The Acclaimed Reveal They Had No Idea About Billy Gunn's Retirement

Anthony Bowens has claimed that The Acclaimed had no idea about Billy Gunn's supposed retirement on the July 22 episode of AEW Collision.

The Acclaimed and Gunn teamed together in a losing effort to The House of Black on the show, after which Gunn removed his boots and left them in the middle of the ring before walking away, indicating his retirement.

Asked if he knew the moment would be coming during a recent appearance on the Chrissy Chaos podcast, Bowens said:

"No, I really didn't. I don't think the cameras caught it, but I get very emotional when I'm out there because I get connected to the audience, I don't think I've cried in a wrestling ring. I got teary eyed because he stood up and his face was beat red, and at this point in our careers where Billy has been such a beacon of light for us, he's been guiding us from the beginning since we joined up with him last year. He guided us to the AEW Tag Team Titles in New York City. He's been teaching us a tonne of stuff every single week. To think about not having him out there with us, it hurts". 

He added that he has been trying to talk to 'Daddy Ass' about it, but that Gunn is firm in his decision (something Bowens noted on the August 5 edition of Collision).

The 59-year-old works backstage in AEW as a coach.

H/T Fightful