Latest news with #Gowen
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Superstar To Make AEW In-Ring Debut
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Zach Gowen, known for his inspiring WWE run as the first one-legged professional wrestler, is set to make his official in-ring debut for All Elite Wrestling. He will face "The One and Only" Ricochet at the upcoming AEW Dynamite: Beach Break special on May 14, 2025. This highly match follows a recent shocking incident on AEW Collision. Gowen, who was in attendance with his family, was brutally attacked by Ricochet, who callously used Gowen's prosthetic leg as a weapon. In response to the controversial assault, AEW President Tony Khan announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Gowen would receive an opportunity for retribution. This Dynamite: Beach Break encounter will mark Gowen's first wrestling match since October 2024. This Wednesday, May 14 Chicago, IL 8pm ET/7pm CT, on TBS + Max Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite Beach Break@KingRicochet vs @ZachGowen After Ricochet assaulted Zach Gowen in front of his family on #AEWCollision tonight, they'll fight 1-on-1 at Beach Break Dynamite THIS WEDNESDAY! — Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) May 9, 2025 Gowen's journey in wrestling is remarkable, having overcome childhood cancer, which led to the amputation of his left leg. He first captured mainstream attention during his memorable, albeit brief, tenure with WWE in 2003-2004. His WWE debut on SmackDown in May 2003 was unforgettable; introduced as a fan, he came to the aid of Mr. America (Hulk Hogan) during an attack by "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Sean O'Haire. The segment famously saw Piper remove Gowen's prosthetic leg, instantly establishing his courageous character. TOKYO,JAPAN - JUNE 29: Ricochet and Cesaro compete during the WWE Live Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 29, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. TOKYO,JAPAN - JUNE 29: Ricochet and Cesaro compete during the WWE Live Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 29, 2019 in Tokyo, news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This led to a prominent storyline where Gowen allied with Mr. America against Vince McMahon. He notably refused to join Mr. McMahon's "Kiss My Ass Club," culminating in a singles match between them at the Vengeance pay-per-view in July 2003. Gowen also "earned" his WWE contract by teaming with Stephanie McMahon to defeat The Big Show in a unique handicap match, with assistance from Kurt Angle and then-WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. During his time, he also faced Lesnar in a series of intense, one-sided encounters that highlighted Lesnar's dominance. Despite facing other top stars like Matt Hardy and John Cena, WWE released Gowen in February 2004. He has since attributed his short run to immaturity at the time, though he left an indelible mark as an inspirational figure. Now, years later, Gowen steps back onto a major national stage in AEW. His match against the high-flying Ricochet is part of a loaded Dynamite: Beach Break card. The same show will also feature AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defending against Samoa Joe in a steel cage match. Additionally, Will Ospreay will team with "Hangman" Adam Page against Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander, and a Women's World Title eliminator four-way will occur. The wrestling world will be keenly watching as Zach Gowen seeks redemption against Ricochet. It remains to be seen if the veteran can overcome the aggressive tactics of his opponent in this deeply personal AEW debut. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Axios
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
San Antonio's Síclovía returns to Broadway six years later
Síclovía, San Antonio's open streets, car-free event, is making its long-awaited return to Broadway on Sunday, marking the first time the route has been used since 2019. Why it matters: Síclovía temporarily shuts down streets to cars, giving San Antonians a unique opportunity to play outside and connect with the community. Driving the news: Previously a biannual event organized by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, Síclovía is now held annually in the spring. The route changes based on construction and permit availability, which is why Broadway hasn't been used since 2019. Last year's event took place on North St. Mary's Street. Construction on lower Broadway, which is part of the route, finished in October. Flashback: Síclovía debuted on Broadway in 2011 as San Antonio's version of Ciclovía, a tradition that started in Bogotá, Colombia, more than 30 years ago. What they're saying: Along with being the birthplace of Síclovía, the Broadway route has long been a crowd favorite due to its flat terrain and access to parks, Shannon Gowen, vice president of marketing and communications for the YMCA, tells Axios. "We do a survey after every event, and everybody always asks us to go back to Broadway. That's their favorite route every single time," she says. How it works: The 2.2-mile stretch of Broadway from Parland Place to McCullough Avenue will be car-free from 9am-3pm for the event, which will be from 10am-2pm. It's a non-competitive event, with no start or finish lines and no registration required. Attendees choose how they want to enjoy the path, whether it's walking, biking, skateboarding or more. Five "Reclovías," or activation zones, will feature activities like Zumba, vendors, and group exercises along the route. By the numbers: 1.1 million people have participated in Síclovía since 2011. Nearly 60% of attendees cite physical activity as their main reason for attending. 47% say they would otherwise be inactive indoors. 39% report being more active since attending, according to Síclovía's post-event survey. What we're watching: Where Síclovía will roll next. While Broadway has been a staple, it's not yet confirmed to be a route in 2026, Gowen says.
