Billy Gunn Declares D-Generation X the Greatest Faction in Wrestling History
WWE Hall of Famer Billy Gunn recently asserted his belief that D-Generation X (DX) stands as the greatest faction in professional wrestling history. Gunn shared his thoughts during an appearance on the “No Holds Barred” podcast with the Toronto Sun’s Rob Wong and Postmedia wrestling writer Jan Murphy.
From The Smoking Gunns to DX
Monty Kip Sopp, known to fans as Billy Gunn, began his career in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1993 as one half of The Smoking Gunns alongside Bart Gunn. After the duo disbanded, he formed the Novel Age Outlaws with Jesse James (“Road Dogg”). The New Age Outlaws’ success led to their alignment with Triple H, Chyna, and X-Pac, forming the second iteration of D-Generation X following WrestleMania XIV in 1998.
The Attitude Era and DX’s Impact
D-Generation X became a defining force during WWE’s “Attitude Era,” known for its rebellious attitude and high-profile storylines. A notable moment included an on-screen “invasion” of World Championship Wrestling’s (WCW) Monday Nitro broadcast. The New Age Outlaws themselves captured the WWE Tag Team Championship on six occasions.
Hall of Fame Recognition
WWE formally recognized DX’s lasting impact on the industry by inducting the faction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019. The induction ceremony took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, during WrestleMania 35 weekend. The inducted members included Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chyna, X-Pac, Road Dogg, and Billy Gunn.
Gunn Reflects on the Hall of Fame and DX’s Legacy
“It’s amazing just to go into the Hall of Fame with those guys, because we did some iconic stuff,” Gunn stated. He further expressed his opinion that “D-Generation X was probably… the best faction of all time, because we just did some great iconic stuff. We did stuff that nobody else thought of or wanted to do.” Gunn also fondly recalled the Hall of Fame ceremony as a chance for the group to authentically embody their characters one last time.
“The Hall of Fame was fun because it was just about all of us getting to do our thing, shooting my little water rocket that went nowhere, and just having that thing together again,” Gunn recalled. “Because when we’re all together, we don’t have to think about it. We’re just what it is. We’re degenerates, and we like to act like that in front of people.”
Continued Career in AEW
Despite his WWE Hall of Fame status, Gunn has continued to be a presence in professional wrestling. He joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019, initially working as a backstage producer and coach before returning to an on-screen role. He currently performs alongside Max Caster and Anthony Bowens as part of The Acclaimed, a trio that previously held the AEW World Trios Championship.