Billy Gunn Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 14, 2024
Billy Gunn Then
Monty Kip Sopp, better known to wrestling fans as Billy Gunn, was born on November 1, 1963, in Orlando, Florida.
Growing up in Oviedo, Florida, Sopp showed an early interest in sports, particularly in bull riding.
While attending Oviedo High School, he trained as a bull rider and competed in events organized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
His passion for bull riding continued into his early 20s when he achieved some success in the sport.
However, Sopp eventually decided to shift his focus from rodeo to professional wrestling, driven by his desire to pursue a career in the squared circle.
Billy Gunn Wrestling Career
Billy Gunn’s professional wrestling career began in earnest after he left his bull riding career behind.
He was trained by veteran wrestler Jerry Gray and spent several years honing his skills on the independent circuit.
His early wrestling career included a brief stint with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) before he signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1993.
Sopp made his WWF debut as Billy Gunn on May 17, 1993, teaming with his on-screen brother Bart Gunn to form “The Smoking Gunns.”
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The duo quickly made a name for themselves, winning the WWF Tag Team Championship multiple times and becoming a staple of the tag team division.
Their success continued as they faced various opponents and achieved significant victories, including wins at King of the Ring and SummerSlam.
Gunn’s career saw several notable phases, including his transition to the “Rockabilly” gimmick and later his role as part of “The New Age Outlaws” alongside Road Dogg.
The Outlaws became a dominant force in the tag team scene, capturing multiple championships and engaging in memorable feuds.
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Gunn’s career also included stints in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he briefly used the name “The New Age Outlaw” and participated in various storylines.
In 2019, Gunn was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of D-Generation X, recognizing his contributions to professional wrestling.
Later, he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a coach and continued to make appearances both as a wrestler and in other capacities.
Throughout his career, Billy Gunn has accumulated a total of 14 championships in WWE and remains a significant figure in the wrestling world.
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Billy Gunn Wrestling Competition
- World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) (1993–2004) (2012–2015)
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) (2005–2009)
- All Elite Wrestling (AEW) (2019–present)
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) (2016–2017)
- TWA Powerhouse (2010–2011)
- Preston City Wrestling (PCW) (2016)
- Smashmouth Pro Wrestling (2016)
- Pro Wrestling Pride (2016)
Billy Gunn Wife
Billy Gunn, born Monty Kip Sopp, married his first wife, Tina Tinnell, in 1990.
The couple welcomed two sons during their marriage, Colten and Austin, both of whom have followed in their father’s footsteps and are now professional wrestlers with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Despite the early success in their family life, Gunn and Tinnell’s relationship faced challenges, leading to their separation in 2000 and finalizing their divorce in December 2002.
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After his divorce, Gunn found love again and married his long-time girlfriend, Paula, on January 24, 2009.
Their union marked a new chapter in Gunn’s personal life, with Paula supporting him through both his wrestling career and subsequent ventures.
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Billy Gunn Now
As of now, Billy Gunn, whose real name is Monty Kip Sopp, is 60 years old.
Renowned for his dynamic career in professional wrestling, Gunn currently performs under the ring name “Daddy Ass” in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
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He is not only a wrestler but also a coach for the promotion, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to the role.
In AEW, Gunn is an integral part of The Acclaimed, serving as both their manager and a six-man tag team partner.
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His involvement with The Acclaimed highlights his continued influence and presence in the wrestling world, bridging the gap between his storied past and current achievements in the sport.
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FAQs
No, Billy Gunn has not retired. He continues to perform as “Daddy Ass” in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and serves as a coach.
Billy Gunn left WWE in December 2004 and returned for another stint from 2012 to 2015.
Yes, Billy Gunn has two sons, Colten and Austin, both of whom are professional wrestlers with AEW.
No, Billy Gunn and Bart Gunn are not brothers; they are tag team partners who performed together as The Smoking Gunns.
Billy Gunn resides in the United States, but specific details about his residence are not publicly disclosed.
Billy Gunn was trained by Jerry Gray.