“Thank You”: Fans in Disbelief as Triple H’s Close Friend and WWE Legend Seemingly Retired on AEW Collision 30 Years After Being in the Business

In a shocking turn of events, the latest edition of AEW saw Billy Gunn leave his wrestling boots in the ring, hinting at his retirement. Gunn has been in the wrestling business for three decades now. Wrestling fans from the Attitude Era are no strangers to his contribution to Degeneration X, alongside Triple H and Shawn Michaels. After spending years in WWE as a backstage mentor and trainer, Gunn jumped ship and joined Tony Khan’s company as a wrestler once again. 

However, on Collision, a visibly shaken Billy Gunn unlaced his boots in the middle of the ring after losing a title match against The House of Black, alluding that he is done with wrestling. The incident blurred the lines between storyline and reality, as the fans were in shock after what they witnessed. 

Did Billy Gunn just retire?

During Saturday Night’s AEW Collision, The Acclaimed vied for the AEW Trios Championship against The House of Black. The Acclaimed made their way to the ring, with Max Caster spitting bars on drugs in the White House and YouP*rn. However, their entrance was rudely cut short when House of Black members attacked The Acclaimed at the entrance ramp before the bell. 

After the match officially started, all the Acclaimed members were less than 100 percent, thanks to the sneak attack from House of Black. But, during the closing moments, Billy Gunn tagged himself in and brought the fight to Malakai Black and Buddy Matthews. However, his momentum halted as he received a devastating clothesline from Brody King. 

This allowed Malakai Black to deliver a wounding spinning heel kick and pin “Daddy A*s” for the win. Following the match, Billy Gunn seemed shaky at best, as he began to undo his laces. Although the fans got louder and louder with the “you still got it” chants, Gunn left his boots in the ring and stormed his way backstage, brokenhearted. 

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By the looks of things, it’s conspicuous that Billy Gunn is inching closer to the end of his wrestling career. Even if this was a storyline segment, Gunn’s actions sparked a reaction from wrestling fans. They concoct their own theories about the impending end of the legend’s career. 

“Didn’t expect to be witnessing this” AEW fans react to Gunn teasing his retirement

Let’s face it, even at 59 years of age, Billy Gunn is built like a Greek God. However, he is visibly not as athletic between the ropes as he once was. Naturally, the time comes for everybody to call it a career. And now it seems that Billy Gunn is ready to cap it off. 

As heartbreaking as it was, fans were quick to appreciate the years Gunn dedicated to the wrestling industry. 

Considering how unpredictable Tony Khan’s booking is, this may very well be a storyline. But the fact it portends his imminent retirement cannot be ruled out.

As noted above, Gunn is still in phenomenal shape but age is catching up.

Aside from fans, his son Colten Gunn thanked his father for his years in the business.

Only time will reveal if what we saw in the ring was part of a storyline or if it was real. Nevertheless, at 59, it is time for Gunn to retire and enjoy the fruits of his successful wrestling career. At this point, it would be surprising if Gunn goes to WWE and works for his fellow DX member, Triple H. Let’s not forget, Gunn has had his fair share of differences with The Game, though they are good friends in real life. 

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What are your thoughts on Billy Gunn’s retirement? Comment below!