Max Caster recently expressed his desire to see Billy Gunn, the WWE Hall of Famer, reunite with his former group, the Gunn Club, in AEW. This proposed reunion would bring back Billy Gunn alongside his sons Austin and Colten Gunn, rekindling a stable that had formed when Billy first arrived in AEW. The idea of a reunion highlights the evolving relationships within AEW’s roster and could impact the current dynamics in the promotion.
Originally, Billy Gunn was paired with his sons Austin and Colten as The Gunn Club, but tensions rose when the sons turned heel and distanced themselves from their father after he aligned with The Acclaimed. Subsequently, The Gunn Club members found themselves at odds, leading to a strained rivalry rather than a partnership. While there had been hints of a possible reunion when The Acclaimed joined forces with the Bang Bang Gang, betrayals fractured those alliances. Recently, Billy Gunn’s relationship with Max Caster and Anthony Bowens of The Acclaimed has deteriorated further.
During an episode of Hey! (EW), Max Caster was asked about what he would like to see from Billy Gunn next. Caster responded with enthusiasm for the possible reunion of the Gunn Club, saying,
“I think he would be, you know, great with Austin and Colten when he’s ready, and it would be like a Gunn Club reunion, which would be awesome.” Max Caster, AEW Wrestler
The Strained Partnership Between The Acclaimed
The Acclaimed, made up of Max Caster and Anthony Bowens, had been one of AEW’s most popular tag teams, known for their entertaining presence and chemistry in the ring. However, changes in Caster’s attitude led to a rift between the duo, culminating in their split several months ago. Following the breakup, both wrestlers faced each other in singles competition, with Bowens defeating Caster on two occasions.
Despite their differences, The Acclaimed reunited on the September 27 episode of AEW Collision to face the team known as The Swirl. During the match, Bowens attempted to withdraw mid-contest but was persuaded by AEW official Jerry Lynn to stay and finish. The team ultimately emerged victorious, but the tension between Bowens and Caster remains unresolved.
In a post-match interview, Anthony Bowens revealed frustration over being compelled to team up again with Caster, stating,
“I was put in this tag match against my will by Jerry Lynn. I was threatened my [sic] money. I was threatened a suspension. I got bills to pay. I got a mortgage to pay. I gotta redo my parents’ house, and a guy like Jerry Lynn is trying to take money out of my pocket. All for this nostalgia. For me to go and join Max. I don’t wanna do it. I didn’t ask for it,” Anthony Bowens, AEW Wrestler
Impact of Reunions and Rivalries on AEW’s Landscape
The ongoing tension between members of The Gunn Club and The Acclaimed reflects the shifting alliances and rivalries that are shaping AEW’s current narrative. A reunion involving Billy Gunn and his sons could reinvigorate the tag team division, offering fresh storylines and renewed fan interest. It could also influence Billy Gunn’s trajectory within AEW, positioning him once more alongside his family rather than against them.
Meanwhile, the friction between Max Caster and Anthony Bowens serves as a reminder that even popular duos can face internal struggles, particularly when external pressures and management decisions interfere. Bowens’ candid remarks about being forced to team again suggest unresolved issues that could influence future story arcs.
As AEW continues to develop its roster stories and character dynamics, the potential for a Gunn Club reunion carries significance beyond nostalgia. It may redefine relationships, restore fractured bonds, and affect AEW’s tag team scene in meaningful ways. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if these storylines evolve toward reconciliation or deepen existing conflicts.
