Ex-pro wrestler shares life story at WNC

Zach Gowen has definitive moments in his life where he could have just given up and resigned himself to an unhappy and disconnected existence. But Gowen told an audience in Western Nevada College’s Carson Nugget Hall on Aug. 8 that his mom motivated him to resume pursuing his dream of becoming a professional wrestler.

Gowen’s powerful presentation of “Don’t Quit Your Daydream” was arranged for WNCs College Readiness Education for Students in Transition program, but many others on campus turned out to listen to his motivational life of overcoming obstacles and not giving up.

Gowen found many people in attendance that empathized and related to the struggles that he went through early in his life. Despite losing his left leg to cancer as an 8-year-old and his dad leaving his family when he was 4, Gowen dreamed of his promising future, and he dreamed big: becoming the first professional wrestling star with one leg.

However, by the time he was in high school, Gowen was told by too many of his classmates that he was crazy and not capable of wrestling professionally. Unfortunately, Gowen started to believe his naysayers. Fortunately, his mom intervened when the 17-year-old became depressed and resigned.

Gowen listened to his mother and attended wrestling school. Only 19 at the time, he was contacted by a WWE representative about joining the professional ranks.

He signed a three-year contract, debuted with Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper, then went on to wrestle John Cena, The Big Show, Brock Lesnar and Vince McMahon.

He developed a huge following among fans on social media and became the WWE superstar he dreamed about as an 8-year-old. But pro sports careers don’t last forever.

The married father of four, however, did possess a powerful story, message and perspective to share with young people. He has worked with more than 200,000 students, parents and teachers across the country as an empowerment speaker.

WNCs Diversion, Equity and Inclusion Committee joined DSS in presenting Gowen’s appearance on Tuesday. To learn more about WNCs programs, visit https://wnc.edu/dss/index.php.

For information, call 775-445-4459 or email Trist at susan.trist@wnc.edu.