Ex-WWE Superstar Zach Gowen Says He Was Fired Due To ‘Maturity Issue’

WWE signed one-legged wrestler Zach Gowen in 2003, and he had a brief stint on the blue brand. The 40-year-old was involved in feuds with some of the biggest names on television at the time, including Vince McMahon and Brock Lesnar. It appears he also commented on why WWE fired him.

Brock Lesnar had reverted to being a full-fledged heel, regularly targeting SmackDown’s babyfaces by August 2003. On August 19th, 2003, during a SmackDown taping, he met Zach Gowen in a singles competition and viciously beat him up in front of his mother.

Due to this, Gowen won against The Beast Incarnate by disqualification. Despite his memorable run, Gowen was released from his WWE contract in early 2004, which fans found shocking.

While speaking on a recent episode of The False Finish, Zach Gowen talked about his release from WWE. Gowen attributed it to his inability to be professional in the company. He also revealed that he had a meeting with Head of Talent Relations Jim Ross at WWE HQ in Stanford, CT where he was fired.

“It was just a culmination of my behavior and my inability to be a professional, and to handle the responsibility of a WWE Superstar. It’s really that simple — my behavior, actions, and attitude led me to being released.

He let me know, ‘It’s not a talent issue, it’s a maturity issue.’ It was almost fatherly the way he sat me down and told me I’m getting fired. I’ll always remember that and thank Jim Ross for that.”

Zach Gowen also believes his match with Brock Lesnar is one of the most violent in WWE history. Regardless, Gowen is happy with his life outside of pro wrestling now and that’s all that matters.

What’s your opinion on this story? Did you enjoy Zach Gowen’s time in WWE? Let us know in the comments!