Billy Gunn has addressed Triple H’s pointed comments about AEW during D-Generation X’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, calling the remark “a dick move” that ultimately reflected worse on Triple H than it did on Gunn or AEW.
D-Generation X was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 6, 2019, with Triple H, Road Dogg, Sean Waltman, Billy Gunn, Shawn Michaels, and Chyna all enshrined that night. At the time, Gunn was already signed to All Elite Wrestling, even though the promotion had not yet run its first show. During the ceremony, Triple H took a shot at AEW, referring to it as a “piss-ant company” and suggesting Vince McMahon could simply buy it, a comment widely interpreted as a response to Gunn being part of DX’s induction while working for a rival promotion.
Speaking with Kenny McIntosh on the Inside The Ropes YouTube channel, Gunn said he was not surprised by Triple H’s remark, framing it as an expected shot rather than a shocking betrayal. He nonetheless characterized the comment as “a dick move,” suggesting it was an attempt by Triple H to save face in front of the WWE Hall of Fame crowd rather than a genuine reflection of AEW’s standing at the time.
Gunn’s comments also included the assessment that the dig ultimately “only hurt him,” indicating Gunn believes the remark did more damage to Triple H’s reputation than to Gunn’s own career trajectory or to AEW, which went on to debut as a promotion later in 2019 and has since become one of the industry’s major players.
The 2019 Hall of Fame ceremony has remained a notable flashpoint in the WWE-AEW rivalry narrative precisely because of the awkward dynamic it created: a WWE legend being honored alongside former stablemates while already committed to the company’s chief competitor. Gunn’s recent remarks mark one of the more direct public responses he has given to Triple H’s comment in the years since.
