WWE Hall of Famer Billy Gunn recently shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story about the formation of one of WWE’s most iconic tag teams, The New Age Outlaws. Known for their incredible run during the Attitude Era, Billy Gunn and Road Dogg, collectively The New Age Outlaws, held the WWE Tag Team Championships five times at their peak and had a nostalgic title run in 2014. However, the origin of their team name has always been a bit of a mystery. In a candid interview on Chris Van Vliet’s “Insight” podcast, Gunn shed light on how the name came about and his initial reaction to it.
The Unveiling of The New Age Outlaws
During his conversation with Van Vliet, Gunn recalled the moment he learned about the name that would define his career with Road Dogg. Gunn attributed the creation of the name to Vince Russo, though he admitted he wasn’t entirely certain. “I think Vince Russo, I’m not 100% sure,” Gunn stated. He vividly remembered the specific incident where the name was introduced.
“Brian [Road Dogg] was wrestling somebody in a singles match, and I was on commentary. JR [Jim Ross] pitched something to me like, ‘Hey, so I hear you guys calling yourselves the New Age Outlaws,’ and I immediately thought, ‘Yeah, that’s the stupidest name I’ve ever heard. Don’t ever say that again,'” Gunn recounted with a laugh.
Vince McMahon’s Influence
Gunn’s candid reaction didn’t sit well with the boss. Vince McMahon quickly intervened. “Vince buzzes me in my ear and he goes, ‘Oh hey, that’s your new name,'” Gunn shared. This directive from McMahon left no room for debate, and The New Age Outlaws were officially born.
Jim Ross and the First Mention
The first public mention of The New Age Outlaws happened on the December 15, 1997, episode of “WWF Raw Is War.” Gunn was providing commentary for Road Dogg’s match against Dude Love when Jim Ross introduced the team’s new name. Interestingly, because the show was taped, Gunn’s initial dismissive reaction was edited out. Instead, viewers saw a version where Gunn appeared to embrace the name, even claiming he had come up with it himself.
A Legacy Cemented
Despite Gunn’s initial hesitation, The New Age Outlaws went on to become one of the most celebrated tag teams in WWE history. Their unique chemistry, charismatic personas, and undeniable talent resonated with fans worldwide, making their matches must-see events during the Attitude Era. The duo’s ability to adapt and remain relevant was demonstrated in 2014 when they captured the WWE Tag Team Championships once again, proving their timeless appeal.
Stephen’s Insight
Billy Gunn’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the wrestling industry, where creative decisions can come from unexpected places and names that initially seem “stupid” can become legendary. It’s a reminder of the collaborative effort behind the scenes that contributes to the success of wrestling personas and storylines.
