Zach Gowen announces retirement, cites AEW moment as highlight
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 16, 2026, 12:30 AM
Last updated Oct 16, 2026

Zach Gowen, the former WWE star, has announced his retirement from professional wrestling. His career spanned 24 years and included notable matches in WWE against Brock Lesnar, John Cena, and Big Show. Gowen highlighted his best moment in the ring occurred at an AEW event, where he performed in front of family after overcoming personal struggles, including drug addiction. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received throughout his career and emphasized the support of fans, which helped him rebuild his life and passion for the sport.
- •Gowen's career lasted 24 years across major wrestling promotions.
- •He faced challenges including drug addiction before his retirement.
- •His retirement announcement was made via Facebook.
- •Gowen's favorite moment was wrestling in AEW with family present.
- •He expressed gratitude for fan support throughout his career.
- 12:30 AMCageside Seats — Former WWE star Zach Gowen announces retirement, says his best career moment was in AEW
- 9:57 PMWrestling Inc — Former WWE Star Zack Gowen Announces Retirement
"During his brief WWE stint in 2003, Zach Gowen wrestled against the likes of Brock Lesnar, John Cena, and Big Show. He saved Hulk Hogan from an attack by Roddy Piper. The famous one-legged star even lost a PPV match against Vince McMahon. Fast forward over 20 years and his prosthetic leg was ripped off by Ricochet in AEW. Gowen battled drug addiction along the way, but his pro wrestling career now has a happy ending. Here is his retirement announcement on Facebook, where he explains why his favorite career moment happened in AEW. “First promo pic and last promo pic! My in-ring career has come to an end. Thank you to every promoter who gave me an opportunity to wrestle. I’ve had the privilege of performing for every major company over the past 24 years. Special thank you to the fans for not rejecting me. Pro wrestling provided a direction and outlet for a very lost kid. All I ever wanted to be was a professional wrestler and I accomplished that solely because you accepted me not as a sideshow act but as a legitimate pro wrestler. I’m deeply grateful. The best moment of my career was wrestling for AEW in front of my wife, kids, and parents. That was the cherry on top after burning my career to the ground as a result of my crippling drug addiction then having the opportunity to not only rebuild my life but my passion then sharing that with the world while enjoying every second of it. My victories are not the result of my talents but ultimately the result of God working through others allowing them to pour into and invest in me. I am the luckiest guy in the world.” What are you favorite memories of Zach Gowen in the ring? Let me know in the comments below, Cagesiders.
"After 24 years as the most famous one-legged wrestler in the business, Zach Gowen has hung up his boot and retired from wrestling.
Sources
External links- Cageside SeatsOct 16, 2026, 12:30 AMFormer WWE star Zach Gowen announces retirement, says his best career moment was in AEW
During his brief WWE stint in 2003, Zach Gowen wrestled against the likes of Brock Lesnar, John Cena, and Big Show. He saved Hulk Hogan from an attack by Roddy Piper. The famous one-legged star even lost a PPV match against Vince McMahon. Fast forward over 20 years and his prosthetic leg was ripped off by Ricochet in AEW. Gowen battled drug addiction along the way, but his pro wrestling career now has a happy ending. Here is his retirement announcement on Facebook, where he explains why his favorite career moment happened in AEW. “First promo pic and last promo pic! My in-ring career has come to an end. Thank you to every promoter who gave me an opportunity to wrestle. I’ve had the privilege of performing for every major company over the past 24 years. Special thank you to the fans for not rejecting me. Pro wrestling provided a direction and outlet for a very lost kid. All I ever wanted to be was a professional wrestler and I accomplished that solely because you accepted me not as a sideshow act but as a legitimate pro wrestler. I’m deeply grateful. The best moment of my career was wrestling for AEW in front of my wife, kids, and parents. That was the cherry on top after burning my career to the ground as a result of my crippling drug addiction then having the opportunity to not only rebuild my life but my passion then sharing that with the world while enjoying every second of it. My victories are not the result of my talents but ultimately the result of God working through others allowing them to pour into and invest in me. I am the luckiest guy in the world.” What are you favorite memories of Zach Gowen in the ring? Let me know in the comments below, Cagesiders.
- Wrestling IncOct 15, 2026, 9:57 PMFormer WWE Star Zack Gowen Announces Retirement
After 24 years as the most famous one-legged wrestler in the business, Zach Gowen has hung up his boot and retired from wrestling.
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