Former WWE star Shelton Benjamin has made a bold claim, naming current AEW star and WWE Hall of Famer Billy Gunn as the greatest athlete to ever step inside a wrestling ring. In a recent interview with “WhatCulture Wrestling,” Benjamin elaborated on his admiration for Gunn, emphasizing the Hall of Famer’s enduring athleticism and remarkable work ethic.
Benjamin’s High Praise for Billy Gunn
Shelton Benjamin, known for his own athletic prowess during his time in WWE, described Billy Gunn as a “monster of a man” who continues to impress even in the later stages of his career. Benjamin’s recognition of Gunn’s abilities comes from years of watching him compete at the highest level. The former WWE United States Champion acknowledged Gunn’s capacity to outwork anyone in the business, which is why he believes Gunn is the best.
“To me, I think the greatest athlete to ever enter into pro wrestling is Billy Gunn. The thing is, Billy Gunn, to this day, can out bump anybody, he can outwork anyone. I can’t think of a better athlete, and like I said, I think he’s number one and I’m number two. So, shoutout to Billy Gunn because you are the freaking man,” Benjamin said.
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Benjamin’s high praise didn’t stop there. He compared Gunn to a certain Marvel superhero to emphasize his physical presence. “He’s the Hulk. We made this analogy one time about Billy Gunn, we say, when you see Billy Gunn on TV, it’s like seeing David Banner. But when you meet him in person, you realize he’s actually the Hulk. That’s how we view Billy Gunn, ’cause he’s a monster of a man.”
Reflections on Shelton Benjamin’s Early WWE Career
In the same interview, Benjamin shared how, early in his wrestling career, he felt he had to cover up most of his muscle and often seemed like a smaller-sized wrestler during his first run in WWE. “I covered up when I first got there. But honestly, I always felt like a little guy to the point where, when I actually left WWE and I started doing indies, even when I went to Japan, a lot of people did not realize how big I was. They thought I was like a 100-200 pound guy, and I’m like, absolutely not. Like, no, I’m a little bigger.”
The Legacy of Billy Gunn in Professional Wrestling
Billy Gunn’s legacy in professional wrestling is undeniable. As a member of the New Age Outlaws, D-Generation X, and other legendary stables, Gunn’s career has spanned decades, and he’s continued to compete at a high level even in AEW. His longevity and versatility make him a standout in the wrestling world, and Shelton Benjamin’s comments underscore the respect Gunn commands among his peers.
With Shelton Benjamin recognizing Gunn as the greatest athlete in pro wrestling, fans and industry insiders may take a moment to appreciate Gunn’s remarkable career and ongoing contributions to the sport. Gunn’s status as a WWE Hall of Famer and his continued success in AEW serve as a testament to his skill, dedication, and enduring athleticism.
