A Perfect Fit

By Keith Elliot Greenberg for WWF Magazine March 2002 

As wrestling matches go, the clash between Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo last October had little impact on the memories of fans. But the lives of the two combatants were changed considerably by the encounter. 

Each man had a specific agenda when he stepped into the ring for the contest on Sunday Night Heat. After a series of frustrations, Gunn was adamant about proving that he was a viable competitor to Edge, Test, RVD and others, who'd been monopolizing the headlines. For Palumbo, his goal was dominating his more famous opponent as a way to underscore his value to the World Wrestling Federation.

Once the bell rang, it was clear that the two were evenly matched. Gunn hit Palumbo with a shoulder block, but the youngster didn't fall. Then, both superstars tried executing a dropkick at the same time. "The One" followed with a powerslam and swinging neckbreaker. Palumbo delivered a belly-to-belly suplex. Gunn tried his storied Fame-ass-er, but it was blocked. Finally Palumbo delivered a powerful kick and scored the pin on Gunn.

When it was over, the two shook hands in the dressing room, and spoke for the first time. Gunn conceded that his opponent had fought the better fight. Palumbo admitted that if they met again, it was likely that "The One" would come out on top. Gunn complimented Palumbo on his strength. Palumbo praised Gunn's ingenuity between the ropes. 

Instead of requesting a rematch, both athletes began thinking as the other as a potential tag team partner. Now, that plan has come to fruition. While Gunn and Palumbo appeared aimless alone, as teammates, they believe that they're destined for glory.

Palumbo had a brief taste of fame in the old World Championship Wrestling (WCW) when he teamed with Sean O'Haire. The duo was a rising force and even won the organization's tag team titles before the organization was sold. But after WCW and ECW merged into the Alliance, Palumbo felt lost in the shuffle. Now, with Gunn, Palumbo believes he has a knowledgeable ally who can help lead him into the spotlight.

By contrast, Gunn is a performer who has already enjoyed the fruits of celebrity in the World Wrestling Federation. He and his brother Bart Gunn were WWF Tag Team Champions. Later, he discarded his signature cowboy hat to align himself with Road Dogg in the outrageous New Age Outlaws. The tandem also captured the titles several times, and generated controversy wherever they traveled. While Gunn went on to achieve success as a singles competitor, winning the 1999 King of the Ring tournament and the Intercontinental Championship in November 2000, he later began to lose focus.

A partnership with Big Show went nowhere. Gunn later disclosed that he was unable to relate to the giant, both personally and professionally. There is no such obstacle with Palumbo. Gunn claims that he sees much of himself in the youthful superstar, and Palumbo has helped him rekindle an enthusiasm for championship-level combat.

Palumbo has told friends that he feels "honored" to collaborate with an individual he'd long admired. In the past, he divulges, he monitored Gunn's success and, periodically, felt jealous of his achievements, but no longer. From now on, he says, whenever Gunn a new career landmark, Palumbo will be at his side, sharing his splendour.

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