Tony Khan‘s plans for Motor City Machine Guns vs Young Bucks were reportedly close to becoming a reality before the celebrated tag team made their move to WWE in late 2024. Shelly and Sabin, known as the Motor City Machine Guns, were at the center of behind-the-scenes negotiations that nearly led to a high-profile showdown in AEW, shedding light on ongoing industry shifts between major wrestling promotions.
Background on the Tag Team Rivalry That Almost Was
The so-called wrestling war between WWE and AEW has produced many dramatic developments behind the curtain. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, who formed the Motor City Machine Guns in 2006 while working in Japan, rose to prominence with an array of championship runs in organizations such as TNA, ROH, NJPW, GCW, and eventually making appearances for both WWE and AEW. With both men achieving World Champion status individually, their collective reputation as one of the most successful tag teams of the modern era is well-earned.
In August 2022, the Motor City Machine Guns stepped into AEW’s spotlight during All Out, joining Jay Lethal in a trios match. Despite their only AEW appearance ending in defeat to FTR and Wardlow due to Samoa Joe’s interference, the team continued to focus on TNA and returned to NJPW. For years, Shelley and Sabin had conversations with WWE, and Shelley disclosed he almost signed during the COVID-19 pandemic, further illustrating how close they came to different career moves.
Negotiations and WWE Signing End AEW Plans
Shelley and Sabin, both with 25 years in the industry, entered direct talks with Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, in the fall of 2024. Discussions quickly gained traction, especially as the Detroit natives aligned with WWE’s vision. According to Fightful Select, there was genuine consideration given to a return to AEW and its partner ROH, with Tony Khan keen on reigniting their presence in the AEW tag team scene.
Reportedly, Khan designed a storyline that would see the Motor City Machine Guns square off against The Young Bucks, another highly respected team, culminating in a highly anticipated title match at All In 2024 in London. By April of that year, The Bucks had claimed their third AEW World Tag Team Championship at Dynasty and subsequently lost the titles to Private Party later that October.
Final Moments Before the Dream Match Was Halted
Talks between Tony Khan and the Motor City Machine Guns gradually broke down in the summer of 2024, eventually falling completely silent. During this time, AEW inferred that Sabin and Shelley had likely decided to accept WWE’s offer. With lines of communication closed, Tony Khan adjusted AEW’s pay-per-view plans, opting instead to pit The Bucks against FTR and The Acclaimed in London.
The Motor City Machine Guns entered WWE’s tag team landscape in October, debuting on SmackDown by securing a contender‘s victory over A-Town Down Under and Los Garza. Their immediate impact as WWE Tag Team Champions was felt with a 42-day reign following their debut, cementing their position within the company.
What These Broadcasting Decisions Mean for Wrestling Fans
The near-miss of Tony Khan’s plans for Motor City Machine Guns vs Young Bucks highlights the rapidly shifting landscape of professional wrestling as both WWE and AEW continue to compete for top-tier talent and marquee matchups. The Guns’ choice to join WWE, following extensive negotiations and years of prior talks, prevented a dream rivalry in AEW that fans had long speculated about. As both promotions move forward, the evolving competition continues to reshape the stories and rivalries available to global wrestling audiences, with the actions of industry leaders like Tony Khan and Triple H shaping future headlines.
