NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 23: Bully Ray during the Busted Open podcast at SiriusXM Studios on October 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

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HIGHLIGHTS

• A WWE Hall of Famer’s recent physique photo sparks widespread admiration across social media from fans and fellow wrestling legends
• Wrestling veteran’s commitment to training evolution and recovery protocols keeps him performing at elite levels decades into his career
• The 62-year-old’s transformation from heavy lifting to strategic mobility work and nutrition demonstrates sustainable approach to longevity

Kip Sopp aka Billy Gunn is an anomaly. No one who is 62 years old should be this jacked, but Gunn is even bigger now than he was in his heyday with the WWE. On November 5, Wrestling News posted a then/now side-by-side image of Gunn and it drew quite the reaction on X.

Even one of his contemporaries, Bully Ray took to social media in awe of Gunn’s physique.

Gunn was always in fantastic shape throughout his 30s and 40s, but for him to maintain this level of fitness at 62 is pretty remarkable.

Gunn’s Evolution in Training

Gunn was featured in Muscle and Fitness in 2021. The article chronicled the 6’5″, 270-pound performer’s approach to fitness has transformed dramatically from his early career. In his initial years, Gunn followed the typical professional wrestler’s routine—hitting the gym to lift heavy weights whenever possible, once squatting 700 pounds.

Injuries began to take their toll leading to neck surgery in 1995 and multiple shoulder injuries that required intervention from renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

The legendary surgeon advised Gunn to focus on smaller connecting muscles underneath the bigger ones to prevent long-term problems. As a result, Gunn shifted his emphasis toward tendons, ligaments, and mobility work.

His shoulder routine now includes several minutes of band work with lighter resistance, performing movements like pull-aparts and single-arm band presses to activate rotator cuffs before training.

He applies similar warmup strategies for hips and legs, still incorporating squats and deadlifts while maintaining a consistent workout schedule.

The O’Hearn Influence

Multi-time Muscle and Fitness cover model Mike O’Hearn played a crucial role in Gunn’s current regimen, providing expertise on warmups, mobility, and preparing the body for heavier loads.

Gunn acknowledged that while he may not know much about bodybuilding, having one of the best in the business as a resource provides significant advantages.

Recovery and Nutrition Priorities

Recovery outside the gym receives equal attention. Gunn schedules regular massage sessions and stretching before weekly TV appearances, viewing therapeutic massage as preparation rather than pampering. His nutrition plan represents perhaps the biggest shift from his earlier career.

Where genetics once compensated for inconsistent eating habits, Gunn now prioritizes meal preparation, taking pre-made meals when traveling to tapings and pay-per-view events. He credits O’Hearn for the realization that gains start with food intake rather than gym work.

Supplementation includes his own pre-workout product through BPI Sports called “Gunn Powder,” formulated with extra stimulants to match his personal training intensity.

Still Going Strong

Having just celebrated his 62nd birthday on November 1, it doesn’t appear as though Gunn is slowing down. He’s not working a regular in-ring schedule, but the fact that he can still work a match–and look like this–is a testament to his longevity, hard work, dedication and some insane genetics.