AEW rescinded plans for a former WWE star, highlighting AEW’s fan-driven booking.
Max Casterâ€s rise as a solo competitor in All Elite Wrestling forced the creative team to scrap plans for a tag-team reunion, leading to the effective removal of former WWE star Billy Gunn from his role alongside The Acclaimed. Caster earned unexpected crowd support as a babyface after a challenge on AEW Dynamite, prompting AEW President Tony Khan to shift course.
Fightful Select revealed that the reunion of The Acclaimed was never in the original roadmap; instead, Caster and Anthony Bowens were slated to pursue individual storylines. Casting aside Billy Gunn, who had joined The Acclaimed as an honorary partner, marked a clear end to his on-screen presence with the team. Gunn, a WWE Hall of Famer known for Road Dogg and D-Generation X, saw his role reduced as Casterâ€s momentum grew.
AEW initially planned separate pushes: Bowens aiming for singles glory and Caster exploring a gritty, heel persona. However, fan reaction to Casterâ€s babyface turn far exceeded expectations, climbing social media and live-event polls. This audience response led AEWâ€s creative team to prioritize momentum over the original blueprint. Reports indicate that Gunnâ€s segments were quietly written off TV, with no future television appearances scheduled alongside The Acclaimed.
WWE Star Off TV Due to Unexpected Fan Reaction
AEWâ€s pivot reflects a broader trend of responsive storytelling, where audience engagement can override preplanned angles. Casterâ€s breakthrough began with backstage vignettes that showcased his charisma and in-ring skill, generating chants and merchandise buzz. As fans rallied behind ‘Platinum Max,’ AEW had to choose between loyalty to an established star and capitalizing on fresh heat, and Tony Khan opted for the latter, confirming that Gunn would no longer be featured in The Acclaimedâ€s storylines.
Bowens and Caster reunited as a duo to chase the AEW World Tag Team Championship. Their recent victory at Collision cemented their status, illustrating the benefits of agile booking. Meanwhile, Gunnâ€s absence remains unexplained on air; his focus seems to shift to backstage coaching and occasional commentary roles.
If this is the end of the road, thank you Billy Gunn for 34 years of greatness. What a career. pic.twitter.com/UT6PDDSt3o
— 🉠(@JustinsFrame) July 23, 2023
While some viewers lament the loss of the veteranâ€s presence, most agree that the decision underscores AEWâ€s commitment to elevating rising talent. Fans can expect The Acclaimedâ€s push to continue without Billy Gunn as they target new milestones and rivalries in AEW.
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