The Motor City Machine Guns: A Legendary Tag Team's Journey to WWE

The Motor City Machine Guns, a professional wrestling tag team consisting of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, have been a staple in the world of wrestling for over two decades. Known for their high-flying moves and dynamic in-ring chemistry, the duo has captivated audiences across various promotions, including Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and now, WWE.

Formed in 2006, the Motor City Machine Guns first started teaming in Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max, where they won the Zero-1 Max International Lightweight Tag Team Championship from Minoru Fujita and Ikuto Hidaka on August 25, 2006. This marked the beginning of a long and storied career for the duo, who would go on to make names for themselves in various independent promotions such as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Ring of Honor.

Their journey in TNA began in April 2007, where they initially used the name 'Murder City Machine Guns' before changing it to the more 'PG' friendly 'Motor City Machine Guns.' The team quickly gained popularity, earning a shot at the TNA World Tag Team Championship and eventually winning it from Beer Money, Inc. on July 11, 2007. This victory was part of a Best of Five Series with Beer Money, Inc., which showcased the duo's resilience and determination.

In addition to their success in TNA, the Motor City Machine Guns have also made significant contributions to NJPW. They returned to the promotion in 2016 and successfully challenged The Young Bucks for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship on August 21. Their return match saw them defeat Aussie Open to win the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships on October 28, 2022, further solidifying their reputation as one of the top tag teams in the world.

After a successful run in TNA and NJPW, the Motor City Machine Guns transitioned to Impact Wrestling, where they captured the Impact World Tag Team Championships from Heath and Rhino on December 9, 2022. However, their reign was short-lived as they lost the titles to Bullet Club members Ace Austin and Chris Bey on March 2, 2023. This marked the end of an era for the duo in Impact Wrestling, as both Shelley and Sabin's contracts expired on April 1, 2024.

The latest chapter in the Motor City Machine Guns' career began when it was announced that they would be joining WWE. This news was met with excitement from fans and industry insiders alike, who recognized the potential impact the duo could have on WWE's tag team division. According to reports, the Motor City Machine Guns were teased during a brief vignette on Friday's episode of SmackDown, setting up their debut for next week.

The decision to debut the Motor City Machine Guns on SmackDown rather than NXT has been a topic of discussion among wrestling fans. While some believe that NXT would be a better fit for the duo, given their experience in independent promotions and their ability to work with various styles, others argue that SmackDown provides a more prominent platform for them to showcase their skills. Triple H's vision for the Motor City Machine Guns as underdog babyfaces who can work opposite Bloodline pair Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa adds another layer of intrigue to their debut.

Tommaso Ciampa recently expressed his thoughts on the Motor City Machine Guns' potential opponents in WWE, suggesting that DIY could be a natural go-to for the duo. This statement highlights the potential for exciting matches and storylines involving the Motor City Machine Guns as they integrate into WWE's roster.

As the Motor City Machine Guns prepare to make their WWE debut, fans are eagerly anticipating what this new chapter will bring. With their extensive experience in various promotions and their proven track record of delivering high-quality matches, it is clear that Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin are ready to make a significant impact on WWE's tag team division.

In conclusion, the journey of the Motor City Machine Guns is a testament to their dedication and perseverance in the world of professional wrestling. From their early days in Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max to their current signing with WWE, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin have consistently demonstrated why they are considered one of the best tag teams of their generation.

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