The Motor City Machine Guns are the only team to conquer four major promotions.
In short: Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin have redefined tag team wrestling by capturing championships across New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor, Total Nonstop Action, and WWE. Their journey, spanning nearly two decades, reflects a rare ability to adapt and thrive while navigating the complex, often volatile landscape of professional wrestling.
Formed in 2006, the Motor City Machine Guns—a nod to the Detroit hometown of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin—have operated as a nomadic force in professional wrestling. Their career is defined by repeated cycles of formation, disbandment, and triumphant return. Initially debuting in Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max, the duo quickly established themselves as a premier tag team, eventually securing titles in major organizations including TNA, NJPW, and ROH. Their longevity is particularly notable given the physical toll of the sport, which has seen both men endure significant injuries, including Sabin’s 2011 knee surgery and Shelley’s periodic absences to focus on his career as a physical therapist.
The team's historical significance lies in their unprecedented cross-promotional success. In 2024, after signing with WWE, they captured the WWE Tag Team Championship, becoming the first team in history to hold titles in WWE, TNA, ROH, and NJPW. This achievement followed years of navigating shifting alliances and corporate mandates, such as when TNA restricted their ability to work for independent promotions in the late 2000s. Their style, often characterized by high-speed, technical precision, earned them widespread acclaim, including Tag Team of the Year honors in 2010 from both Pro Wrestling Illustrated and The Baltimore Sun.
Despite their accolades, the team’s path has been marked by instability. They have disbanded and reformed multiple times due to contract expirations, injuries, and career pivots. For instance, Shelley retired in 2018 before returning in 2020, and the pair were released by WWE in April 2026 before returning to AEW that July. These transitions highlight the precarious nature of professional wrestling careers, where success is often contingent on maintaining relevance across competing promotions. Their legacy remains one of resilience, having successfully navigated the transition from independent circuit standouts to globally recognized champions across the industry's most prominent stages.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Motor City Machine Guns
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