The Tag Team Carousel: Analyzing the Motor City Machine Guns’ Departure from WWE
In the volatile world of professional wrestling, talent movement is the only constant. The recent release of The Motor City Machine Guns—Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin—serves as a prime example of how high-caliber tag teams navigate the modern landscape of “The Big Three” promotions: WWE, AEW, and TNA.
Despite a tenure that saw them capture the WWE Tag Team Championships, the duo now finds themselves as free agents. Still, for a team with the pedigree of Shelley and Sabin, a release is often less of a setback and more of a strategic pivot.
The AEW Connection: A Natural Landing Spot?
When analyzing where a released talent will land, industry experts look at historical rapport. For the Motor City Machine Guns, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is a compelling possibility. The duo has a documented history with the promotion, most notably appearing at All Out 2022, where they teamed with Jay Lethal to face Wardlow and FTR.
The fact that AEW previously offered the duo a contract before their WWE stint suggests that the promotion values their specific style of high-speed, technical tag team wrestling. In an era where “work rate” is highly prized by the AEW audience, Shelley and Sabin fit the mold perfectly.
TNA: The Homecoming Factor
Even as AEW offers a global platform, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) represents the foundation of the Guns’ legacy. Having worked with the promotion on and off from 2007 to 2024, the duo isn’t just familiar with the environment—they are legends within it, having captured the TNA Tag Team Championships three times.
Sources close to TNA indicate that the door is always open for Shelley and Sabin. For wrestlers, returning to a promotion where they have established “equity” with the fans is often the fastest route to a main-event push.
The “WWE Umbrella” and the Modern Free Agent
The calm reaction from Sabin and Shelley following their release highlights a shift in how veteran wrestlers view their careers. The “WWE umbrella” was once seen as the only destination for success; today, it is one of several viable ecosystems.
The ability to maintain a brand outside of a single corporate entity allows wrestlers to leverage their value across different markets. Whether they choose the high-production environment of WWE, the sports-centric approach of AEW, or the legacy-driven atmosphere of TNA, the “Guns” brand remains portable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Motor City Machine Guns released from WWE?
While specific creative or budgetary reasons weren’t detailed, the release happened shortly after their run as WWE Tag Team Champions.
Will the Motor City Machine Guns return to TNA?
It is highly possible, as they are three-time TNA Tag Team Champions and sources indicate they would be welcome back.
Have the Motor City Machine Guns ever worked for AEW?
Yes, they competed at All Out 2022 in a match involving Jay Lethal, Wardlow, and FTR.
What is GRPPLING?
GRPPLING is a band featuring Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, which continues to produce music, including a recent four-song EP.
What do you reckon is the best move for the Motor City Machine Guns? Should they return to their roots in TNA or take the leap into AEW? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more insider wrestling analysis!
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