One Legged Wrestler Who Was Once Destroyed by Brock Lesnar, Fell Victim to Addiction, Ruining Chances of Flourishing as a Heel

The WWE has given a stage to wrestlers of all body types and from all walks of life. The only criteria the biggest pro wrestling company demands from a person are athleticism and entertainment value. Checking these two boxes on his resume, the WWE hired Zach Gowen in May 2003.

Gowen was a character who never held back despite having a leg amputated in his childhood. WWE legend Matt Hardy recently spoke about the force that was Zach Gowen in a recent episode of his podcast. Matt Hardy talked about the perseverance of Gowens and how a prominent wrestling figure had once said that he could flourish to great heights as a heel.

Zach Gowen’s potential as a heel

Zach Gowen was one of the most fearless WWE Superstars to ever step inside the WWE ring. Gowen always wrestled with his sights set on winning the match. Even the mightiest of WWE superstars would not want to be in the same ring as the Beast Incarnate Brock Lesnar. However, Gowens did not back away from the challenge. 

While Lesnar obliterated him in their matchup, Gowen gained the crowd’s respect. He had exclusive coverage of Matt Hardy’s podcast in Xtreme Life of Matt Hardy. Hardy praised the one-legged fighter. Hardy recalled that WWE veteran Michael Hayes had once said that Gowen would flourish wonderfully as a heel.

Matt Hardy openly admitted that he did not like the suggestion made by Hayes when he first heard about it. Hardy said, “At first, when he said it, I was like, ‘Man, that’s kind of disrespectful,’ but the more I thought about it and let it sink in, I think he was correct.” 

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Hardy mentioned that Hayes had said, “When you watch this guy with one leg out there wrestling these people that are normal, bad-ass killers, it’s uncomfortable.”

The unfortunate downfall of Zach Gowen

Hardy revealed that Gowens did not say no to anything. “There was some stuff that I was asked to do that felt uncomfortable, but Zach was always cool with everything,” said Hardy. His steely resolve earned him the nickname “Tenacious Z.” Matt Hardy said he had a lot of fun working with Zach. 

“I had a blast working with Zach. He was a cool, nice guy,” said Hardy. However, he also recalled the unfortunate downfall of Gowen. He said, “I think he was in a really weird spot because he achieved so much success so quickly, and some of it went to his head.” Hardy said that the whole locker room witnessed his plight.

“I think some people there started noticing, and I think that was part of his downfall, I don’t know. Also, he ended up having some addiction issues,” said Hardy. Matt Hardy also mentioned that he is still in contact with Gowen and he has a great family, something that Hardy relates with.

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Zach Gowen was a massive hit with the WWE Universe. Gowen was released by the WWE in 2004, but he continued his career as a pro wrestler at other places.

Do you think Gowens could have become a megastar had he functioned as a heel and if his other issues had not gotten in way? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.