Billy Gunn, known for his ongoing career with All Elite Wrestling and as a WWE Hall of Famer, recently spoke about his wrestling journey and the lasting influence of the D-Generation X faction in a conversation on the No Holds Barred podcast with Rob Wong from the Toronto Sun and wrestling journalist Jan Murphy. Gunn highlighted the faction’s importance, emphasizing its place in wrestling history.
From The Smoking Gunns to New Age Outlaws and DX Stardom
Gunn, born Monty Kip Sopp, began his tenure with the World Wrestling Federation in 1993 as part of The Smoking Gunns alongside Bart Gunn. After that team ended, he partnered with Jesse James, better known as Road Dogg, to form the New Age Outlaws. This duo achieved great popularity and secured several championships before joining forces with Triple H, Chyna, and X-Pac to relaunch D-Generation X after WrestleMania XIV in 1998.
This reformed DX played a vital role in the WWE’s Attitude Era by engaging in major storylines that often pushed the envelope, including a dramatic on-screen invasion of rival promotion World Championship Wrestling’s Monday Nitro broadcast. Throughout this period, the New Age Outlaws captured the WWE Tag Team Championship six times, solidifying their prominence.
Hall of Fame Induction Celebrates DX’s Historical Impact
In 2019, WWE honored the significance of D-Generation X by inducting the faction into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 35 weekend at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The honor included six members: Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chyna, X-Pac, Road Dogg, and Billy Gunn himself. This recognition celebrated the collective achievements and cultural impact of the group.
Billy Gunn’s Thoughts on DX’s Place in Wrestling History
Gunn shared his personal feelings regarding the Hall of Fame induction and what it represents for his legacy.
“It’s amazing just to go into the Hall of Fame with those guys, because we did some iconic stuff,”
he said.
“I’m just truly lucky, because as long as wrestling is around, or is doing its wrestling thing, I will always be remembered because we did, D-Generation X was probably, in my opinion, because I’m the one doing this… is the best faction of all time, because we just did some great iconic stuff. We did stuff that nobody else thought of or wanted to do.”
Gunn emphasized how the group’s innovative approach helped set them apart from other wrestling factions.
He also recalled the enjoyment of reuniting with the faction members during the induction ceremony.
“The Hall of Fame was fun because it was just about all of us getting to do our thing, shooting my little water rocket that went nowhere, and just having that thing together again,”
Gunn reflected.
“Because when we’re all together, we don’t have to think about it. We’re just what it is. We’re degenerates, and we like to act like that in front of people.”
Continued Involvement in Wrestling Through AEW and The Acclaimed
Though inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame, Gunn remains an active presence in professional wrestling beyond WWE, having joined All Elite Wrestling at its debut in 2019. Initially working behind the scenes as a producer and coach, he later returned to wrestling on-screen and currently performs alongside Max Caster and Anthony Bowens as part of the trio The Acclaimed, who are former AEW World Trios Champions. Gunn’s ongoing career reflects his enduring passion and influence within the industry.
Significance of DX’s Enduring Influence and Gunn’s Legacy
D-Generation X’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame confirms its profound impact on wrestling’s landscape, particularly during the Attitude Era, a pivotal time for WWE’s growth. Billy Gunn’s outspoken belief that DX is the greatest wrestling faction underscores their creative legacy and cultural resonance within the sport. As Gunn continues competing and mentoring younger talent in AEW, his experiences with DX provide historical context and inspiration for current and future generations of wrestlers.
