WWE/WCW: Insane NWO & Billy Gunn Faction Size

WWE legend Billy Gunn recently discussed the impact of both D-Generation X (DX) and the New World Order (nWo) on professional wrestling, acknowledging a natural comparison between the two iconic factions. Gunn, currently wrestling with AEW, admitted a bias towards DX while evaluating the two groups.

The conversation stemmed from an appearance on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, where Gunn was asked to weigh in on the long-standing debate of which faction was superior. According to a post on Chris Van Vliet’s Facebook page on April 29, 2026, Gunn stated, “It’s people’s opinion, and you can have one of those, right? Of course, I say DX is number one. Kevin [Nash] is going to say nWo. They were both super impactful that literally, I don’t think, even as today, there’s not one wrestling person that doesn’t know what each one of those are.”

Gunn attributed DX’s success to its exclusivity, contrasting it with the nWo’s later expansion. The only thing that hurt the nWo is it was so good, and then everybody jumped on. Where DX was so good, and you couldn’t get on board with, I don’t care if you had a golden ticket from Willy Wonka, you weren’t getting on that ride, Gunn explained. This sentiment highlights a key difference in the factions’ approaches to membership and maintaining their unique identities.

DX and nWo: A Comparison of Wrestling’s Most Influential Factions

Both DX and the nWo revolutionized professional wrestling in the 1990s, captivating audiences with their rebellious attitudes and innovative storylines. The nWo, initially formed in WCW in 1996 with Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall, quickly became a dominant force, challenging the established wrestling norms. DX, debuting in WWE (then WWF) in 1995, similarly disrupted the status quo with its irreverent humor and anti-establishment persona, led by Shawn Michaels and later, Triple H.

The impact of both groups extends beyond their in-ring accomplishments. They significantly influenced wrestling’s presentation, character development, and overall popularity. The nWo’s use of a “cool heel” (villain) persona and DX’s blend of comedy and athleticism paved the way for future generations of wrestlers, and storylines.

Billy Gunn’s Career and Current Status

Billy Gunn’s career spans several decades and promotions, including WWE, WCW, and now All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is recognized for his contributions to both DX and, briefly, the nWo. During the interview, Gunn also discussed his current physical condition, noting his weight is currently 260 pounds, which he feels is optimal for his performance. He described a process of adjusting his training to improve his movement and efficiency in the ring.

Gunn explained that he has been working with students to refine his in-ring techniques, focusing on identifying and correcting sluggishness related to weight. I was running, I was leaving my feet behind me, and it was driving me absolutely batty. I was like okay, this isn’t a thing. So now I’m in class running spots and stuff with every one of the students trying to figure because they all move differently. So I’m trying to figure it out, and just going, Okay, you’re too heavy and you’re just being sluggish and you’re being lazy. So I dropped some weight, and now I feel amazing, he said.

As of April 29, 2026, Gunn continues to be an active performer in AEW, contributing to the promotion’s growing roster and engaging with fans through appearances and interviews. His reflections on wrestling’s past and present offer valuable insights into the evolution of the industry.

A recent post on Instagram by Chris Van Vliet highlighted the sheer number of members across both factions, stating, “79 different members of a faction is just insane!” This underscores the expansive nature of both the nWo and DX and their ability to attract a diverse range of talent over their respective runs.