Featured Article Billy Gunn

This article was taken the February 2001 edition of the WWF magazine. The article was written by Aaron Williams. The article and pictures are the property of WWFE.

The One and Only

Ask "The One" Billy Gunn who the best athlete in the World Wrestling Federation is, and you're sure to get only one answer: "The One." Now, ask any other Superstar who the best athlete in the Federation is, and you'll also get only one answer: "The One" Billy Gunn. Of course, there is more to success in the Federation than just being a great athlete, but Billy Gunn's nine year stint in the WWF speaks for itself. A former hardcore champion and eight time Tag Team champion as well, "The One" certainly ranks as one of the all time greats in Federation history. Yet for all his success and popularity, Billy Gunn has rarely sat down with the press to discuss his personal and professional life. This month, however, he agreed to speak with World Wrestling Federation Magazine and comment on his relationship with his former D-Generation X partners, the devastating shoulder injury that nearly ended his career, the great tag teams of his past, and other subjects ranging from his favorite television show to his thoughts on Kurt Angle.

WWF Magazine: You're often referred to as "the best pure athlete in the World Wrestling Federation." Is there any validity to that moniker?

"The One" Billy Gunn: There is nobody in this company who can give me a game in any sport. Everyone knows that I am the best athlete in the World Wrestling Federation. I am Mr. Athlete... Mr. Can-Do-Anything... Mr. Can-Go. Everyone tries to compete with me, but nobody can. I'm extremely athletic. Kurt Angle has been yapping his trap about taking me on in a bunch of different sports, but he's yet to prove anything to me. He couldn't beat me in anything. They say that he's the most celebrated athlete and being a real athlete are two different things

WWF Magazine: Does it bother you that all of the other Superstars are always comparing themselves to you?

"The One" Billy Gunn: That's always been the thing around here. Everybody tries to compete with me because they know what a gifted athlete I am. [My Talent] is just something that I was blessed with. When I set my mind to do something, I can do it. So no, It doesn't really bother me.

WWF Magazine: In your nine years in the Federation, who is (are) the tough opponent(s) you have ever faced?

"The One" Billy Gunn: When Bart [Gunn] and I first came here as the Smoking Gunns, we were put in there with the Headshrinkers -- Fatu [Now Rikishi] and Samu. They are absolutely the toughest guys I've ever  had to face in the ring. These guys were absolutely nasty.

WWF Magazine: You are an eight-time Tag Team champion and have wrestled with a lot of great Superstars. If you had to pick your best partner overall, who  would that be?

"The One" Billy Gunn: Without a shadow of doubt, Road Dogg Jesse James. Even if I were to tag with somebody else, there will never, ever be another tag team like the New Age Outlaws. The NAO accomplished so much and did so much -- we were single-minded, like one person instead of two. There are no tag teams that were or are as together as we were. We were always on the same page. 

WWF Magazine: Is there a chance that you might reunite with Road Dogg?

"The One" Billy Gunn: There's going to be a reunion, but not the kind of reunion that everyone would like to see. Road Dogg and DX made a big mistake... and mark my words they'll all get what's coming to them in due time. For now, yo may see us on the same side. After nearly a year away, I can be patient. AS for an NAO reunion, Road Dogg and I are like brothers. but even brothers have their spats. He made an error in judgement, and when he realizes it --- and pays for it--- there's a chance we might get back together.

WWF Magazine: After the Dudley Boyz and DX destroyed your shoulder, did you ever think that your career might be over?

"The One" Billy Gunn: Absolutely. The doctor who worked on my shoulder had three of his assistants come in and watch the surgery because it was the worst [rotator cuff] tear he has ever seen. I don't think people understand the extent of my injury. I was worried for a bit, but I ended up coming back three months early. When people tell me things like  You may never wrestle again, I just don't believe them. Six years ago, I broke 2 discs in my neck, they told me I wouldn't be back. when you put those kids of thoughts in my head... when some doctor tells me that I won't be back for a year to that it might be over, that never sits well with me. All it means to me is that I'll have to work harder to prove them wrong. and that's what I did.

WWF Magazine: What do you think of the Dudleyz? Do you harbor any resentments towards them?

"The One" Billy Gunn: They came to the Federation trying to make a name for themselves, but they did it with the wrong guy. What goes around comes around. They will get theirs. When I get a hold of them, they'll wish they never met me.

WWF Magazine: If you were not competing in the Federation, what would you be doing?

"The One" Billy Gunn: Pursuing some type of acting career. I love the spotlight and every time I go out there I give 110%. But I really think I'd be acting in some way.

WWF Magazine: Does "The One" have any weaknesses?

"The One" Billy Gunn: I guess if I had to come up with something it would be that since things come so easily for me that I sometimes get bored with things. That's the reason that I've been in the World Wrestling Federation for nine years, because this is something that is extremely challenging to me and I learn something new every single day.

WWF Magazine: As an authority on backsides, what do you think of Rikiski's posterior?

"The One" Billy Gunn: It's fat, ugly and disgusting. What else can you say about it?

WWF Magazine: Since coming back from your shoulder injury, you have been spending a lot of time with Chyna. Are you just good friends or should our readers read something more into it than that?

"The One" Billy Gunn: Chyna and I are just good friends. As a matter of fact, we're like best friends. We've always been together, and we will probably always will be. Everyone knows that when DX was tight, we were the tightest of the group.  If either one of us ever needs the other's help , we'll be there for each other. Now if anyone wants to read something more than that into our relationship, well you never know...

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