Real purpose Tony Khan immediately took WWE veteran off AEW TV

A top WWE veteran was suddenly taken off AEW television months ago. However, the reason for President and CEO Tony Khan’s decision has reportedly been revealed.

The aforementioned legend, who is an accomplished and tenured wrestler, is Billy Gunn. He has been part of All Elite Wrestling since 2019, serving as both an on-screen talent and an in-ring performer. The former WWE Tag Team Champion also got the opportunity to work with his sons, Austin and Colten Gunn, and other younger talent during his AEW tenure.

In 2025, he served as the manager for Anthony Bowens; however, he was taken off television a few months ago. Billy Gunn wrestled a dark match before last week’s edition of Dynamite and made his televised return on the following episode of Collision. According to Fightful Select, Gunn was at home and had been kept off television by the regime so that younger talent could be featured more.

Moreover, as AEW continues to build toward a possible Acclaimed reunion, Gunn reportedly will not be part of it. Lastly, he is still under contract with the company for a while and was also present backstage for the Dynamite episode in Atlanta, as he lives in the city.

AEW star Billy Gunn had cut ties with The Acclaimed long back

Billy Gunn had been a part of The Acclaimed with Max Caster and Anthony Bowens. However, the duo split in early 2025. Despite Gunn’s best efforts, he was unable to bring them back, and he too cut ties with the group after that.

“I am not a part of the Acclaimed right now. They are having their own little difficulties right now to try to figure out who’s, whatever, the best wrestler live and the the pride, and they’re trying to work out their conflict. Until they work out their conflict, they don’t get me. So, you know, I’ve tried to talk to them enough that…they’re not listening anymore.” [H/T PWMania]

With the former DX member back on television and reportedly not going to be a part of The Acclaimed should they reunite, it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.