Jim Ross admits WWE could have done more with former AEW champion
AEW star Billy Gunn is a textbook example of longevity. At the age when most wrestlers retire, he is in astounding shape and also a priced asset for the Tony Khan-led company. Moreover, he is a former AEW World Trios Champion with Max Caster and Anthony Bowens.
The 60-year-old has been with AEW since the promotion's inception. However, he is best known for his time in WWE. He won the 1999 King of the Ring tournament but unlike previous winners such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Triple H, and more, the contest did not elevate his career to greater heights. Even though he won titles such as the Hardcore Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the WWE Tag Team Championship, the Stamford-based company never put the WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Championship on him.
The underutilization of Billy Gunn was a subject of conversation in a recent episode of Jim Ross' Grilling JR podcast. The 72-year-old legendary commentator stated that WWE could have done much more with the former Intercontinental Champion.
"I don't know that we ever got everything out of Billy Gunn that he deserved and that we could have done more positive things with. You're not going to get anybody that looks better, that's bigger, stronger, faster, got a great physique, knew how to work, so physical. He had all the pieces, but for some reason, the powers that be just never developed the confidence in Billy that he probably deserved, quite frankly," Jim Ross said.
Billy Gunn is still going strong at the age of 60 and he seemingly is in no mood of hanging up his boots.
AEW star Billy Gunn on his passion for pro wrestling
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling's Riju Dasgupta last year, former WWE Superstar Billy Gunn explained how he was still competing at the top level.
"I think you just said it right there, it’s the passion you have for this business. I look at it this way: If I’m still gonna go out there in little-bitty lips shorts and high heel white boots? I might wanna look kinda good! So, I don’t wanna look like a slob when I go out there, that just isn’t Billy Gunn! That just isn’t him," Billy Gunn said.
Billy Gunn has two sons, Colten and Austin Gunn, who are both wrestlers and currently signed to AEW.