WWE until February 2004, when he was released. He has wrestled for other promotions, but was not prominently seen on TV.

However, with Gowen returning to the ring on a big stage like AEW, it will be exciting to witness the man on one leg defy the odds again.

About the author

Nikunj is an AEW writer at Sportskeeda Wrestling. He is a BArch graduate, but his 25+ years of fandom and desire to work in this industry led him to become a pro wrestling writer. When he writes, he uses the same passion, extensive knowledge, and keeping up-to-date with the wrestling world as his USPs.

Nikunj has four years of experience. He has conducted interviews with stars like Great Khali, RVD, Mickie James, Maria Kanellis, and Heath Slater. The first match he watched was between 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin and The Rock. Interestingly, Nikunj's favorite wrestler is another historical rival of The Rock - John Cena. He has been a fan of Cena due to his Never Give Up attitude.

Besides wrestling and writing about it, Nikunj is interested in dance and basketball.

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Edited by Angana Roy