Billy Gunn Details Thought Process Behind Joining The Acclaimed In AEW

Billy Gunn's pairing with Max Caster and Anthony Bowens as The Acclaimed might not have made sense on paper, but after the angle started rolling, Gunn leaned heavily into his Attitude Era character and became "Daddy A**" while their stable exploded in popularity amongst AEW fans. Speaking on "Inside the Ropes," Gunn explained the genesis of the group.

"I still have equity in this business, so [putting] me with them, it kind of makes people take notice a little bit," Gunn said. The veteran joked that he might come off as arrogant, but he genuinely believes his inclusion legitimized Caster and Bowens. "The Acclaimed wasn't just me — it was all three of us. It was just — everything just kind of fell into place." 

Gunn fondly recalled their shared entrance, which saw Caster rapping, Bowens calling out the hometown, and him joining them all to "scissor" taunt at the end. Gunn acknowledged that fans were originally confused by the taunt, but the people eventually got it. "I am a parent's worse nightmare. Like, the first half of my career I'm pointing at my crotch, and the second half I'm 'scissoring' people — like a lesbian!" he exclaimed.

In recent years, Gunn seems to have heavily drawn back on his in-ring appearances, competing on occasion outside of AEW. His last match for his former promotion took place on "AEW Collision" back in January. 

Both Caster and Bowens have since parted ways with AEW, with Caster specifically being at the center of controversy after debuting in TNA and being cut loose due to the content of his pre-match rap. Caster then announced his hiatus from wrestling shortly after.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "Inside The Ropes" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.