The Motor City Machine Guns may be moving to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin were part of a recent round of WWE releases and reports now say they could join AEW when their non-compete deals end.
Shelley and Sabin likely AEW additions
UFCcoverage reports that Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, known as The Motor City Machine Guns, are expected to sign with AEW once they are free to do so. The two are believed to be tied to the usual 90-day non-compete clause used by WWE. If that is correct, they would not be able to appear for AEW until July.
It is not clear whether AEW has already contacted Shelley and Sabin. AEW normally cannot approach released wrestlers while their non-compete is active. Even so, sources in the industry expect the tag team to join AEW when permitted.
Backstory and past interest
Shelley and Sabin signed with WWE in 2024. At the time, AEW was reportedly interested in signing them, but the pair chose WWE. Their run on WWE’s main roster was short but notable. They won the tag team titles after only two matches, giving them a bright start in the company.
Sources in TNA, the promotion where Shelley and Sabin first made their names, told UFCcoverage that the duo would always be welcome back at TNA. Still, those same sources expect the team to sign with AEW instead of returning to TNA.
Other releases and possible moves
WWE released 23 Superstars last week. Among them were other well-known names. Kairi Sane is believed to have returned to Japan. Some reports say her wish to go back to her home country played a role in her sudden release.
Aleister Black and Zelina Vega were also released. Black previously left WWE for AEW and then returned to WWE. It seems unlikely he would repeat that exact path, but nothing is certain. AEW could be interested in signing Black and Vega together as a package, though no offers have been confirmed.
What to watch next
Expect more news in the coming weeks. Many fans and reporters will look for where the recently released Superstars land. The Motor City Machine Guns are a top story because of their tag-team history and prior interest from AEW. If the non-compete timeline is correct, fans could see them on AEW television in July.
For now, talks remain unconfirmed and teams are watching the contract timelines closely. WWE coverage of roster moves and likely landing spots will continue to appear as more information becomes available.
