The question of whether Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, the Motor City Machine Guns, will ever join WWE has been a long-debated topic among wrestling fans. These two have carved out an impressive legacy in the world of professional wrestling, primarily through their innovative tag team wrestling and their stints in various promotions like TNA (now Impact Wrestling), Ring of Honor (ROH), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Their high-octane style, characterized by fast-paced action, intricate tag team maneuvers, and a clear understanding of ring psychology, has earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. But despite their obvious talents and the WWE's penchant for acquiring top-tier talent, Shelley and Sabin have never made the jump to Vince McMahon's company. This begs the question: Why haven't we seen the Motor City Machine Guns in WWE, and what would it take for them to finally make an appearance?

One of the primary reasons often cited is timing and circumstance. During the peak of their popularity in TNA, WWE's tag team division wasn't always a focal point. The landscape of professional wrestling is ever-changing, and sometimes the fit just isn't right. The WWE has gone through periods where tag team wrestling was heavily emphasized, and other times when it was relegated to a secondary role. For Shelley and Sabin, the timing may not have aligned with WWE's creative vision at various points in their careers. Moreover, both wrestlers have expressed a certain level of contentment and creative freedom in other promotions. In TNA, they were given the platform to showcase their unique style and develop their characters without the constraints that might come with being in a larger, more corporate environment like WWE. This freedom allowed them to experiment, innovate, and ultimately solidify their reputation as one of the most exciting tag teams in the industry. And let's be real, sometimes the indy scene and other major promotions just offer a different vibe that clicks better with certain wrestlers. It's all about finding the right fit, you know?

Their Careers Outside WWE

Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin have had remarkable careers outside of WWE, solidifying their status as legends in the wrestling world. Before teaming up, both had already made names for themselves as singles competitors. Alex Shelley, known for his technical prowess and innovative offense, quickly became a standout in the independent scene. His ability to blend technical wrestling with high-flying maneuvers made him a must-see attraction. Similarly, Chris Sabin, with his incredible athleticism and dynamic style, was recognized as one of the most promising young talents in the industry. Their individual successes laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most iconic tag teams in wrestling history. Their decision to team up was a game-changer, not just for their careers, but for the tag team wrestling scene as a whole. As the Motor City Machine Guns, Shelley and Sabin brought a fresh, innovative style to the ring, characterized by fast-paced action, intricate tag team maneuvers, and a high level of athleticism. They quickly gained a reputation for their exciting matches and their ability to connect with audiences. It wasn't just about winning; it was about putting on a show that fans would remember.

Their time in TNA (now Impact Wrestling) was particularly significant. During their tenure, they became synonymous with the company's high-energy, risk-taking approach to wrestling. They captured the TNA World Tag Team Championship multiple times, engaging in memorable feuds with teams like Team 3D (The Dudley Boyz) and Beer Money, Inc. (Robert Roode and James Storm). These rivalries were not just about titles; they were about establishing dominance and proving who the best tag team in the business really was. Shelley and Sabin's matches were often the highlight of TNA's programming, drawing viewers in with their incredible in-ring performances and their ability to tell compelling stories. Beyond TNA, they have also made significant contributions to other promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In ROH, they continued to showcase their unique style and engage in exciting matches with some of the best tag teams in the world. Their appearances in NJPW further solidified their international reputation, exposing them to a new audience and allowing them to compete on a global stage. Their influence on the wrestling world extends beyond just their in-ring accomplishments. They have inspired countless wrestlers with their innovative style and their dedication to their craft. Many of today's top tag teams cite the Motor City Machine Guns as a major influence, demonstrating the lasting impact that Shelley and Sabin have had on the industry.

Potential WWE Impact

If Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin were to join WWE, the impact could be substantial, particularly on the tag team division. The WWE tag team landscape has seen fluctuations in prominence over the years, and the addition of a team with the caliber and experience of the Motor City Machine Guns could inject a new level of excitement and competition. Their unique style, characterized by fast-paced action, innovative maneuvers, and a deep understanding of tag team psychology, would undoubtedly bring a fresh dynamic to the WWE. One of the most significant impacts would be the elevation of match quality. Shelley and Sabin have a proven track record of delivering high-octane, memorable matches. Their ability to seamlessly blend technical wrestling with high-flying offense would provide WWE fans with a different kind of tag team action, one that prioritizes both excitement and storytelling. Their matches would likely become must-see attractions, drawing viewers in and adding a new layer of entertainment to WWE programming.

Furthermore, their presence could inspire other teams to elevate their game. Competition breeds excellence, and the arrival of the Motor City Machine Guns would undoubtedly push existing WWE tag teams to improve their performances. This could lead to a revitalization of the entire division, with teams striving to match the intensity and innovation that Shelley and Sabin bring to the ring. In addition to in-ring impact, Shelley and Sabin could also contribute to the development of younger talent. Their years of experience and their deep understanding of the wrestling business would make them valuable assets in mentoring up-and-coming stars. They could share their knowledge, provide guidance, and help shape the future of the WWE tag team division. Their influence could extend beyond just the ring, as they could also contribute to creative processes and help develop storylines that resonate with fans. Imagine the dream matches that could happen! The Motor City Machine Guns facing off against teams like The Usos, The New Day, or even The Revival (now FTR in AEW) would be a wrestling fan's dream come true. These matchups would not only be exciting from an in-ring perspective but would also provide compelling storylines that could captivate audiences.

Why They Haven't Joined Yet

Several factors might explain why Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin haven't made the jump to WWE. One primary reason could be creative control and freedom. WWE is known for its tightly controlled environment, where storylines and character development are often dictated by the company's creative team. Wrestlers who value creative autonomy may find this restrictive, preferring to work in promotions where they have more input into their characters and storylines. Shelley and Sabin, having established themselves as innovative and creative performers, may be hesitant to relinquish that control. Financial considerations also play a significant role. While WWE undoubtedly offers lucrative contracts, other promotions may provide comparable financial opportunities, especially when factoring in merchandise sales, independent bookings, and other revenue streams. Wrestlers must weigh the financial benefits of joining WWE against the potential loss of income from other sources. For Shelley and Sabin, the financial equation may not always favor WWE, especially if they are content with their current earnings and opportunities.

Personal preferences and career goals also come into play. Some wrestlers simply prefer the atmosphere and culture of smaller promotions. They may value the camaraderie, the closer relationships with fans, and the ability to work with a wider range of talent. Others may have specific career goals that don't align with WWE's priorities. For example, they may want to focus on international wrestling, pursue other business ventures, or simply maintain a certain level of work-life balance. Ultimately, the decision to join WWE is a personal one, based on a variety of factors that are unique to each wrestler. Contract negotiations and timing are also critical. Even if both parties are interested in a deal, negotiations can break down over various issues, such as salary, benefits, creative control, and the length of the contract. Additionally, the timing may not be right. WWE may not have a spot for them at a particular time, or Shelley and Sabin may be under contract with another promotion. The complexities of contract negotiations and the ever-changing landscape of the wrestling industry can often delay or prevent a potential partnership.

The Future

Looking ahead, the possibility of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin joining WWE remains open. The wrestling landscape is constantly evolving, and opportunities can arise unexpectedly. WWE's interest in acquiring top-tier talent is well-known, and the company has shown a willingness to bring in established stars from other promotions in recent years. If the circumstances are right, and if both parties can come to an agreement, we may yet see the Motor City Machine Guns in a WWE ring. One potential scenario could involve a short-term deal, where Shelley and Sabin are brought in for a specific storyline or a series of matches. This would allow them to test the waters, gauge their interest in a longer-term commitment, and provide WWE with a proven and exciting tag team. Another possibility could be a full-time contract, where they become regular members of the WWE roster and compete for championships. This would require a greater level of commitment from both sides, but it could also lead to a more significant and lasting impact on the company.

Ultimately, the decision rests with Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. They must weigh the pros and cons of joining WWE, consider their personal and professional goals, and determine whether the opportunity aligns with their vision for the future. Whatever they decide, their legacy as one of the most innovative and exciting tag teams in wrestling history is already secure. Whether they ever grace a WWE ring or not, the Motor City Machine Guns have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring countless wrestlers and entertaining fans around the world. So, while we can speculate and hope, the future remains unwritten, and only time will tell if we'll ever see Shelley and Sabin in WWE. But hey, in the world of wrestling, never say never, right? Anything can happen!