35 Facts About Motor City Machine Guns

Formation and Early Days

The Motor City Machine Guns, a tag team consisting of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, have been a force in professional wrestling for over two decades. Their journey began in the mid-2000s and has taken them across various promotions, earning them a loyal fan base.

1. The Motor City Machine Guns first started teaming in Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max in 2006, where they won the Zero-1 Max International Lightweight Tag Team Championship from Minoru Fujita and Ikuto Hidaka on August 25, 2006.
2. Initially, the team was known as the Murder City Machine Guns, but they later changed their name to the more "PG" friendly Motor City Machine Guns.
3. Both Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin are from Detroit, Michigan, which inspired the team's name. Detroit is often referred to as the "Motor City".

Rise in Independent Promotions

Before making their mark in major wrestling promotions, Shelley and Sabin honed their skills and built their reputation on the independent circuit.

4. Before joining TNA, the duo made appearances in independent promotions such as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) and Ring of Honor (ROH). They were known as the Motor City Machine Guns in these promotions.
5. The Motor City Machine Guns debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in April 2007. They initially used the Murder City name but later changed it to Motor City.
6. Kevin Nash, a Detroit native and a well-known figure in professional wrestling, managed the Motor City Machine Guns during their early days in TNA. His association with the team was short-lived but significant.

Dominance in TNA/Impact Wrestling

The Motor City Machine Guns quickly became a dominant force in TNA's tag team division, earning multiple championships and accolades.

7. After briefly working together as opponents in an Xscape match at Lockdown, Shelley and Sabin became regulars in TNA's tag team division. They quickly established themselves as a formidable force.
8. The Motor City Machine Guns won the TNA World Tag Team Championship on December 5, 2007, at Final Resolution by defeating Generation Me in a Full Metal Mayhem match. They retained the titles until losing to Beer Money, Inc. on January 13, 2008, at Genesis.
9. Their reign as TNA World Tag Team Champions lasted 182 days, just two days short of the longest reign in the title's history. This period cemented their status as one of the top tag teams in TNA.

Success in Ring of Honor (ROH)

Their success wasn't limited to TNA. The Motor City Machine Guns also made a significant impact in Ring of Honor, capturing the ROH World Tag Team Championship.

10. On September 22, 2017, the Motor City Machine Guns won the ROH World Tag Team Championship by defeating The Young Bucks at Death Before Dishonor XV. They retained the titles until losing to The Briscoe Brothers on March 9, 2018, at ROH 16th Anniversary Show.
11. In June 2018, Alex Shelley suffered an injury that led to his temporary retirement from active competition. This caused the team to disband temporarily. However, they reunited in March 2019 to support Shelley in his feud with Jay White.

Return to Impact Wrestling

The duo made a triumphant return to Impact Wrestling, adding more accolades to their storied careers.

12. The Motor City Machine Guns returned to Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA) in 2022. They captured the Impact World Tag Team Championships from Heath and Rhino on December 9, 2022.
13. The duo held the Impact World Tag Team Championships for 78 days before losing them to Ace Austin and Chris Bey on March 2, 2023.
14. On March 23, 2024, the Motor City Machine Guns wrestled their final match for Impact Wrestling in a losing effort against The System (Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers). Both Shelley and Sabin's contracts expired on April 1, 2024.

New Chapter in WWE

In a surprising turn of events, Shelley and Sabin signed with WWE, marking a new chapter in their illustrious careers.

15. In September 2024, it was reported that Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin had signed a deal with WWE. The current plan is for them to debut on NXT’s Chicago debut on October 1st.
16. The Motor City Machine Guns were teased during a brief vignette on Friday's episode of SmackDown on October 5, 2024, indicating their imminent debut on the blue brand.
17. According to reports, Triple H sees value in the Motor City Machine Guns as an underdog babyface tag team who can work opposite Bloodline pair Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa.
18. As of now, the safest bet is that the Motor City Machine Guns will debut on SmackDown rather than Raw. However, it remains to be seen exactly which kind of spot they will have on Friday nights.

Legacy and Influence

The Motor City Machine Guns have left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling, influencing many and earning numerous accolades.

19. Since leaving Impact Wrestling, Shelley and Sabin have worked various independent dates, keeping fans engaged and speculating about their next move.
20. The Motor City Machine Guns are one of the most decorated tag teams in professional wrestling history. They have held multiple championships across different promotions including TNA/Impact Wrestling, ROH, and NJPW.
21. They have won three Impact World Tag Team Championships and one ROH World Tag Team Championship. In NJPW, they have held the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship and Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship once each.
22. Besides their work in major promotions like TNA/Impact Wrestling and ROH, the Motor City Machine Guns have also made appearances for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on the NJPW Strong brand, as well as Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) and Deadlock Pro-Wrestling (DPW).
23. Between them, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin have a total of 11 X Division Championship reigns (10 for Shelley, one for Sabin).
24. The duo has also had a TNA Heavyweight/Impact World Championship reign apiece. Shelley won the title in 2008 while Sabin won it in 2010.
25. Both Shelley and Sabin have held managerial roles within their respective promotions. For example, Shelley managed Jay Lethal during his time in TNA.

Memorable Feuds and Rivalries

Their career has been marked by several high-profile feuds and rivalries that have captivated fans.

26. The Motor City Machine Guns have been involved in several high-profile feuds including one with Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon). They also had a notable rivalry with Generation Me (Lacey Von Erich and Jeremy Buck).
27. Their managerial roles have also led to significant feuds. For instance, Kevin Nash's association with them led to a brief but intense feud with Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt.
28. The Motor City Machine Guns played a crucial role in shaping TNA/Impact Wrestling's tag team division during their initial run from 2007 to 2010. They helped elevate the division by competing against top teams like Beer Money Inc. and Generation Me.
29. During their time in ROH, they were part of several notable storylines including feuds with The Briscoe Brothers and The Young Bucks. Their championship win over The Young Bucks at Death Before Dishonor XV remains one of the highlights of their career.
30. In NJPW Strong, they have competed against top teams like The United Empire and Guerrillas of Destiny. Their experience in NJPW has further solidified their reputation as one of the best tag teams globally.

Continued Popularity and Influence

Even after decades in the ring, the Motor City Machine Guns continue to be a beloved and influential tag team.

31. The Motor City Machine Guns have also made appearances for GCW where they have competed against local talent and international stars alike. This exposure has helped them maintain a strong connection with fans across different regions.
32. Similar to GCW, DPW has provided another platform for the duo to showcase their skills against various opponents. Their versatility in competing across different promotions is a testament to their enduring popularity.
33. Kevin Nash's managerial stint with the Motor City Machine Guns added another layer to their storylines. His involvement helped create memorable moments both in-ring and backstage, contributing significantly to their legacy.
34. The Motor City Machine Guns' influence can be seen in modern wrestling. Many current tag teams have cited them as an inspiration, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of wrestlers.
35. Throughout their career, the Motor City Machine Guns have maintained a strong fan base across various promotions. Their high-flying moves, dynamic chemistry, and consistent performances have made them beloved by fans worldwide.

The Legacy of Motor City Machine Guns

Motor City Machine Guns, featuring Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, have left an indelible mark on professional wrestling. From their early days in Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max to their impactful runs in TNA/Impact Wrestling, ROH, and NJPW, they've consistently wowed fans with their high-flying moves and dynamic chemistry. Their numerous championship reigns, including three Impact World Tag Team Championships and one ROH World Tag Team Championship, highlight their success.

Their influence extends beyond titles. Many modern tag teams cite them as inspirations. Their return to Impact Wrestling in 2022 and their recent signing with WWE in 2024 show their enduring appeal. As they prepare for their NXT debut, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for this legendary duo. The Motor City Machine Guns' legacy continues to inspire and captivate wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.