Vince McMahon, the former WWE Chairman, is often credited with making bold and innovative decisions that shaped the world of professional wrestling.
One such decision that stands out is the creation of The New Age Outlaws, a tag team consisting of Billy Gunn and Road Dogg.
In a recent interview on The Wrestling Outlaws, veteran writer Vince Russo revealed that he initially questioned McMahon’s decision to pair the two wrestlers together, but ultimately gave him credit for seeing something special in them.
Russo recalled the moment when McMahon pitched the idea to him, saying,
“I gotta give Vince all the credit in the world because he saw these two guys together, and that’s how The New Age Outlaws were created.”
At the time, Russo was skeptical about the pairing, seeing only Rockabilly (Billy Gunn’s former gimmick) and wondering if it would work. However, McMahon’s vision prevailed, and The New Age Outlaws went on to become one of the most popular tag teams of the Attitude Era.
The success of The New Age Outlaws can be attributed to McMahon’s unwavering commitment to his ideas. Russo believes that McMahon worked closely with Gunn and Road Dogg because it was his brainchild, and he wanted to ensure its success.
This dedication paid off, as the duo became six-time WWE Tag Team Champions and were eventually inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside D-Generation X in 2019.
McMahon’s creative vision extended beyond just pairing Gunn and Road Dogg together. He also saw an opportunity to create a unique character dynamic that would resonate with audiences.
By embracing their rough-around-the-edges personas and outlaw image, The New Age Outlaws tapped into the rebellious spirit of the Attitude Era, charming fans and cementing their place in wrestling history.
The story of The New Age Outlaws serves as a testament to McMahon’s ability to spot talent and nurture it into something extraordinary. While Russo may have initially doubted the pairing,
McMahon’s instincts proved correct, and the rest is history. As we look back on McMahon’s legacy, it’s clear that his creative vision played a significant role in shaping the WWE into what it is today.
In an era where creativity and innovation are more important than ever, Vince McMahon’s willingness to take risks and trust his instincts remains an inspiration to writers, promoters, and wrestlers alike. The success of The New Age Outlaws is a reminder that sometimes
