With WWE Motor City Machine Guns at the forefront, this iconic duo of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin has been thrilling audiences for years with their exceptional tag team wrestling skills. As one of the most beloved tag teams in WWE history, their journey from humble beginnings to achieving great heights in the wrestling world is nothing short of remarkable.
The Motor City Machine Guns, known for their lightning quick moves and impeccable in-ring chemistry, have left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. They have won numerous titles, including multiple X Division Championships and Tag Team Championships, showcasing their versatility and dominance in the ring.
In-Depth Profile of the Motor City Machine Guns

The Motor City Machine Guns, composed of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, are an American professional wrestling tag team who have had a significant impact on the world of WWE. The duo rose to prominence in the early 2000s as a dominant force in the Tag Team division of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
Early Careers of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin
Alex Shelley, born Matthew Joseph Shambo, began his professional wrestling career in 2000. Initially performing on the independent circuit, he eventually gained fame in Japan, where he competed for various promotions. Shelley’s early career was marked by his agility and athleticism, which earned him recognition within the wrestling community.
Chris Sabin, born Gregory Everett Amarantos, started his professional wrestling career in 2000. Similar to Shelley, he began competing on the independent circuit before gaining exposure in Japan. Sabin’s early career showcased his technical grappling abilities and charisma in the ring.
Unique In-Ring Chemistry and Characteristics, Wwe motor city machine guns
The Motor City Machine Guns are renowned for their exceptional in-ring chemistry and characteristics. Their matches often feature high-flying acrobatics, quick tag exchanges, and a synergy that makes their performances appear almost effortless. The duo’s chemistry has been a key factor in their success, allowing them to seamlessly transition between intricate sequences of moves.
Notable Tag Team Titles Won by the Motor City Machine Guns
Throughout their careers, the Motor City Machine Guns have secured numerous tag team championships across various promotions. In the WWE, they won the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship on one occasion. This success is a testament to their skills and ability to adapt to new competition.
Notable Instances of Championship Reigns
- The Motor City Machine Guns’ WWE Raw Tag Team Championship reign serves as a prime example of their success in the WWE. They held the title from July 2015 until August 2015, showcasing their capabilities during this period.
- During their reign, the duo successfully defended their title against prominent tag teams, such as the Prime Time Players and The Wyatt Family.
Impact of the Motor City Machine Guns on the WWE
The Motor City Machine Guns have had a lasting impact on the WWE Tag Team division. Their style and chemistry have influenced numerous tag teams, inspiring them to develop their own unique in-ring strategies. The duo’s success also paved the way for future generations of WWE tag teams.
Notable Feuds and Storylines of the Motor City Machine Guns
The Motor City Machine Guns, consisting of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, were a dynamic and high-flying tag team in the WWE. They were known for their energetic and explosive performances, which made them fan favorites in the locker room and among the audience. Their feud-filled and storyline-rich career in the WWE saw them take on various teams, including The Wolves, the Hardys, and the Briscoes.
The Wolves Feud
The feud between the Motor City Machine Guns and The Wolves (Ethan Carter III and Drew Galloway) began in 2014, with both teams vying for the TNA World Tag Team Championship. The rivalry between the two teams was intense, with The Wolves emerging victorious, capturing the title on several occasions. This feud showcased the high-flying abilities of both teams, with the Motor City Machine Guns countering with their signature moves, including the Meltzer Driver.
- The feud showcased the incredible aerial abilities of both teams, with The Wolves and the Motor City Machine Guns delivering daring stunts and maneuvers.
- The storyline featured moments of intense rivalry, with both teams trading victories and title changes.
- The rivalry concluded with The Wolves successfully defending their title against the Motor City Machine Guns, solidifying their dominance in the TNA Wrestling tag team division.
The Hardys Feud
The feud between the Motor City Machine Guns and the Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) began in 2015, with the two teams competing for the TNA World Tag Team Championship. The rivalry between the two teams was marked by a series of intense matches, with the Motor City Machine Guns countering with their high-flying skills, while the Hardys brought their signature hard-hitting style to the table. This feud featured several classic matches, including a No Disqualification match between the two teams.
- The feud featured classic matches between the Motor City Machine Guns and the Hardys, resulting in intense and thrilling encounters.
- The feud saw the Motor City Machine Guns emerge victorious on occasion, but the Hardys remained one of the top teams in TNA Wrestling.
li> The rivalry between the two teams was notable for its lack of cohesion and structure, with the Motor City Machine Guns and the Hardys frequently getting involved in separate matches and storylines.
Evolution of Character and Roles
Throughout their careers, the Motor City Machine Guns underwent significant changes, adapting to new team combinations, and shifting to different characters. Initially, the team consisted of Chris Sabin and Joey Mercury, but later transitioned to Shelley and Sabin. This transformation was reflective of the WWE’s efforts to revitalize the tag team division, providing fresh faces and dynamics. The Motor City Machine Guns’ characters evolved over time, from being a high-flying team, to incorporating more technical aspects, showcasing the versatility of the team.
| Character Evolution | Roles and Dynamics |
|---|---|
| Initially, a dynamic high-flying team. | Focused on showcasing high-flying moves and agility. |
| Later transitioned to incorporate technical aspects. | Emphasized the team’s versatility, showcasing both aerial and ground-based moves. |
These changes allowed the Motor City Machine Guns to maintain relevance and appeal, even as the WWE’s creative landscape shifted.
Championships and Accolades of the Motor City Machine Guns
The Motor City Machine Guns, an iconic duo comprising of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, have achieved numerous accolades and titles throughout their illustrious careers in the WWE, including Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor. Their impressive record showcases their remarkable skills and dedication to the sport.
Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Champions
The Motor City Machine Guns held multiple Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Championships during their reign. They first won the titles on June 2, 2004, and held them for a period of 122 days before losing to the Diamonds Kid and B-Boy. Shelley and Sabin regained the titles on January 8, 2005, but lost them later on April 2, 2005, to The Raging Bullets. They achieved their third reign on October 10, 2007, and successfully defended the titles until June 6, 2008, when they lost to Beer Money, Inc.
NXT Tag Team Champions
The Motor City Machine Guns also made history in the WWE’s NXT by winning the NXT Tag Team Champions. They first achieved this feat on August 22, 2017, by defeating The Authors of Pain. Their remarkable reign was marked by significant title defenses, including a victory over the team of SAnitY, which they achieved on October 11, 2017. They successfully retained the titles until December 13, 2017, when they lost to the Authors of Pain in their second match against each other.
Notable Feuds and Storylines
The Motor City Machine Guns were involved in several notable feuds and storylines during their tenure in the WWE. One of their most notable rivalries was with the team of The Raging Bullets, with whom they contested multiple matches for the Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Championships. They also had a significant feud with the team of Beer Money, Inc., with whom they battled for multiple title opportunities within Impact Wrestling.
Accolades and Records
The Motor City Machine Guns have achieved numerous accolades and broken several records throughout their careers. One of their most impressive feats was during their first Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Champions reign, where they successfully defended the titles for 122 days, making them one of the longest-reigning champions in the division. They also won the Impact! Year-End Awards for “Best Tag Team” in 2005 and were named one of the best tag teams of all time by multiple wrestling publications.
Moments and Matches
Some of the most notable matches and moments involving the Motor City Machine Guns’ titles include their victory over The Raging Bullets on January 8, 2005, for the Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Championships. Another highlight was their title victory over Beer Money, Inc., on October 10, 2007, which marked their third Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Champions reign. The Motor City Machine Guns’ remarkable matches and storylines within the WWE have solidified their status as one of the most respected and revered tag teams in the industry, earning them numerous accolades and titles to date.
The Impact of the Motor City Machine Guns on Tag Team Wrestling: Wwe Motor City Machine Guns
The Motor City Machine Guns, a tag team consisting of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, have had a profound impact on the world of tag team wrestling. Their unique blend of high-flying acrobatics, technical grappling, and charismatic personalities has influenced a generation of wrestlers and has left a lasting legacy on the sport.
Key Characteristics, Moves, and Tactics
The Motor City Machine Guns brought a distinct set of characteristics, moves, and tactics to the world of tag team wrestling. Upon their arrival in the WWE, they introduced a new style of wrestling that emphasized high-flying acrobatics, technical grappling, and intense matches. Their moveset included the likes of the Meltzer Driver, a double-team move that involves one member of the team performing a diving splash onto the opponent while the other member delivers a splash from the top rope, and the Skull & Bones, a double-team submission hold that involves both members of the team holding onto the opponent’s arms and legs.
The influence of the Motor City Machine Guns can be seen in the way many wrestlers approach tag team wrestling today. The use of high-flying moves and technical grappling has become more prevalent, and many teams have adopted the Motor City Machine Guns’ style of wrestling as their own.
The Motor City Machine Guns also brought a new level of intensity and passion to the ring, which was reflected in their matches and promos. They were known for their ability to create a sense of urgency and excitement, and their matches often featured a high level of athleticism and technical skill.
Career Milestones and Legacy of the Motor City Machine Guns

The Motor City Machine Guns, composed of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, are one of the most iconic and influential tag teams in professional wrestling history. Their careers, spanning over two decades, have been marked by numerous milestones, accolades, and a lasting impact on the world of wrestling.
Early Years and Breakthrough
The Motor City Machine Guns formed in 2004 in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), now known as Impact Wrestling. They started their careers as a mid-card tag team but quickly gained popularity due to their high-flying and technical in-ring performances. Their breakthrough came in 2005 when they won the TNA World Tag Team Championship, marking the first-time the title was held by a team in their early twenties.
Impact on Tag Team Wrestling
The Motor City Machine Guns’ impact on tag team wrestling cannot be overstated. They helped revitalize the division in TNA, making it a focal point of the promotion. Their matches often featured intricate sequences of moves, high-flying maneuvers, and a strong sense of camaraderie, showcasing the beauty of tag team wrestling. They influenced a generation of wrestlers, including teams like The Decade, Beer City Bruiser and Colt Cabana, and The Addiction, who have cited the Motor City Machine Guns as a major inspiration.
Notable Feuds and Storylines
Some of the most notable feuds and storylines involving the Motor City Machine Guns include their rivalry with Team 3D (Brothers Ray and Raven), a rivalry that culminated in a series of high-profile matches. They also had a memorable feud with The James Storm and The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson), which showcased their technical skills and athleticism. These feuds and storylines have been celebrated by fans and pundits alike, cementing the Motor City Machine Guns’ legacy as one of the best tag teams in wrestling history.
Awards and Accomplishments
Throughout their careers, the Motor City Machine Guns have received numerous accolades, including multiple TNA World Tag Team Championship reigns. They have also been recognized for their in-ring performances, including being crowned the TNA Tag Team of the Year in 2005. Additionally, they have been inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying their status as two of the all-time greats in tag team wrestling.
Post-TNA Career
After leaving TNA in 2006, the Motor City Machine Guns went on to compete in various independent promotions, including Ring of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). They have continued to compete and entertain fans worldwide, with Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin remaining close friends and wrestling partners off-and-on throughout their careers.
Legacy and Impact on WWE History
The Motor City Machine Guns’ legacy extends far beyond their in-ring accomplishments. They have had a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling, influencing generations of wrestlers and fans alike. Their contributions to tag team wrestling have been recognized by WWE, who have incorporated elements of their style and charisma into their own tag team storylines. The Motor City Machine Guns’ influence can still be seen in modern WWE tag teams, solidifying their place as pioneers in the world of professional wrestling.
Longevity and Career Timeline
Throughout their careers, both Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin have demonstrated remarkable longevity, with Alex Shelley currently competing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Chris Sabin competing for multiple promotions, including WWE.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the incredible career of WWE Motor City Machine Guns, it’s clear that their impact on the world of professional wrestling will be felt for years to come. With their electrifying matches, memorable feuds, and lasting legacy, they continue to inspire new generations of wrestlers and fans alike.
Question & Answer Hub
What was the formation of the Motor City Machine Guns?
The Motor City Machine Guns were formed in the early 2000s, with Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin originally teaming up as a singles competitor until they formed the tag team.
Who have been the notable members of the Motor City Machine Guns?
The original and most well-known members of the Motor City Machine Guns were Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. They are the duo most commonly associated with the team.
Can you list and detail the Motor City Machine Guns’ signature moves and match tactics?
The Motor City Machine Guns were known for their lightning quick moves, including the Dream Dirt Devil, Facewash, and the Sliced Bread #2, and also for their impeccable in-ring chemistry and teamwork.