Athletes - Zach Gowen

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	Athletes - Zach Gowen

Zachary Mark Gowen, normally Zach Gowen, (born March 30, 1983 in Detroit, Michigan) is a former American professional wrestler. He wrestled for the SmackDown! brand of World Wrestling Entertainment in 2003.

Career

Gowen was diagnosed with cancer as a child. Because of that, he lost his leg at the age of 8. It was a necessary move: according to his doctors and parents, had the amputation not been done, they were not sure what would have happened to young Zach.

Zach was determined to become a wrestler since he was a young child, and he spent a good portion of his teenage years training towards that goal. On March 16, 2002, he finally achieved his dream, when he debuted in the Independent Wrestling Revolution, losing to Truth Martini. On April 26 of that year, he earned his first win, over Almighty Ray.

He first gained national exposure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as Tenacious Z before leaving soon thereafter for World Wrestling Entertainment. While in the WWE, wrestling under his own name, he was involved in an angle with Vince McMahon, Roddy Piper and Mr. America (a masked Hulk Hogan). Gowen even wrestled McMahon on pay-per-view. On July 31, 2003, Gowen was the object of a feature report on WWE SmackDown!. Gowen also challenged the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in his hometown before being released from the company in February 2004.

On May 15, 2005, Gowen made his return to TNA at their Hard Justice Pay-per-view event, as the second entrant in the 20-Man Gauntlet for the Gold match. He did not win, however, lasting just under five minutes in the ring before being eliminated by Shark Boy. He left the promotion once again later than year.

Gowen walks with a prosthesis and claims he can wrestle with or without it. However, he wrestles most of his matches without it due to the inherent marketability of seeing a one-legged wrestler compete. Known for his high-flying ability as well as his "one-legged" moonsault, Gowen was a fan favorite simply for the spectacle.

As of December 2005, Gowen has decided on taking a hiatus from the world of wrestling to pursue work and school.

Profile

Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight: 154 lbs
Birthday: March 30, 1983
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Trained By: Truth Martini
Professional Debut: March 16, 2002
Previous Identities: Zach Gowan, Zach Gowen, Tenacious Z

Finishing and signature Moves

Split/One-legged Moonsault (normal moonsault but named due to his missing leg)
Asai Moonsault
Dropkick
Modified Figure Four Leglock

Championships and accomplishments

Independent Wrestling Revolution

1-time IWR Tag Team Champion (with Kamikaze)
1-time IWR King of the Indies Champion
1-time TZW Tag Team Champion (with Super Meetsee)

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

PWI Rookie of the Year Award (2003)
PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler Award (2003)

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Zach Gowen ]

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