MANILA, Philippines – Professional wrestler Zach Gowen may have only one leg, but he has proven on numerous occasions that his condition isn't going to hold him back from accomplishing the physical feats he sets his mind to.
Gowen, the first one-legged competitor in professional wrestling, joined the season 8 qualifiers of NBC’s reality television competition “American Ninja Warrior” in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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The 33-year-old native of Ypsilanti, Michigan took off his artificial leg and waved it at the crowd before undertaking the grueling obstacle course, expertly negotiating several features of the contest to euphoric applause.
However, he was eliminated after failing to pass the third obstacle, dropping backwards into a pool of water.
Gowen is the fifth professional wrestler to compete in the “Ninja Warrior” course as 7-time IWGP heavyweight kingpin Hiroshi Tanahashi, former IWGP junior heavyweight champion Kota Ibushi, Tiger Mask IV and The Great Sasuke made appearances on the show’s Japanese counterpart “SASUKE”.
Gowen, who was diagnosed with cancer as a child and lost his left leg due to amputation at the age of 8, had a short run in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), feuding with Vince McMahon, Brock Lesnar and Matt Hardy.
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After being released by WWE, Gowen strutted his wares in various sports-entertainment promotions, including Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, Ring of Honor and Juggalo Championship Wrestling. – Rappler.com