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Line 1: {{short description\|American professional wrestler (born 1983)}} ~~{{verify}}~~ {{update\|date=May 2019}} ~~{{Infobox Wrestler~~ {{Use mdy dates\|date=May 2025}} ~~\|name = Zach Gowen~~ {{Infobox professional wrestler ~~\|names = Zach Gowan<br />'''Zach Gowen'''<br />Tenacious Z~~ \|~~image~~name = Zach Gowen~~.jpg~~ \|image = Zach Gowen at Hardcore Roadtrip.jpg ~~\|height = 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)~~ \|~~weight~~caption = ~~155~~Gowen lbin ~~(71~~April ~~kg)~~2014 \|birth_name = Zachary Mark Gowen<ref name="OWW">{{cite web\|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/z/zach-gowen.html\|title=Zach Gowen\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> ~~\|birth_date = [[March 30]], [[1983]]~~ \|names = Pogo the 1 Legged Boy<ref name="sideshowsyndicate.com">{{cite web \|url=http://sideshowsyndicate.com/scr/cast/authentic-attractions/ \|title=Authentic Attractions \|website=sideshowsyndicate.com \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214200431/http://sideshowsyndicate.com/scr/cast/authentic-attractions \|archive-date=December 14, 2013 \|access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref><br />Tenacious Z<ref name="OWW"/><br />'''Zach Gowen'''<ref name="OWW"/> ~~\|birth_place = [[Livonia, Michigan]]~~ \|height = 5 ft 11 in<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="wrestlingdata.com">{{cite web \|last1=Saalbach \|first1=Axel \|title=Zach Gowen \|url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=418 \|website=wrestlingdata.com \|access-date=July 23, 2023 \|language=English}}</ref> ~~\|trainer = [[Truth Martini]]<br />Tommy Johnson~~ \|weight = 155 lb<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="wrestlingdata.com"/> ~~\|debut = [[March 16]], [[2002]]~~ \|birth_date = {{Birth date and age\|mf=yes\|1983\|3\|30}}<ref name="OWW"/> \|death_date = \|children = 4 \|birth_place = [[Ypsilanti, Michigan]], U.S.<ref name="OWW"/> \|death_place = \|billed = '''[[Detroit\|Detroit, Michigan]]''' \|trainer = Tommy Johnson<ref name="OWW"/><br />[[Truth Martini]]<ref name="OWW"/> \|debut = March 16, 2002<ref name="OWW"/> \|retired = }} '''Zachary Mark Gowen''' (born March 30, 1983) is an American [[Professional wrestling\|professional wrestler]] and promoter. He is primarily known for his stint tenure with [[WWE\|World Wrestling Entertainment]] from 2003 and with other promotions such as [[Impact Wrestling\|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA), [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) and Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling (XICW). Gowen's left leg was [[amputation\|amputated]] when he was eight years old. He was the second amputee to compete in WWE after [[Kerry Von Erich]].<ref name="OWW"/> '''Zach Gowen''', (born on [[March 30]], [[1983]] in [[Detroit, Michigan]]) is an [[United States\|American]] [[professional wrestling\|professional wrestler]]. Gowen has competed for both of the top US promotions: [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) on their ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!\|SmackDown!]]'' brand, and [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA). ==Early life== Gowen was diagnosed with [[cancer]] as a child. Because of that, he lost his leg at the age of 8. It was a necessary move: according to his doctors and parents, had the amputation not been done, Zach would have died. Gowen was diagnosed with [[cancer]] as a child, and lost his left leg due to [[amputation]] at the age of eight.<ref name="OWW"/> He was a fan of [[professional wrestling]] from a young age, and cites [[Shawn Michaels]] and [[Rey Mysterio]] as two of his favorite wrestlers.<ref name="Wojcik">{{cite web\|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/columns/interviews/zachgowan.html\|title=Interview with Tenacious Z (Zach Gowen)\|date=July 7, 2004\|last=Wojcik\|first=Alan\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=alanwojcik.com\|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Gowen is an alumnus at Churchill High School in Livonia, Michigan, Class of 2001. Gowen walks with a prosthesis and claims he can wrestle with or without it. However, he wrestles most of his matches without it due to the inherent marketability of seeing a one-legged wrestler compete. Known for his high-flying ability as well as his "one-legged" moonsault, Gowen was a fan favorite simply for the spectacle. ==Professional wrestling career== ~~==Career==~~ Gowen was determined to become a wrestler since he was a young child, and he spent a good portion of his teenage years training towards that goal. On [[March 16]], [[2002]], he finally achieved his dream, when he debuted in the Independent Wrestling Revolution, losing to [[Truth Martini]]. On [[April 26]], [[2002]] , he earned his first win, over Almighty Ray. ==~~WWE~~=Early career=== After being trained by [[Truth Martini]], Gowen made his [[professional wrestling]] debut on March 16, 2002, in a loss to Martini.<ref name="OWW"/> While training Gowen made the decision to wrestle without his prosthetic leg as he found it difficult to wrestle with the "dead weight".<ref name="Wojcik"/> He made his WWE debut on the [[May 15]], [[2003]] edition of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!\|SmackDown!]]'' as a [[Plant (professional wrestling)\|planted]] fan in the audience. As [[Hulk Hogan#Mr. America\|Mr. America]] (a masked Hulk Hogan) was making his way to the ring he acknowledged Gowen personally as a loyal fan near the walkway by giving him the American flag Mr. America was carrying. Later, when Mr. America was being unfairly beaten by Roddy Piper and Sean O'Haire, Gowen jumped the wall dividing the fans from the wrestler's walkway and jumped into the ring to aid him. This began a short collaboration of the two leading to an [[angle (professional wrestling)\|angle]] with [[Vince McMahon]], then heel, [[Roddy Piper]] and Mr. America and Gowen's first matches. On July 3, 2003 Gowen and then baby face, [[Stephanie McMahon]] faced off against then SmackDown! star, [[Paul Wight\|Big Show]] in what Vince billed as the first "real" [[Professional wrestling match types #Handicap match\|handicap match]] (referring to Gowen and his [[amputee]] status in addition to the two vs. one parameters of the match). With [[Run-in (professional wrestling)\|run-in]] help from then WWE Star, [[Kurt Angle]] and then baby face/WWE star, [[Brock Lesnar]], the team of Gowen and McMahon were able to defeat the Big Show and thus won Gowen a WWE contract as per the stipulations of the match. ===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2003, 2005, 2006)=== Gowen later faced off with and lost to Vince McMahon at the [[WWE Vengeance#2003\|Vengeance 2003]] pay-per-view. As a result of his feud with McMahon, Gowen was forced into a match with former [[WWE Championship\|WWE Champion]] the heel version of [[Brock Lesnar]]. In his hometown of [[Detroit, Michigan\|Detroit]], Gowen won via DQ when Lesnar attacked him with a steel chair. After the match, the assault continued. With his family watching at ringside, Gowen's only leg was destroyed when Lesnar F5ed him, propelling his leg into the steel ring post. A few weeks later, Lesnar kidnapped Gowen (now confined to a wheelchair) and threw him down a flight of stairs, at the [[New Orleans Arena]] (but this cut-scene was done with someone portraying Gowen; you can see that the "prosthetic" leg is a real leg with careful examination). As a result, (On [[July 31]], [[2003]]) Gowen was the object of a feature report on ''SmackDown!''. When he returned, Gowen defeated then heel, [[Matt Hardy]] at [[No Mercy]] before being released from WWE in [[February 2004]]. Gowen first gained national exposure wrestling for [[Impact Wrestling\|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] during early 2003 under the name Tenacious Z. On the January 29 NWATNA PPV, Tenacious Z defeated Truth Martini in a dark match. On the February 5 NWATNA PPV, Tenacious Z defeated [[Road Dogg\|B.G. James]]. On the February 12 NWATNA PPV, Tenacious Z, [[R-Truth\|Ron Killings]] and [[Jorge Estrada]] defeated BG James, [[Disco Inferno (wrestler)\|Glenn Gilbertti]] and [[Mike Sanders (wrestler)\|Mike Sanders]]. Afterwards Gowen left TNA, opting not to sign an official contract on the advice of Martini, who advised him WWE were likely to offer him a contract.<ref name="auto">{{cite web\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jyCBjGo6KM&t=1568s \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/8jyCBjGo6KM\| archive-date=December 12, 2021 \|url-status=live\|title=Full career interview\|publisher=Hannibal TV\|access-date=October 24, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In February 2003, Gowan signed a development contract with World Wrestling Entertainment ([[WWE]]).<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="auto"/> Gowen later returned to TNA on May 15, 2005, at their [[Hard Justice (2005)\|Hard Justice]] pay-per-view event, as the second entrant in the 20-Man [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet for the Gold\|Gauntlet for the Gold]] match. He lasted just under five minutes in the ring before being eliminated by [[Shark Boy]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/05/16/1041895.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713165012/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/05/16/1041895.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 13, 2012\|title=Styles ends Jarrett's reign at Hard Justice\|date=May 16, 2005\|last=Clevett\|first=Jason\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The next month, Gowen wrestled at the [[Slammiversary (2005)\|Slammiversary]] pay-per-view, losing in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches\|six-way match]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/06/20/1095889.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716102757/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/06/20/1095889.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 16, 2012\|title=Raven crowned king at Slammiversary\|date=June 20, 2005\|last=Clevett\|first=Jason\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He also appeared on ''[[Impact! (TV series)\|TNA Impact!]]'', wrestling [[Mikey Batts]] to a no contest before leaving the promotion once again later that year.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/09/1124226.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714032356/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/09/1124226.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 14, 2012\|title=Impact: Hot show proves there's No Surrender in TNA\|date=July 9, 2005\|last=Sokol\|first=Chris\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> In October 2006, at [[Bound for Glory (2006)\|Bound for Glory]], Gowen returned to TNA during the [[Kevin Nash]] [[X-Division]] Open Battle Royal Gauntlet match as the sixth entrant, but was eliminated by [[Johnny Devine]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/10/23/2104975.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629205829/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/10/23/2104975.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=June 29, 2012\|title=Sting new champ after Bound For Glory\|date=October 23, 2006\|last=Sokol\|first=Chris\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> ~~==TNA==~~ Gowen first gained national exposure wrestling for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling during early [[2003]] under the name '''Tenacious Z''', but soon left TNA after signing a developmental contract for World Wrestling Entertainment. ===World Wrestling Entertainment (2003–2004)=== Gowen later returned to TNA on [[May 15]], [[2005]] at their '''''[[TNA Hard Justice\|Hard Justice]]''''' pay-per-view event, as the second entrant in the 20-Man [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet for the Gold\|Gauntlet for the Gold match]]. He lasted just under five minutes in the ring before being eliminated by [[Shark Boy]]. The next month, Gowen wrestled for their '''''[[TNA Slammiversary\|Slammiversary]]''''' pay-per-view, losing in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches\|six way match]]. He also appeared on ''[[TNA Impact!\|TNA iMPACT!]]'', wrestling [[Michael Altieri\|Mikey Batts]] to a no contest. Gowen left the promotion once again later that year. At TNA Bound For Glory 2006, Gowen returned to TNA during the [[Kevin Nash]] [[X-Division]] Open Battle Royal Gauntlet match as the sixth entrant, but was eliminated by [[John Parsonage\|Johnny Devine]]. He made his [[WWE\|World Wrestling Entertainment]] debut on the May 15, 2003 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown\|SmackDown!]]'' as a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Plant\|planted]] fan in the audience, who attempted to help [[Hulk Hogan#Second return to WWF/WWE (2002–2003)\|Mr. America]] when he was being attacked by [[Roddy Piper]] and [[Sean O'Haire]]. During the segment, Piper pulled off Gowen's prosthetic leg.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/05/16/88992.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716111843/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/05/16/88992.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 16, 2012\|title=Smackdown!: Mr. America to pay the Piper\|date=May 16, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> This began a short collaboration of Gowen and Mr. America, and a [[Feud (professional wrestling)\|feud]] pitting the two against Roddy Piper and Sean O'Haire. This storyline culminated at the [[Judgment Day (2003)\|Judgment Day]] pay-per-view on May 18 when Mr. America, accompanied by Gowen, defeated Piper, who was accompanied by O'Haire.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/05/19/90523.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719024944/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/05/19/90523.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 19, 2012\|title=J-Day just pure vomit\|date=May 19, 2003\|last=Powell\|first=John\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Gowen's partnership with Mr. America put him on bad terms with [[Vince McMahon#Creation of the Mr. McMahon character (1996–1997)\|Mr. McMahon]], as McMahon was convinced Mr. America was Hulk Hogan in disguise.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/05/23/94254.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718201704/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/05/23/94254.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 18, 2012\|title=Smackdown!: Mr. McMahon outsmarts Mr. America\|date=May 23, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/06/06/105186.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718162031/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/06/06/105186.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 18, 2012\|title=Smackdown!: Angle returns, Mysterio claims Cruiserweight gold\|date=June 6, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the June 26 episode of ''SmackDown!'', McMahon told Gowen that if he would join his "[[Vince McMahon#WCW/ECW Invasion and the brand extension (2001–2005)\|Kiss My Ass Club]]", he would be awarded a WWE contract. Instead Gowen attacked McMahon.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/06/27/121353.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719035802/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/06/27/121353.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 19, 2012\|title=Smackdown!: Vince makes Zach a deal\|date=June 27, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> As a result, Gowen and [[Stephanie McMahon]] were put in a match against [[Big Show]] on the July 3 episode of ''SmackDown!'', in what McMahon billed as the first "''real''" [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match\|handicap match]] (referring to Gowen and his [[amputee]] status in addition to the two vs. one parameters of the match). With help from both [[Kurt Angle]] and [[Brock Lesnar]], Gowen and Stephanie McMahon defeated Big Show, winning Gowen a contract.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/04/127013.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717104451/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/04/127013.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 17, 2012\|title=Smackdown!: Dream comes true for Gowan\|date=July 4, 2003\|last=Clevett\|first=Jason\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Gowen's win further fueled the ill-feelings toward him from Mr. McMahon.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/25/145606.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714222437/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/25/145606.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 14, 2012\|title=Smackdown!: Building towards Vengeance\|date=July 25, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> This [[Feud (professional wrestling)\|feud]] culminated in a one-on-one match between the two at [[Vengeance (2003)\|Vengeance]] on July 27 in which McMahon defeated Gowen.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/28/147709.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719082915/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/28/147709.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 19, 2012\|title=Angle takes Vengeance on Lesnar\|date=July 28, 2003\|last=Clevett\|first=Jason\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> ~~==Independents==~~ ~~Gowen made his [[Ring of Honor]] debut on [[October 7]], [[2006]], losing to [[Delirious (wrestler)\|Delirious]] in a match featured on ROH's video website, ROHVideos.com.~~ Gowen then lost several singles matches to wrestlers including [[Shannon Moore]], [[Nunzio (wrestler)\|Nunzio]], and [[John Cena]], with Gowen being attacked by [[Matt Hardy]], Moore's mentor, following each loss.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/08/01/151452.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714075344/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/08/01/151452.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 14, 2012\|title=Smackdown!: McMahon tests Angle, Lesnar\|date=August 1, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/08/08/156472.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715090730/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/08/08/156472.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 15, 2012\|title=Smackdown!: Angle betrayed\|date=August 8, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/08/15/161526.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720021607/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/08/15/161526.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 20, 2012\|title=Smackdown: Lesnar's bad, A-Train's worse\|date=August 15, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The storyline was cut short on the August 21 episode of ''SmackDown!'', when Gowen defeated Brock Lesnar by [[Disqualification (professional wrestling)\|disqualification]] after Lesnar broke Gowen's leg in storyline.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-smackdown-report-08-21-03/\|title=411's WWE Smackdown Report 08.21.03\|website=411Mania.com\|last=Jennette\|first=Brad\|date=August 21, 2003\|access-date=June 5, 2025}}</ref> Although Gowen has taken a hiatus from the world of televised professional wrestling to pursue his college degree at [[Eastern Michigan University]], he continues to appear in his hometown of Detroit for Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling and Independent Wrestling Revolution. He also travels and appears for independent promotions such as [[Border City Wrestling]], All American Wrestling, [[NWA Wisconsin]], Cleveland All Pro Wresting, [[Juggalo Championshit Wrestling]], IWA East Coast, and more. Gowen was absent from television for nearly a month, returning in an interview on the October 2 episode of ''SmackDown!'' promoting his in-ring return for the following week.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/03/216463.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714123614/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/03/216463.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 14, 2012\|title=Smackdown: Bad burritos, Lesnar battered\|date=October 3, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> In his in-ring return, Gowen lost to Moore following interference from Hardy, reigniting their feud.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/10/222508.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715151545/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/10/222508.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 15, 2012\|title=Smackdown! craps out\|date=October 10, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> As a result, Gowen and Hardy faced off in a singles match at [[No Mercy (2003)\|No Mercy]] on October 19, which Gowen won.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/20/231323.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715220531/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/20/231323.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 15, 2012\|title=No Mercy for WWE fans\|date=October 20, 2003\|last=Powell\|first=John\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the October 23 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Gowen lost to [[Yoshihiro Tajiri\|Tajiri]] in a singles match, and afterward was attacked by two of Tajiri's associates.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/24/235648.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715130952/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/24/235648.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 15, 2012\|title=Smackdown!: The Deadman wants to bury Vince\|date=October 24, 2003\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Gowen did not return to WWE television due to suffering an injury, and was later released from his WWE contract on February 4, 2004.<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="Wojcik"/><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_7007.shtml\|title=Torch Inside Story: Zach Gowen finished with WWE, it was only matter of time\|date=February 4, 2004\|last=Keller\|first=Wade\|author-link=Wade Keller\|access-date=April 28, 2012\|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> ~~In [[Juggalo Championshit Wrestling]] Zach Gowen is a heel and goes under the name "Dickhead" Zach Gowen.~~ ===Independent circuit (2004–present)=== ~~In AAW, he is also a part of the "Michigan Invasion" heel group along with fellow Michiganders Truth Martini, [[Nate Mattson\|"Amazing" N8 Mattson]], Eddie Venom and Brian Gorie.~~ Following his release from WWE, Gowen decided to focus on his education and work limited professional wrestling dates.<ref name="Wojcik"/> He appeared for several [[Independent circuit\|independent]] [[Professional wrestling promotion\|promotions]], including [[Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South]] (IWA Mid-South) where he played the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick\|character]] of an egotistical [[Heel (professional wrestling)\|heel]] (villain).<ref name="Wojcik"/> Gowen was part of the [[Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup]] in 2004.<ref name="Wojcik"/> In [[All American Wrestling]], he is also a part of the "Michigan Invasion" heel stable (along with fellow Michigan wrestlers Truth Martini, "Amazing" N8 Mattson, Eddie Venom and Brian Gorie). On April 14, 2007, ~~Zach~~ Gowen and his mystery partner Krotch defeated "''Michigan Invasion''" members Truth Martini and "Amazing" N8 Mattson to become new [[AAW Tag Team Championship\|AAW Tag Team Champions]].<ref name="AAW">{{cite web\|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2007-04.html\|title=Independent Wrestling Results – April 2007\|access-date=July 4, 2008\|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> They then lost the championship to Trik Davis and [[Conrad Kennedy III]] in a four-way elimination match on June 16, 2007. [[File:Handicapped Heroes.jpg\|thumb\|right\|upright\|The Handicapped Heroes - [[Gregory Iron]] (left) and Gowen - at an independent show in April 2014]] ~~=== Finishing and signature moves ===~~ In a [[circus]]-based independent wrestling promotion, Squared Circle Revue, Gowen portrays a one-legged [[boy]], under the ring name, Pogo The 1 Legged Boy.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.squaredcirclerevue.com/\|title=Squared Circle Revue\|website=Squared Circle Revue\|access-date=September 5, 2019\|archive-date=September 5, 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905080941/https://www.squaredcirclerevue.com/\|url-status=dead}}</ref> '''''Uni-Sault''''' (Top rope [[moonsault]] using his only leg) '''''Zack Attack''''' (leg drop bulldog) [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard Moonsault\|Springboard moonsault]] [[Dropkick#Single leg running dropkick\|Single leg dropkick]] Modified [[Professional wrestling holds#figure four leglock\|figure four leglock]] Modified [[Neckbreaker#Swinging neckbreaker\|Swinging neckbreaker]] (Nicknamed "Handicap Parking") Buff Blockbuster In Prime Wrestling, Gowen formed a tag team with [[Gregory Iron]] known as "The Handicapped Handguns". The duo defeated The Dead Wrestling Society in January 2013 to become the Prime Tag Team Champions. They held the championship for three months, until losing it to Marion Fontaine and Jeremy Madrox on April 19.<ref name="Primetag">{{cite web\|url=http://www.primewrestling.com/title-tag.php\|title=Title History: Prime Tag Team Championship\|access-date=August 31, 2013\|publisher=Prime Wrestling}}</ref> As the "Handicapped Heroes", Gowen and Iron also won the Clash Tag Team Championship on April 27.<ref name="Clashtag"/> On October 20, 2013, The Handicapped Heroes regained the Prime Tag Team Championship.<ref name="Prime2tag">{{cite web\|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_74048.shtml\|title=Show results – 10/20 Prime Wrestling in Parma, Ohio: Gargano becomes new Prime champion, Rhino, more\|last=Sidel\|first=Nick\|date=October 21, 2013\|access-date=October 21, 2013\|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> ~~===Nicknames===~~ '''#1 Mr.America Fan ===Ring of Honor (2006, 2008, 2010)=== '''Z Gowen made his [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) debut on October 7, 2006, losing to [[Delirious (wrestler)\|Delirious]] in a singles match. Gowen would later return to ROH on February 22, 2008, in [[Deer Park, New York]], immediately aligning himself with [[The Age of the Fall]]. On November 12, 2010, he appeared at an ROH show in [[Detroit]], where he was announced as the newest member of [[Truth Martini]]'s [[The House of Truth (professional wrestling)\|House of Truth]] faction. He teamed with [[ROH World Championship\|ROH World Champion]] [[Roderick Strong]] and [[Michael Elgin]] in a loss to the [[Briscoe Brothers]] and [[Christopher Daniels]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/13/16121711.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714233426/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/13/16121711.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 14, 2012\|title=Edwards wins 2010 'Survival of the Fittest' as ROH returns to Detroit area\|date=November 13, 2010\|last=Bishop\|first=Matt\|access-date=November 13, 2010\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> After a tag team loss to Grizzly Redwood and Bobby Dempsey at the following day's event in [[Toronto]], Elgin and Martini turned on Gowen and kicked him out of the House of Truth.<ref name=ROH111310>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1289710371\|title=11/13 ROH Results: Toronto, Ontario, Canada\|first=Steve\|last=Gerweck\|date=November 13, 2010\|access-date=November 14, 2010\|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> ===Juggalo Championship Wrestling (2007–2008; 2011–present)=== Gowen debuted in [[Juggalo Championship Wrestling]] as a part of their 2007 [[internet]] wrestling show [[Juggalo Championship Wrestling#SlamTV!\|SlamTV!]].<ref name="JCW SLAM TV, Volume 1">{{cite video\|date=September 18, 2007\|title=JCW SLAM TV, Volume 1\|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1194583\|medium=DVD\|publisher=Psychopathic Video\|___location=Royal Oak, Michigan\|access-date=June 6, 2008}}</ref> Initially a [[Heel (professional wrestling)\|villain]], his hard work ethic and wrestling abilities earned him the respect of the [[juggalo]] audience, per [[narrative thread\|storyline]].<ref name="JCW SLAM TV, Volume 1"/> Following a failed attempt to win the [[JCW Heavyweight Championship]] from then-champion [[Trent Acid]], Gowen formed the tag team Pimp & Gimp Connection with [[Human Tornado]].<ref name="JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2">{{cite video\|date=October 30, 2007\|title=JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2\|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1194584/\|medium=DVD\|publisher=Psychopathic Video\|___location=Royal Oak, Michigan\|access-date=June 6, 2008}}</ref> The team made an immediate impact and earned themselves a spot in the 8 Team [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Elimination tag team matches\|Tag-Team Elimination match]] for the [[JCW Tag Team Championship]] at [[Bloodymania (2007)\|Bloodymania]].<ref name="JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2"/> They failed to capture the championship after Gowen was eliminated by [[Doug Basham]].<ref name="JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2"/> In the following season, Gowen formed a tag team with [[Conrad Kennedy III\|Conrad Kennedy]] to compete in the JCW Tag Team Tournament for the vacant championship.<ref name="SlamTV2-1">{{cite episode\|title=Slam TV Season 2 – Episode 1\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1ph1KX5BiQ \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/m1ph1KX5BiQ\| archive-date=December 12, 2021 \|url-status=live\|series=SlamTV!\|credits=Creator and Producer: [[Insane Clown Posse]]\|___location=Toledo, Ohio\|airdate=June 16, 2008\|season=2 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> Tornado, though, saw villainous manager [[Scott D'Amore]] leaving Kennedy's dressing room and grew suspicious.<ref name="SlamTV2-2">{{cite episode\|title=Slam TV Season 2 – Episode 2\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5CKy3xgU3k \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/v5CKy3xgU3k\| archive-date=December 12, 2021 \|url-status=live\|series=SlamTV!\|credits=Creator and Producer: [[Insane Clown Posse]]\|___location=Evansville, Indiana\|airdate=July 17, 2008\|season=2}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Two weeks later, Kennedy attacked Gowen after the team lost their match against The Bloody Brothers. Human Tornado ran into the ring to save Gowen, forcing Kennedy to retreat to the stage, where Scott D'Amore met with him.<ref name="SlamTV2-4">{{cite episode\|title=Slam TV Season 2 – Episode 4\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9B7oNXlKuM \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/f9B7oNXlKuM\| archive-date=December 12, 2021 \|url-status=live\|series=SlamTV! \|credits=Creator and Producer: [[Insane Clown Posse]]\|___location=St. Louis, Missouri\|airdate=July 31, 2008\|season=2}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The following week, a match was set for [[Bloodymania II]] between Pimp & Gimp Connection and Conrad Kennedy with a mystery partner.<ref name="SlamTV2-5">{{cite episode\|title=Slam TV Season 2 – Episode 5\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT7cmP_w0nQ \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/LT7cmP_w0nQ\| archive-date=December 12, 2021 \|url-status=live\|series=SlamTV!\|credits=Creator and Producer: [[Insane Clown Posse]]\|___location=Milwaukee, Wisconsin\|airdate=August 4, 2008\|season=2}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The match, however, was scrapped after Gowen legitimately [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#No-show\|no-showed]] the event. Gowen returned to the company on March 23, 2011, where he defeated [[Jimmy Jacobs]]. He formed a tag team at Up in Smoke with [[Nick Dinsmore\|U-Gene]], who believed that he could be Gowen's second leg. Though U-Gene cost his team the match by distracting the referee, Gowen forgave him and announced that the team would wrestle again at the next event. On July 28, Gowen and U-Gene defeated the [[The Irish Airborne\|Ring Rydas]] to win the [[JCW Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="JCWTag">{{cite web\|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_51746.shtml\|title=Radican's JCW "F--- The Police" iPPV coverage 7/28: U-Gene & Zack Gowen, Rhino, Cabana, Sabu & Raven\|last=Radican\|first=Sean\|date=July 28, 2011\|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch\|access-date=July 29, 2011}}</ref> However, Gowen forfeited the championship after realizing that U-Gene cheated to win, causing U-Gene to attack him and disband the team.<ref name="JCWTag"/> Both men wrestled each other at [[Bloodymania 5]], with Gowen emerging victorious after U-Gene was caught cheating again.<ref name="JCWTag"/> === All Elite Wrestling (2025) === Gowen made his [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) debut on the May 8, 2025 episode of ''[[AEW Collision\|Collision]]'' as an audience member. During the show, he would be attacked by [[Ricochet (wrestler)\|Ricochet]], who proceeded to steal his prosthetic leg.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Sambus \|first=Theo \|date=May 8, 2025 \|title=Join 411’s Live AEW Collision Coverage \|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/join-411s-live-aew-collision-coverage-5-8-25/ \|work=411MANIA \|access-date=May 9, 2025}}</ref> On May 14 at [[Beach Break (2025)\|''Dynamite'': Beach Break]], Gowen was defeated by Ricochet.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Powell \|first=Jason \|date=May 14, 2025 \|title=AEW Dynamite results (5/14): Barnett's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Samoa Joe in a cage match for the AEW World Championship, Will Ospreay and Hangman Page vs. Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander \|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/05/14/aew-dynamite-results-5-14-barnetts-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-samoa-joe-in-a-cage-match-for-the-aew-world-championship-will-ospreay-and-hangman-page-vs-konosuke-takeshita-and-josh-alexa/ \|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net \|access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref> ==Personal life== Gowen attended [[Eastern Michigan University]], where he studied Secondary Education and Mathematics.<ref name="Wojcik"/> He has four children with his wife.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://temple-news.com/arts/2013/08/27/corrigan-wrestler-zach-gowen-reflects-on-his-wwe-career-and-future-in-the-field/\|title=Corrigan: Wrestler Zach Gowen reflects on his WWE career and future in the field\|date=August 27, 2013\|last=Corrigan\|first=John\|access-date=August 31, 2013\|work=[[The Temple News]]\|archive-date=August 31, 2013\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831072726/http://temple-news.com/arts/2013/08/27/corrigan-wrestler-zach-gowen-reflects-on-his-wwe-career-and-future-in-the-field/\|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2016, Gowen competed in the Indianapolis qualifying round of the [[American Ninja Warrior (season 8)\|eighth season]] of ''[[American Ninja Warrior]]''. He fell on the third obstacle, the fly wheels, and did not move on to the city finals. Gowen released a memoir, "High Risk Maneuvers" in 2018 and currently tours as a motivational speaker for kids.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Zach Speaks! \|url=http://www.zachgowen.com/zach-speaks \|access-date=June 10, 2024 \|website=Zach Gowen \|language=en-US}}</ref> In August 2023, He delivered a presentation titled "Don't Quit Your Daydream" at [[Western Nevada College]]. During this event, he recounted overcoming significant life obstacles, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-belief.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Young \|first1=Jaedyn \|date=August 10, 2023 \|title=Former WWE Superstar shares experiences of overcoming life obstacles with WNC students, staff \|url=https://www.carsonnow.org/08/09/2023/former-wwe-superstar-shares-experiences-overcoming-life-obstacles-wnc-students-staf \|work=Carson Now \|access-date=April 24, 2025}}</ref> ==Championships and accomplishments== '''~~All American Wrestling~~3XWrestling''' *~~AAW~~3XW ~~Tag Team~~Heavyweight Championship (1 time~~) (with Crotch, current~~) '''[[All American Wrestling]]''' *[[AAW Tag Team Championship]] ([[AAW Tag Team Championship#Title history\|1 time]]) – with Krotch<ref name="AAW" /><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/All_American_Wrestling.htm\|title=All American Wrestling Title Histories\|access-date=July 11, 2008\|publisher=titlehistories.com}}</ref> '''Blue Water Championship Wrestling''' *BWCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="OWW"/> '''CLASH Wrestling''' *CLASH Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Gregory Iron]]<ref name="Clashtag">{{cite web\|url=http://clashwrestling.com/competitors/\|title=Competitors\|access-date=September 21, 2013\|publisher=Clash Wrestling}}</ref> '''Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling''' *CAPW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/capw/\|title=Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling\|access-date=July 7, 2008\|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> '''Cleveland Wrestling Alliance''' *CWA Latino Velez Memorial Championship (1 time) '''Independent Wrestling Revolution''' IWR Tag Team Championship (1 time, with Kamikaze) IWR King of the Indies Championship (1 time) *~~TZW~~IWR Tag Team ~~Championship~~Championships (1 time,) - with ~~Super Meetsee)~~Kamikaze '''~~Midwest~~Michigan Championship Wrestling ~~United~~Association''' :~~MWU Light~~MCWA Heavyweight ~~Title~~Championship (1 time) '''~~Pro~~Mid ~~Wrestling~~American ~~Illustrated~~Wrestling''' MAW Tag Team Championships (1 time) - with [[Silas Young]] [[PWI Rookie of the Year]] Award (2003) '''Mr. Chainsaw Productions Wrestling''' [[PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year]] Award (2003) MCPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Gregory Iron<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=1136\|title=MCPW Tag Team Championship " Titles Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database\|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> '''Others''' '''Prime Wrestling''' CAPW Jr. Heavyweight Champion (1 time) Prime Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Gregory Iron<ref name="Primetag"/><ref name="Prime2tag"/> '''Pro Wrestling All-Stars Of Detroit''' PWASD Downriver Championship (1 time) PWASD Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Gregory Iron<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.cagematch.net/en/?id=5&nr=2284\|title=PWASD Tag Team Championship " Titles Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database\|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' [[PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year]] (2003)<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiinsp.htm\|access-date=July 27, 2008\|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Inspirational Wrestler of the Year\|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813033906/http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiinsp.htm\|archive-date=August 13, 2011}}</ref> [[PWI Rookie of the Year]] (2003) '''Pro Wrestling Syndicate''' PWS Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Gregory Iron<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bedofnailz.com/pwsroster.html\|title=Pro Wrestling Syndicate roster\|access-date=March 5, 2015\|publisher=Pro Wrestling Syndicate\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317230650/http://www.bedofnailz.com/pwsroster.html\|archive-date=March 17, 2015\|url-status=live}}</ref> '''Pure Pro Wrestling''' *PPW Michigan State Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.facebook.com/ppwpower/photos/a.453155551372004/1139597249394494/?type=3 \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/201474633206765/1139597249394494 \|archive-date=February 26, 2022 \|url-access=limited\|title=Pure Pro Wrestling\|website=www.facebook.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> '''Twin Wrestling Entertainment''' *Nacho Cup (2006) '''Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling''' XICW Light Heavyweight Championship (3 times)<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=637\|title=XICW Light Heavyweight Championship " Titles Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database\|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> XICW Xtreme Intense Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=639\|title=XICW Xtreme Intense Championship " Titles Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database\|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> *XICW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jaimy Coxxx<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=640\|title=XICW Tag Team Championship " Titles Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database\|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist\|30em}} [http://www.obsessedwithwrestling.com/profiles/t/tenacious-z.html Profile at OWW] [http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2003_/articles/1061304155.php Interview at Lords of Pain] ==External links== {{~~MySpace~~Commons category\|~~id=zachgowen\|name=~~Zach Gowen}} {{~~imdb~~IMDb name\|id=1324906\|name=Zach Gowen}} [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/z/zach-gowan.html Online World of Wrestling profile] *[http://www.zachgowen.com Official Zach Gowen Website] {{AAW Tag Team Championship}} ~~[[Category:American professional wrestlers\|Gowen, Zach]]~~ {{Juggalo Championship Wrestling employees}} ~~[[Category:Total Nonstop Action Wrestling alumni\|Gowen, Zach]]~~ ~~[[Category:American amputees\|Gowen, Zach]]~~ ~~[[Category:People from Detroit\|Gowen, Zach]]~~ ~~[[Category:People from Livonia, Michigan\|Gowen, Zach]]~~ ~~[[Category:1983 births\|Gowen, Zach]]~~ ~~[[Category:Living people\|Gowen, Zach]]~~ {{DEFAULTSORT:Gowen, Zach}} ~~[[it:Zachary Gowen]]~~ [[Category:1983 births]] [[Category:American amputees]] [[Category:American male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Contestants on American game shows]] [[Category:Eastern Michigan University alumni]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People from Melvindale, Michigan]] [[Category:People from Plymouth, Michigan]] [[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]] [[Category:AAW Tag Team Champions]]