Zach Gowen Almost Signed With TNA Before Being Convinced To Join WWE

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 almost signed with TNA before joining WWE.

Brock Lesnar had returned to being a full-fledged heel, regularly targeting SmackDown’s babyfaces by August 2003. On August 19th, 2003, during a SmackDown taping, he faced off against Zach Gowen in a singles match and brutally 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 simply could not believe.

While speaking on a recent episode of The False Finish, Zach Gowen revealed that he almost signed with TNA before Truth Martini convinced him to wait for WWE.

He [Martini] looked at me and he goes, ‘Zach don’t sign, whatever you do, don’t sign. I go, ‘What the hell are you talking about? How the hell am I not going to sign a contract?’ He goes, ‘Listen, I promise you this, WWE will call within the week, so do not sign.

Jeff said, ‘Listen, Zach, we can’t match that money, there’s no way. We’re a brand new company, we’re young, we’re trying to grow. But listen, if you stay with TNA, I promise you that we will take care of you in terms of your character.”

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!