By Zach Gowen has officially hung up his boots. The former WWE star took to Facebook to announce that his in-ring career has come to an end after 24 years, sharing his first and last promotional photos side by side.
Zach Gowen (Credits: Fightful)
“First promo pic and last promo pic! My in-ring career has come to an end. Thank you to every promoter who gave me an opportunity to wrestle,” Gowen wrote. “I’ve had the privilege of performing for every major company over the past 24 years. Special thank you to the fans for not rejecting me.”
Gowen, who began wrestling in 2002 and had his WWE run in 2003, has been one of the most inspirational figures in the sport. Wrestling with one leg, he refused to be treated as a sideshow act — and fans responded by embracing him as a legitimate competitor.
A Career Built On Heart
“All I ever wanted to be was a professional wrestler and I accomplished that solely because you accepted me not as a sideshow act but as a legitimate pro wrestler. I am deeply grateful,” he continued.
After his WWE stint, Gowen worked across the independent circuit before landing in IMPACT Wrestling, AEW, and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. Most recently, he served as a producer for Maple Leaf Pro’s Northern Rising event.
His Proudest Moment
Gowen saved his most emotional words for one night in particular: “The best moment of my career was wrestling for AEW in front of my wife, kids, and parents. That was the cherry on top after burning my career to the ground as a result of my crippling drug addiction — then having the opportunity to not only rebuild my life but my passion, then sharing that with the world while enjoying every second of it.”
“My victories are not the result of my talents, but ultimately the result of God working through others, allowing them to pour into and invest in me. I am the luckiest guy in the world.”
The announcement drew an outpouring of love from wrestlers and fans alike, all saluting a career that proved heart beats hype every single time.
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Source: Fightful — read the full story there.
