When Zach Gowen stepped back into the wrestling spotlight on AEW Dynamite this past May, the one-legged wrestler wasn’t worried about ring rust or performing after decades away from television. His biggest concern? Whether anyone would even remember who he was.
The Fear of Being Forgotten
During a candid conversation on Hey! (EW) with RJ City, Gowen opened up about the anxiety he felt leading up to his AEW appearances. The vulnerability in his admission struck a chord that many wrestlers can relate to – the fear of irrelevance.
“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.”
It’s a legitimate concern when you consider the wrestling landscape has completely transformed since Gowen’s last major television exposure. Entire promotions have risen and fallen, new stars have been born, and wrestling fans have experienced generational shifts.
Ricochet Provides the Perfect Welcome Back
Gowen’s AEW journey began with high drama on the May 8 episode of Dynamite. Ricochet, looking to make his own statement in AEW, confronted the returning wrestler in a moment that immediately grabbed attention. The confrontation escalated when Ricochet crossed a line that few wrestlers would dare – stealing Gowen’s prosthetic leg.
This shocking angle served multiple purposes. It reintroduced Gowen to modern audiences while establishing Ricochet as a ruthless competitor willing to exploit any perceived weakness. For wrestling fans familiar with Gowen’s inspiring story, the moment carried extra emotional weight.
Historic Return to Television Wrestling
Six days later, Gowen stepped through the ropes for his first televised match since the Bush administration. The May 14 Dynamite episode featured his in-ring debut against Ricochet, marking exactly 22 years since his last TV appearance – a staggering gap that few wrestlers ever bridge successfully.
While Gowen ultimately lost the match to Ricochet, the real victory was simply being back on national television. The performance proved that despite the lengthy absence, he could still deliver when the lights were brightest.
From WWE Phenom to Independent Grinder
Gowen’s wrestling journey reads like a Hollywood script. He burst onto the WWE scene in July 2003 as a teenager with one leg and unlimited heart. Over eight months, he worked 16 matches for the company, sharing the ring with legends and creating unforgettable moments before his February 2004 release.
After leaving WWE, Gowen didn’t disappear entirely. He remained active on the independent wrestling circuit, grinding it out in smaller venues and keeping his passion alive. His AEW match represented his first bout of 2025, showing he’s still selectively choosing his spots.
The Grind Continues
Gowen’s AEW appearance wasn’t a one-and-done nostalgia trip. He returned to action on June 1 for CLASH Wrestling, proving that his television comeback has reignited his competitive fire. At this stage of his career, every match feels significant and purposeful.
The wrestling business has always been about capturing lightning in a bottle, and Gowen’s AEW run accomplished exactly that. He reminded longtime fans why they fell in love with his story while introducing himself to viewers who never witnessed his original WWE run. Whether this leads to more high-profile appearances or represents a perfect bookend to his television career, only time will tell – but isn’t that uncertainty part of what makes wrestling so compelling?
