Zach Gowen details the reasons why he was forced to leave the WWE
Former WWE sensation Zach Gowen has unveiled the multifaceted reasons that culminated in his departure from the company in February 2004.
As the sole one-legged competitor in WWE history, Gowen’s unique journey saw him engaged in feuds with prominent figures like Brock Lesnar and Vince McMahon. However, he found himself rapidly relegated to lower-tier matches against cruiserweights. Gowen recently provided insights into the factors that led to his release, shedding light on his behavior, attitude, and incidents that contributed to his departure.
Zach Gowen details reasons that led to WWE exit
In a candid discussion on his podcast “The False Finish,” Gowen tackled the question of whether a specific incident triggered his firing and the reasons WWE management soured on him before his dismissal. The wrestler offered a frank perspective, stating that his inability to maintain professionalism, coupled with his behavior and attitude, played a pivotal role in his departure.
Gowen reflected on his final pay-per-view match against Matt Hardy at No Mercy 2003, which marked his exit from that platform. He revealed that WWE management arranged a series of matches against Hardy at house shows to help him acquire essential wrestling skills. However, things took a downturn when Gowen experienced a concussion just two nights after their pay-per-view encounter on SmackDown. The incident left him disoriented, with his hands mimicking a fencing pose due to the impact. During this time, former WWE star Orlando Jordan confronted Gowen for occupying a hotel room, exacerbating his challenging situation.
As a result of the concussion, Gowen was promptly sent home on a plane. Following this episode, he received a call from John Laurinaitis, who offered guidance and acknowledged the heat Gowen had garnered among fellow wrestlers. Laurinaitis advised Gowen to reach out after receiving medical clearance, and in retrospect, Gowen appreciated the honesty and insight into the WWE locker room dynamics that Laurinaitis provided.
However, a personal decision Gowen made marked a turning point in his WWE journey. He recounted falling in love and choosing to stay in Detroit, despite WWE’s plans for him to move to Louisville and progress through the developmental system. Gowen’s decision to prioritize his personal life over WWE’s developmental path irrevocably affected his standing with the company.
This turning point paved the way for a significant moment when he was summoned to WWE headquarters in Stamford. Jim Ross, a respected figure in wrestling, delivered the news of Gowen’s release. The conversation with Ross left a lasting impact on Gowen, as Ross communicated the reasons for the decision in a thoughtful and compassionate manner. Ross emphasized that it wasn’t a matter of talent but rather a maturity issue. Gowen’s post-WWE journey led him to various indie promotions, including TNA and Ring of Honor.
