Today in the WWE, you see many different types of wrestlers, from those big in size, like Triple H’ and the Undertaker, to those who are small, yet swift, like Rey Mysterio and Spanky.’ But until now, there has never been a one-legged wrestler.’ Yes, it’s true wrestling fans, and his name is Zach Gowen, the newest (one-legged) addition to the WWE.
I couldn’t believe it myself when, on July 3rd, while watching Smackdown, a kid with only one working leg appeared.’ At first, I thought that perhaps this was a joke.’ It wasn’t.’ He was especially skillful for someone of his condition, but then again, he was the main attraction of the night, and it was only his first match yet.’ Later that month, he was featured in a pay-per-view event, where he challenged the big boss, Vince McMahon.
‘ Gowen possesses something that no other wrestler does.’ At the age of eight, he was diagnosed with cancer.’ His left leg was subsequently amputated so as to prevent the cancer from spreading.’ Now, he uses a prosthetic leg, but removes it to wrestle.
Already, he has become a mega-star, going up against prominent wrestlers such as Vince McMahon, Brock Lesner and the Big Show.’ So what does this kid have that others don’t?’ Only the drive to show everyone that although he is a one-legged wrestler, he can be as good as the best of them.
Every week on Smackdown, wrestling fans watch as Gowen is crushed by those such as Brock Lesner who, only last week, broke Gowen’s good leg. Then as it was healing, Lesner threw him down the stairs in his wheelchair.’ Are they using this kid as a joke? Are they really serious that he can be a WWE wrestler, doing everything the other wrestlers can?’ As I see it, no.’ He may be a good wrestler, but that’s hard to notice when he is getting beaten every week.’ To me, this is only a joke.’ When I picture wrestlers who can fight and are strong, I just don’t see Gowen. It’s great that he is trying to prove everyone’s theories about one-legged wrestlers wrong, but he might as well give up, because, face it, some people were meant to do this and some were not.’ I love wrestling, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to run out and become a wrestler.
I wonder what his parents feel about seeing their son, who has just gotten through cancer, on TV every week looking like a joke.’ I know I would be embarrassed.’ Wouldn’t you?
Well, Gowen, good luck.’ You are definitely going to need all the help you can get. Hopefully, the WWE will change him from a wrestler to a’ lighting guy backstage or some other more suitable role.
For any comments or ideas on wrestling stories, write to me at [email protected].
