Ex-WWE Star Says An ‘Inability To Be Professional’ Led To His Release

WWE

A popular former WWE star has reflected on his release from the company, citing a lack of professionalism as a major reason why the company made the decision to let him go.

In mid-2003 the first and only one-legged star in WWE history Zach Gowen made a major splash on the SmackDown brand, finding himself immediately embroiled in a rivalry with Vince McMahon and interacting with stars such as Brock Lesnar and Big Show.

However, despite Gowen’s early rise and memorable time in WWE, it was ultimately extremely short lived, being released by the company in February 2004 less than a year after joining.

Gowen recently appeared on The False Finish Podcast and discussed his time in the company, with the 40-year-old reflecting on why he feels he was let go so-soon after his debut.

Gowen explained:

“It was just a culmination of my behavior and my inability to be a professional, and to handle the responsibility of a WWE Superstar.

“It’s really that simple — my behavior, actions, and attitude led me to being released.”

After competing at Vengeance 2003 in a marquee match against Vince McMahon, Gowen would only appear on one more WWE pay-per-view, that being No Mercy 2003 where he earned his sole singles win against Matt Hardy.

Gowen continued:

“So, me and Matt, we were friendly, we got along great.

“We do our match at the pay-per-view, which, I think, was my only win in WWE. Two nights later, on SmackDown, I get concussed — I am knocked out.

“My hands go into the fencing pose, and this was before concussions were really a thing. So, they sent me to the hotel, I remember lying in my bed … the whole room is spinning and my head is hurting, not knowing where I’m at.”

Gowen explained that he had fell in love with a girl at the time in Detroit and didn’t want to move far away for that reason, leading eventually to a meeting with Head of Talent Relations Jim Ross at WWE HQ in Stanford, CT where he was fired.

Despite the disappointment Gowen appreciated JR’s sincerity in his conversation with him, with the Hall of Famer leaving the door open for a return, he explained:

“He let me know, ‘It’s not a talent issue, it’s a maturity issue.’

“It was almost fatherly the way he sat me down and told me I’m getting fired. I’ll always remember that and thank Jim Ross for that.”

Following his WWE release Gowen competed on the independent scene, notably appearing for major promotions TNA and Ring of Honor.

The 40-year-old remains active to this day, last competing in May for SFC Lucha Detroit.

Transcript courtesy of WrestlingINC

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• Zach Gowen
• Release
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