Billy Gunn, WWE Hall of Famer and current AEW wrestler, has opened up about the factor that will ultimately influence the timing of his retirement. Speaking during a recent fan Q&A session at the For The Love of Wrestling convention in Manchester, Gunn connected his departure to his sons’ readiness to carry on their careers independently. His reflections highlight the deep personal and professional ties within his family’s wrestling journey.
Insight into Gunn’s Career and His Sons’ Progress
At the event, hosted by SoCal Val, the veteran athlete discussed his physical health, his long-standing career in professional wrestling, and the promising advancement of his sons, Austin and Colten Gunn. The brothers perform in AEW as the tag team The Gunns, establishing their own reputations through persistent effort rather than relying on their father’s legacy. Billy Gunn emphasized the importance of their individual commitment to the sport.
“It’s not my genes, it’s their work ethic,” Gunn said. “They work for everything they got. And I appreciate when I hear most people come up and talk about them, which is amazing to me, because they are extremely talented. They are going to be huge stars.” – Billy Gunn, AEW performer and WWE Hall of Famer
Retirement Hinges on Sons’ Independence in Wrestling
The grappler revealed that his future decisions about retirement revolve around when Austin and Colten no longer require his support. He expressed that his presence in the ring will continue until they reach a point of complete self-sufficiency in their wrestling careers.
“As soon as they do that, I can retire because they won’t need me anymore,” Gunn said. “Every time I see them, I go, ‘Can I retire today? Now? How about now? Now?’ But not yet.” – Billy Gunn
Emotional Moments Watching His Sons Perform
Watching his sons compete evokes strong emotions for Gunn, who admitted the experience often brings him to tears of pride. These moments underline the emotional weight behind his decision-making about continuing to wrestle.
“Half the time I’ll see, if you can’t see, I’m sitting on the side crying like a big baby, watching my kids run,” he said. – Billy Gunn
Current Roles and Future Impact
With over three decades in professional wrestling, Billy Gunn currently balances performing in AEW and mentoring upcoming wrestlers. His ongoing dedication to both roles reinforces his commitment to the sport and to helping the next generation, including his sons, succeed. This connection underlies the significance of his retirement plan, which remains closely linked to their development and independence.
