Billy Gunn reveals the brainchild behind The New Age Outlaws in WWE
Very few professional wrestlers define longevity. One among them is WWE Hall of Famer Billy Gunn. He is currently signed to AEW, where he works alongside The Acclaimed. Gunn recently spoke about the origin story of The New Age Outlaws.
While Gunn's current run in the Tony Khan-led promotion has been nothing short of phenomenal, older fans know him from his time in WWE. Between 1997 and 2000, the 60-year-old and "Road Dogg" Jesse James were collectively called The New Age Outlaws. Interestingly, the duo was also a part of the legendary stable, D-Generation X.
As part of the faction, the tandem enjoyed much success, sharing the screen with legends like Chyna, X-Pac, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H.
In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Billy Gunn spoke candidly about several aspects of his illustrious pro wrestling career. He also opened up about the formation of The New Age Outlaws, revealing that Vince Russo came up with the duo's iconic moniker.
“I think Vince Russo. I’m not 100% sure. So Brian [Road Dogg] was wrestling somebody in a singles match, [and] I was on commentary. If I could find it, I would go back because I’m sitting there and JR pitches something to me like, 'Hey, so I hear you guys are calling yourself The New Age Outlaws,'" Gunn said.
Billy Gunn initially thought that The New Age Outlaws was a "stupid" name
Billy Gunn learned that he and Road Dogg would be called The New Age Outlaws when he was calling a match. He seemingly had no idea about the tag team's moniker beforehand. The news was broken to him by Jim Ross, and he soon got confirmation about it from then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Initially, Gunn found the name "stupid" but gradually made peace with it. In the same conversation with Chris Van Vliet, the Hall of Famer said:
"And I go, 'Yeah, that’s the stupidest name I’ve ever heard. Don’t ever say that again.' And Vince buzzes me in my ear. He goes, 'Hey, that’s your new name.' Hey, this is a good place for me to know that like maybe just buzzed me before, but things happen like that, you just go at the moment, right?"
The New Age Outlaws are former WWE Tag Team Champions. Furthermore, Gunn has held the AEW World Trios Championship with Max Caster and Anthony Bowens.