Former WWE Star Feared Fans Wouldn’t Recognize Him In AEW Debut

WWE/AEW

A former WWE star has opened up about his AEW debut, and his fears that fans wouldn’t recognise him ahead of his appearances.

Zach Gowen’s recent AEW run saw him confronted by Ricochet on the May 8 Dynamite episode, leading to Ricochet stealing Gowen’s prostetic leg.

Gowen made his AEW in-ring debut on the May 14 episode, losing to Ricochet on his first TV match in 22 years.

Speaking with RJ City on Hey! (EW), Gowen noted that he was afraid that he wouldn’t be recognised during his AEW appearances.

Opening up about his experience, Zach Gowen noted:

“No. I was afraid people wouldn’t recognize me because I haven’t been on television in 22 years. So there’s a whole new generation of fans that have zero idea who I am.”

Gowen made his WWE debut in July 2003 and wrestled 16 matches for the company ahead of his release in February 2004.

Zach Gowen’s AEW match marked his first bout of 2025, after previously being active on the independent scene.

He has since returned to the ring, competing on June 1 for CLASH Wrestling.

For the latest AEW updates and news stories, click here.

Transcription via Fightful. 

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• Zach Gowen
• Debut
• AEW
• wwe

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