Billy Gunn, a name synonymous with wrestling fans, has had a storied career spanning multiple wrestling promotions. While many remember him for his time in WWE as a member of D-Generation X and more recently in AEW as “Daddy Ass,” a significant chapter of his career unfolded in TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling) from 2005 to 2009. During this period, Gunn, also known by various monikers such as The Outlaw, Kip James, and Cute Kip, became the only male member of the popular faction, The Beautiful People, alongside Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, and Madison Rayne.
In a recent interview on “Insight with Chris Van Vliet,” Gunn opened up about his time in TNA, reflecting on both the challenges and the highlights. He revealed that his stint in TNA coincided with a difficult period in his life, which affected his ability to fully appreciate his time there. Despite these personal struggles, Gunn found solace and enjoyment in his role with The Beautiful People, a faction that allowed him to embrace a philosophy he continues to live by in AEW: to have fun above all else.
“I love the girls, The Beautiful People were amazing,” Gunn shared. “Trying to do it again with Brian, Road Dogg … it was something we tried to recreate, but when I was with the girls, it was so much fun because they made it fun. It wasn’t just me, like they put me with them for a reason, it was just kind of window dressing at that point, but the girls had complete faith in me. They believed, for me, they knew if they had questions or wanted to do something, I wouldn’t just do anything, it’s never about me, it’s just not like that.”
Gunn’s time with The Beautiful People was marked by a unique dynamic. As the only male member, he initially felt like an add-on but soon realized there was a deeper reason for his inclusion. The trust and respect he shared with his female counterparts were pivotal in creating a cohesive and successful group. “The girls trusted me full-on,” he said. “They knew they could ask me anything or talk to me about something. It was never on me (I made f—-g sure of that). That is appropriate for our team and us in the ring.”
This bond and mutual respect were crucial in navigating the challenges they faced as a faction. Gunn emphasized how the group’s respect for one another and their collaborative efforts contributed to their success. “We were always considering one another and working together for a better future,” he noted. This camaraderie and shared vision were instrumental in making The Beautiful People one of the most memorable factions in TNA history.
Gunn’s reflections on his time with The Beautiful People also highlight the importance of having fun and enjoying the journey, a philosophy he continues to embrace in AEW. His current role in AEW, where he performs under the ring name Daddy Ass and is a member of The Acclaimed, aligns with this outlook. Gunn’s ability to find joy in his work and foster positive relationships with his colleagues has been a consistent theme throughout his career.
While Gunn’s tenure in TNA was not without its challenges, his time with The Beautiful People stands out as a period of growth and enjoyment. The faction’s success was not just a result of their in-ring performances but also the strong bonds and mutual respect they shared. Gunn’s experience with The Beautiful People serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of having fun in one’s work.
As Gunn continues to make his mark in AEW, his reflections on his time in TNA offer valuable insights into his journey as a professional wrestler. His ability to navigate personal challenges, build strong relationships, and maintain a positive outlook has been key to his enduring success in the wrestling world. For fans of Billy Gunn, his time with The Beautiful People remains a cherished chapter in his storied career, one that exemplifies the importance of trust, respect, and having fun in the world of professional wrestling.
Source: Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Wrestling Inc.
