Former WWE wrestler Zach Gowen recently discussed his debut in AEW, expressing concerns that fans might not recognize him. On the May 8th episode of AEW Dynamite, Gowen faced Ricochet, who notably targeted Gowen’s prosthetic leg during the match. Gowen made his AEW in-ring debut on the May 14th episode, where he lost to Ricochet, marking his first televised match in 22 years.
In an interview with RJ City from EW, Gowen shared his worries about being unrecognized by a new generation of wrestling fans, stating, “No. I haven’t been on TV for 22 years and I was worried that people wouldn’t recognize me. So there’s a whole new generation of fans who aren’t thinking about who I am.” Gowen initially debuted in WWE in July 2003 and competed in 16 matches before being released in February 2004. His recent AEW appearance was his first match in 2025, after spending time wrestling independently.
Following his AEW return, Gowen also competed for Clash Wrestling on June 1st. For the latest AEW news, keep an eye out for updates and articles.
Fan Take: Zach Gowen’s AEW debut is significant as it bridges wrestling history with the present, introducing a legendary figure to younger audiences. His presence in AEW could inspire more veterans to make impactful comebacks, enriching the sport’s diversity and storytelling.