Billy Gunn

Biography

Monty Kip Sopp, known by his ring name Billy Gunn, was born on November 11, 1963, in Orlando, Florida. Before his wrestling career took off, Gunn was a professional bull rider, participating in rodeos around the United States.

Career History and Evolution

Billy Gunn started his wrestling career in the late 1980s, initially wrestling under his real name. He made his way into World Championship Wrestling (WCW) before moving to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1993. He initially competed as part of the tag team The Smoking Gunns with his “brother,” Bart Gunn, where they held the WWF Tag Team Championships three times.
Gunn’s career saw a significant evolution when he became part of the controversial and highly popular stable, D-Generation X (DX), alongside Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and others. As a part of DX, Gunn adopted the moniker “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn and saw immense popularity.
Post-DX, Gunn had a singles run, even winning the 1999 King of the Ring tournament. He also formed a successful tag team with Road Dogg, dubbed The New Age Outlaws, one of the most popular and successful tag teams in WWE history.

Titles Won and Biggest Matches

Billy Gunn is a multi-time Tag Team Champion, holding the WWF Tag Team Championship multiple times with both Bart Gunn and Road Dogg. As a singles competitor, he held the WWF Intercontinental Championship and the WWF Hardcore Championship.
Some of his most significant matches include his Hardcore Championship match with Hardcore Holly at WrestleMania 2000 and his numerous tag team championship matches as part of The New Age Outlaws. His singles match with The Rock at Summerslam 1999 following his King of the Ring win is also quite memorable.

Biggest Rivalries and Tag Team Partners

Gunn had several notable rivalries throughout his career, including with The Rock, Eddie Guerrero, and Triple H. His tag team partnerships were a defining part of his career, first with Bart Gunn as The Smoking Gunns, and later with Road Dogg as The New Age Outlaws.

Family Life

Billy Gunn is married to Paula Sopp, and they have two sons, Colten and Austin, both of whom have followed their father’s footsteps into the world of professional wrestling.

Finishing Move, Clothing, and Entrance Music

Billy Gunn’s finishing move, the “Fameasser,” is a jumping leg drop bulldog maneuver which he has used to secure many victories.
In terms of attire, Gunn is known for his trunks and bandanas, often featuring a lip print design as a callback to his “Mr. Ass” gimmick during his time in DX.
Gunn’s most recognizable entrance music is the theme song of D-Generation X, “Break It Down” by the Chris Warren Band, and “Ass Man” by Jim Johnston, used during his singles run.

Legacy

Billy Gunn continues to contribute to the wrestling industry, working as a coach in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and occasionally wrestling alongside his sons. His longevity in the industry, his dynamic personality, and his in-ring ability have solidified his place as a memorable figure in professional wrestling.