Road Dogg, a WWE Hall of Famer and one-half of the popular tag team The New Age Outlaws, recently shared an emotional story about how he reacted when Vince McMahon decided to split up the team. The New Age Outlaws, consisting of Road Dogg and Billy Gunn were known for their entertaining performances as members of the iconic DX faction during the Attitude Era.
According to Road Dogg, when McMahon made the decision to split up The New Age Outlaws in 1999 and use both stars as singles competitors, he went to McMahon and pleaded with him not to separate them. Road Dogg expressed his doubts about being able to succeed without Billy Gunn by his side and admitted that he cried during their conversation.
Road Dogg explained that he wanted to be the first one to come out with the microphone during their entrance, but he wanted Billy Gunn to be right behind him, emphasizing his dependency on his partner. When he was informed that they would be split up, Road Dogg was adamant that he needed Billy Gunn.
In response to Road Dogg’s plea, Vince McMahon remained firm in his decision to split the team, believing it would benefit both Road Dogg and Billy Gunn individually. McMahon expressed confidence in Billy’s potential and assured Road Dogg that WWE had significant plans for his partner. However, Road Dogg admitted that he did not share the same level of confidence in himself.
“This is the time where I literally went in and asked Vince to please not split us up because I don’t think I can do it without Billy,” he said. “That’s just me being honest. There might have been tears shed to be quite honest with you and when I say might have been, I mean, I cried.
I want to be the first out of the curtain with the microphone, but hey, be right behind me. Be close. That’s how I felt. I felt like I needed him and when I was told I wasn’t going to have him, it’s as simple as that. I was like, no. I need him.”
The New Age Outlaws are fondly remembered as one of the most popular tag teams in WWE history. In 2019, the duo was rightfully honored with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the DX faction, solidifying their impact on the industry.
