In a recent episode of the “Huge Pop” podcast, The Motor City Machine Guns – well-known as one of the most successful tag teams in TNA history, shared some inside information. Admitting that TNA initially wasn’t keen on them forming a tag team, the pair, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, opened up about their journey.
Highlights from the conversation include:
Speaking about the impact they’ve had on tag-team wrestling, Shelley said, “It’s about using a perspective rather than just replicating choreographed actions. When we began as a team we had the good fortune of Jim Cornette’s guidance. He took us under his wing while we were at TNA. Despite our pair-up, TNA was hesitant to officially form us as a team for nearly a year, dating back to the early part of 2008.”
When asked about the reactions they got back then, Sabin humorously recalled, “‘I don’t see it, bro.'”
Shelley delved deeper into the situation, describing how they managed to change TNA’s perspective: “Believe it or not, that’s an exact quote from someone at the time. It wouldn’t be fair to name names. The ones in charge of the storylines have their own opinions. Pro wrestling, after all, is subjective. They didn’t see our potential. The opportunity for us to prove ourselves came unexpectedly, when we showcased our tag team maneuvers in a match we were not supposed to partner in.”
Furthermore, Shelley shared how veteran wrestler, Jim Cornette, offered them invaluable direction. He provided them with a packet of study materials which included notes and over 100 Midnight Express matches on six DVDs. They meticulously studied these matches to understand the nuances of tag team wrestling, all while under the guidance of Cornette, who shared valuable pieces of advice from his first-hand experience as part of the Midnight Express.
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