Former WWE star deals with TV wrestling returns after 20 years

wwe/aew

The former WWE star has been working on returning to television wrestling after more than 20 years apart ahead of his AEW in-ring debut.

On the May 8 episode of AEW Collision, Ricochet Square arrives at former WWE star Zach Gowen, laughing at him and his son.

When security was involved, Ricochet attacked the servants of Order, attempting to deliver an improvised haircut to one of the numbers.

Thankfully, Gowen was on hand to confuse Ricochet’s attitude, but only to receive being kicked to the ground along with the AEW star trying to steal the man’s prosthetic leg.

Now a “youth engagement expert,” Gowen breaks his silence after the attacks he suffered and thanks the fans who remembered him.

The previous WWE name was tweeted:

“I haven’t been part of the National TV Wrestling Program in 22 years. I would like to thank those who remembered me!!! I have never forgotten to do it either.

“The magic of wrestling is still very much alive in my soul. I’m grateful to be able to share it again.”

The AEW clash last night wasn’t Gowen’s last clash, but Tony Khan revealed that a match with Ricochet was set to Dynamite Beach Break.

In a Twitter post, Khan confirmed that Gowen will make his in-ring AEW debut on the May 14th beach break episode Tweeting: Tweeting.

“After Ricochet attacks Zack Gowen in front of his family at tonight’s #AewCollision, they’ll be fighting 1-1 at Beach Break Dynamite this Wednesday!”

Gowen last appeared on the XICW 24 DA Hard Way in October 2024, teaming up with Caden Monroe and DBA to defeat Aod, Jaimy Coxxx and Royce Carney III.

Gowen, who made his WWE debut in May 2003, will be released on a contract in February of the following year.

He previously stated that his “incompetence of the pro” was a factor in his WWE release.

Wednesday, May 14th
Chicago,
8pm ET/7pm, TBS + MAX
Wednesday night #aewdynamite
Beach Break@kingricochet vs @zachgowen
After Ricochet attacks Zach Gowen in front of his family #aewcollision tonight,
They will be fighting 1-1 at Beach Break Dynamite this Wednesday! pic.twitter.com/epgnbnkdmh
– Tony Khan (@tonykhan) May 9, 2025