Tag: Motor City Machine Guns

Motor City Machine Guns Are All Elite, Debut On Collision

After months of speculation regarding their future, the Motor City Machine Guns have officially arrived in All Elite Wrestling.

Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley made their long-awaited AEW debut during the July 30 edition of AEW Collision in Detroit, Michigan, appearing just hours after officially becoming free agents following the expiration of their WWE non-compete clauses.

Hometown Heroes Receive Massive Reception

AEW opened the show with a memorable moment as the Detroit crowd welcomed Sabin and Shelley with a thunderous ovation.

The hometown fans showered the legendary tag team with chants of “Motor City,” creating an emotional atmosphere as the duo made their way to the ring.

Sabin addressed the crowd first, jokingly asking whether anyone truly believed they wouldn’t show up in Detroit. He and Shelley reflected on their long history representing the city throughout their careers and thanked the fans for supporting them over the last two decades.

The pair then turned their attention to their future.

Sabin spoke about their excitement to join AEW, while Shelley made the announcement official by confirming that the Motor City Machine Guns had signed with the company. Moments later, the familiar “All Elite” graphic appeared on the arena screens, confirming their status as AEW’s newest additions.

Motor City Machine Guns Make Immediate Impact

The duo didn’t wait long to get involved in the action.

Later in the evening, the Bang Bang Gang picked up a victory over the Death Riders in an eight-man tag team match. However, the celebration was cut short when The Dogs stormed the ring and launched a post-match attack.

That brought Sabin and Shelley back out to a huge reaction.

Armed with steel chairs, the newly signed AEW stars chased off The Dogs and evened the odds. With the heels retreating, the Gunns capitalized by laying out members of The Dogs with their finishing move, bringing the segment to a close.

The confrontation immediately hinted at a potential alliance between the Motor City Machine Guns and the Bang Bang Gang moving forward.

A Long-Awaited Arrival

While this marked their official signing with AEW, it wasn’t the first time Sabin and Shelley had appeared for the promotion.

The pair previously competed at AEW All Out 2022, teaming with longtime friend Jay Lethal in a trios match against FTR and Wardlow. Although they came up short in that contest, their performance left many fans hoping for a more permanent relationship with the company.

Rumors linking the Motor City Machine Guns to AEW intensified after their WWE departures earlier this year. Even before becoming free agents, many within the wrestling industry expected AEW to emerge as their eventual destination.

One Of Wrestling’s Most Decorated Tag Teams

Few tag teams arrive in AEW with résumés as impressive as the Motor City Machine Guns.

Throughout their careers, Sabin and Shelley have captured championships across multiple major promotions, including WWE, TNA Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Their influence on modern tag team wrestling has earned them recognition as one of the greatest teams of their generation.

Now, with AEW officially added to their list of destinations, the focus shifts toward championship gold.

Given their track record and the immediate reaction they received from the Detroit crowd, it may not be long before the Motor City Machine Guns find themselves in the hunt for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.

For now, though, one thing is certain: after months of rumors and anticipation, Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley are officially All Elite.

Several Former WWE Stars Officially Become Free Agents Following Expiration Of Non-Compete Clauses

A significant group of former WWE talent officially entered free agency today as the 90-day non-compete clauses tied to April’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts came to an end.

More than 20 wrestlers were released by WWE following WrestleMania 42, and many of the biggest names from that group are now free to sign with or compete for any promotion they choose.

Among the newly available talents are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis.

While some released stars have already returned to the independent wrestling scene, others have remained quiet about their future plans, leaving fans speculating about where they could surface next.

Nikki Storm And Joe Gacy Already Planning Their Next Moves

Several former members of the Wyatt Sicks faction have already begun laying the groundwork for life after WWE.

Nikki Cross, who has resumed using the name Nikki Storm, is scheduled to appear for both PROGRESS Wrestling and Maple Leaf Pro in the coming weeks. Storm has also expanded her role within the industry outside the ring, as she and her husband Big Damo recently became owners of both PROGRESS Wrestling and DEFY Wrestling.

Meanwhile, Joe Gacy has started teasing the next phase of his character. Last month, he released a video featuring imagery connected to the Wyatt Sicks persona he portrayed in WWE, suggesting a darker evolution of his character may be on the horizon.

The futures of Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, and Dexter Lumis remain less clear, with none of the three having publicly announced their next destinations.

Kairi Sane Begins New Chapter

Of all the WWE departures, Kairi Sane’s release generated some of the strongest reactions from fans.

The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion was actively involved in a storyline alongside IYO SKY and Asuka before her exit, leading many to question the timing of her departure. Reports later indicated that Sane had requested her release and was interested in returning to Japan.

On the first day of her free agency, Sane marked the occasion by sharing a photo of herself alongside a motorcycle on social media, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in her career.

Motor City Machine Guns Continue To Fuel Speculation

Former WWE Tag Team Champions Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley have also kept fans guessing about their future.

The Motor City Machine Guns recently released a video on their YouTube channel featuring a comedic skit that ended with the duo discovering a mystery contract from an unnamed wrestling promotion. While the company was never revealed, many fans immediately speculated that All Elite Wrestling could be the destination being teased.

Both wrestlers have extensive histories with multiple promotions, making them one of the most intriguing tag teams currently available on the market.

Questions Surround Aleister Black And Zelina Vega

Aleister Black remains one of the most notable free agents available.

Despite widespread assumptions that he could eventually return to AEW, no official plans have been announced. Reports have suggested there may be reservations within AEW regarding a potential reunion, though nothing has been confirmed publicly.

His wife, Zelina Vega, may already be preparing for her next wrestling chapter. Recently, she filed a trademark application for the name “Xelina” for wrestling-related entertainment services, leading to speculation that an in-ring return could be in the works.

Zoey Serrano Set For Return

Formerly known as Zoey Stark, Zoey Serrano has already lined up her first major post-WWE appearance.

She is scheduled to compete in the RevPro Women’s Grand Prix 2026, where she will face Zeuxis in the tournament’s opening round.

The appearance marks a significant milestone following the severe knee injury she suffered in May 2025 during a match involving Kairi Sane and Rhea Ripley. The injury sidelined her for an extended period and raised concerns about the future of her career.

Santos Escobar Takes Aim At WWE Leadership

Santos Escobar also acknowledged his newly acquired free-agent status this week.

In a social media post, the former WWE star reflected on his six-year run with the company while also directing criticism toward WWE President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

While Escobar did not reveal where he intends to wrestle next, his comments quickly generated discussion among fans as the next stage of his career begins.

Wrestling Free Agency Heats Up

With so many recognizable names now officially available, the wrestling free-agent market has become one of the industry’s biggest stories.

Some talents appear poised for immediate returns to the ring, while others are expected to take their time evaluating offers from promotions around the world. Whether the next destination is AEW, NJPW, TNA, independent wrestling, or somewhere entirely unexpected, the coming weeks could bring a wave of major signings and surprise debuts across the wrestling landscape.

Motor City Machine Guns Tease Post-WWE Future In New Video

The Motor City Machine Guns may be getting closer to revealing their next move in professional wrestling.

Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley were among the WWE talents released shortly after WrestleMania 42, and both men have remained inactive due to the standard 90-day non-compete period attached to their departures. With that restriction nearing its end, the veteran tag team has begun dropping hints about what could be next.

In a recently released video on their YouTube channel, Shelley and Sabin took a humorous approach to addressing life after WWE. The skit centered around Sabin working through the five stages of grief following the duo’s release, with Shelley acting as his guide throughout the process.

As the segment progressed toward the final stage—acceptance—Shelley revealed a box filled with wrestling contracts from a variety of promotions. The pair jokingly sorted through offers from several companies, including well-known Japanese organizations such as FMW and WAR, along with promotions connected to the CyberFight group.

The video also featured several fictional or tongue-in-cheek promotion names, leading to some comedic moments. At one point, Sabin expressed frustration that one particular unnamed company had even attempted to recruit them.

The biggest tease came at the end of the skit. After reviewing multiple contracts, the duo arrived at a final offer that was never shown on camera. Neither wrestler revealed the name of the promotion, but their reaction spoke volumes. Both appeared excited by what they saw, and Shelley declared that Sabin had finally reached the acceptance stage of grief.

The mystery has naturally fueled speculation throughout the wrestling world.

Many fans believe All Elite Wrestling is the most likely destination for the former WWE Tag Team Champions. Sabin and Shelley have previous history with AEW and were heavily linked to the company before ultimately choosing to sign with WWE in 2024.

TNA Wrestling has also emerged as a possibility given the team’s long and successful history with the promotion. Reports in recent weeks have indicated that TNA would be open to bringing the Motor City Machine Guns back into the fold if the opportunity arose.

However, according to sources close to TNA, there remains a belief that Sabin and Shelley are ultimately AEW-bound once their non-compete clauses expire.

For now, the Motor City Machine Guns are keeping fans guessing, but their latest video has only intensified speculation that a major announcement could be on the horizon.

WWE Releases Multiple Superstars Across Main Roster and NXT in Major Talent Cuts

WWE has reportedly made another round of roster cuts, with a wide range of talent—from established main roster names to rising NXT prospects—being let go from the company.

As of now, the list of releases includes several recognizable names who have played key roles on WWE programming in recent years. Among the أبرز departures are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, and Santos Escobar, all of whom have had significant runs on the main roster. The exits of Uncle Howdy (Bo Dallas), Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, and Erick Rowan also stand out, especially given their ties to various factions and storylines over the past few years.

The tag team division has also taken a hit, with the Motor City Machine Guns reportedly parting ways with WWE. Meanwhile, Joe Gacy and Andre Chase—both heavily featured during their time in NXT—are also included in the cuts.

On the women’s side, Zoey Stark and Alba Fyre are among those released, along with developmental names like Tyra Mae Steele and Sirena Linton.

The list extends deep into NXT, with several newer or lesser-known talents also being let go, including Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe, Chris Island, Dante Chen, Malik Blade, Trill London, and Luca Crusifino.

At this stage, there’s no official word on whether more releases are expected, but the scope of the cuts suggests a significant shake-up behind the scenes. Situations like this often point to roster restructuring, budget considerations, or shifts in creative direction, particularly as WWE continues to evolve its talent pipeline between NXT and the main roster.

As always, talent releases can open the door for fresh opportunities elsewhere in the wrestling world, and it’ll be interesting to see where these performers land next. For now, though, the WWE roster looks noticeably different following this latest wave of departures.

As it stands, the following names have been released (so far):

  • Kairi Sane
  • Aleister Black
  • Zelina Vega
  • Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas
  • Nikki Cross
  • Santos Escobar
  • Motor City Machine Guns
  • Dexter Lumis
  • Erick Rowan
  • Joe Gacy
  • Andre Chase
  • Zoey Stark
  • Alba Fyre
  • Tyra Mae Steele
  • Sirena Linton
  • Tyson Dupont
  • Tyriek Igwe
  • Chris Island
  • Dante Chen
  • Malik Blade
  • Trill London
  • Luca Crusifino
  • Carlee Bright 

Motor City Machine Guns Set for AAA Appearance Amid WWE Absence

The Motor City Machine Guns may have been off WWE television for the past couple of months, but it looks like Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley are about to resurface — just not inside a WWE ring.

According to a new report from PWInsider, the veteran tag team is scheduled to work AAA tapings this weekend. The event is notable on multiple levels, as it marks Lucha Libre AAA’s debut broadcast on FOX Mexico, a major step for the promotion’s international visibility.

The January 17, 2026 tapings are expected to be stacked with star power. Names rumored or confirmed for the show include Rey Mysterio, AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio, El Hijo del Vikingo, PENTA, Rey Fenix, Dragon Lee, and El Grande Americano. The inclusion of the Motor City Machine Guns adds even more intrigue, especially given their current status within WWE.

Sabin and Shelley last appeared on WWE programming on the November 21, 2025 episode of Friday Night SmackDown. On that night, they joined forces with Rey Fenix, Sami Zayn, and Shinsuke Nakamura in a Survivor Series-style elimination match against Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, and JC Mateo. The bout ended with the MFTs picking up the win, and the Machine Guns haven’t been seen on WWE TV since.

Their upcoming AAA appearance doesn’t necessarily signal a long-term shift, but it does suggest WWE is open to allowing the duo to stay active elsewhere while they remain off television. Given the Machine Guns’ reputation as one of the most influential tag teams of their generation, fans will be watching closely to see if this leads to more international appearances — or a renewed push when they eventually return to WWE screens.

Motor City Machine Guns To Debut On WWE SmackDown Next Week

“Coming soon” has turned into “next week,” as the Machine City Motor Guns are slated to make their first WWE appearance on the upcoming October 18 episode of “WWE SmackDown.”

Nick Aldis was the first to break the news on WWE programming, informing Legado del Fantasma leader Santos Escobar that he was bringing in “a new tag team” next week, and that the team would be facing Escobar’s stablemates, Los Garzas. Shortly following the segment, a vignette featuring the bright lights of Detroit and the purr of motor engines filled fans’ screens. The letters “M-C-M-G” even briefly flashed at the end of the package, all but confirming the identities of Aldis’ expected new tag team arrival — and likely confirming that they will at least be using the same collective name.

Notably, Fightful Select reported earlier on Friday that Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin were not slated to appear on the blue brand until the October 25 episode of “SmackDown,” though the report allowed that the debut date could be changed even as a result of the report itself. Fightful also claimed the Guns’ upcoming debut had nothing whatsoever to do with the situation surrounding The Lucha Brothers, whose WWE arrival has been delayed by AEW CEO Tony Khan invoking his contractual right to extend Rey Fenix’ deal due to injury.

Shelley and Sabin are no strangers to gold — the Motor City Machine Guns boast tag team title reigns across multiple promotions, including NJPW, Deadlock Pro Wrestling, IGWP, Ring of Honor, and most famously Impact/TNA. The Guns’ contracts with TNA expired in April 2024; by September 2024, reports of Shelley and Sabin’s deal with WWE hit the wrestling news cycle. The Guns were initially reported to be heading to “WWE NXT,” but will instead call the blue brand home.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage Update On The Motor City Machine Guns’ WWE Status

On Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown, a vignette teasing someone “coming soon” aired. The vignette featured a car revving up its engine and taking off, police sirens and what appears to be the city of Detroit, MI.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1842359898211840046

According to a report from Pwinsider, multiple sources have indicated that the vignette is for the Motor City Machine Guns. The team of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin were originally expected to have a short run in WWE NXT, but that will no longer be happening. Instead, the duo will be coming straight to the main roster.

Finally, it was added that the team was not at this week’s WWE NXT TV tapings in Chicago, IL as originally planned.

Source: eWn

Backstage Update On The Status Of The Motor City Machine Guns

The Motor City Machine Guns have been the subject of much discussion in recent months, as fans around the world are still wondering where they will end up. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin’s contracts with TNA expired at the beginning of April, and rumors have been rampant concerning whether they will choose to sign with WWE or AEW. Initially, it looked as if Sabin and Shelley would become ‘All Elite,’ with the two men already having a brief history with AEW, appearing at All Out 2022. However, that talk seemed to die off, and the word inside the business was that they were WWE-bound.

Now it seems there is an answer, at least according to Dave Meltzer, who claimed in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the Motor City Machine Guns are expected to start in WWE imminently. As far as the destination within WWE, Meltzer claims that, despite the fact that Sabin and Shelley are one of the most influential tag teams of their generation, they will be part of the “WWE NXT” brand when they eventually debut.

“NXT” has a lot of big events coming up in the near future, as the brand will be moving to The CW on October 1. The live debut on October 1 will take place from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, which will then be followed by a live episode in St. Louis, Missouri on October 8, which will go head-to-head with “AEW Dynamite.” Following on from the two live shows on October 1 and 8, “NXT” will be back on the road for the Halloween Havoc PLE, which will take place on October 27 at the GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

According to multiple reports, the current plan is to have Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin debut in a tag team match during WWE NXT’s Chicago debut on October 1st.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Motor City Machine Guns Expected To Join WWE (Report)

Two highly decorated free agents could be headed to WWE soon.

Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin of the Motor City Machine Guns are expected to join WWE after their contracts with TNA Wrestling expired in March.

Formed in 2007, the Motor City Machine Guns have achieved success in various promotions, including ROH and NJPW. During their tenure in TNA Wrestling, Shelley and Sabin held the TNA World Title, the X-Division Title, and won the TNA Tag Team Championships thrice.

It was previously rumored that the Motor City Machine Guns were headed to AEW, however, they continued to accept independent bookings.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is now reporting that there’s talk within the wrestling community that “Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley are expected to be coming here [WWE], or at least that’s the talk within wrestling. Nobody has officially said anything. Of late, the indications were WWE made the better offer but they were expected to be with whichever side made the best offer. Within wrestling the belief is that they are WWE-bound.”

The Motor City Machine Guns bid farewell to indie wrestling at a recent show in Portland, and have a booking scheduled for next month.

Source: eWn

Motor City Machine Guns Reportedly Finalizing Deal With AEW

Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin are reportedly in the process of finalizing deals that will bring the Motor City Machine Guns to AEW, as reported by Cassidy Haynes of BodySlam.net.

According to Haynes, a contract is not expected to be completed imminently but “the decision has been made and a deal will be worked out.”

The news comes after Shelley filed to trademark the terms “Motor City Machine Guns” and “MCMG” for wrestling purposes on 3/19.

The former TNA World Tag Team Champions finished up with the company at the 3/22 and 3/23 TV tapings in Philadelphia, with their final match set to air on this week’s edition of IMPACT as they face Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards.

Source: F4WOnline via WrestleView