The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to shifting alliances and dramatic turns, but recent events on WWE’s SmackDown have fans speculating about a potential change in direction for the tag team, the Motor City Machine Guns (MCMG). A seemingly straightforward victory on Friday’s broadcast has sparked questions about the dynamic between Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, and the increasingly influential Candice LeRae, potentially setting the stage for a compelling storyline.
During a match against Axiom and Nathan Frazer, LeRae intervened in a way that secured a win for Sabin and Shelley, but with a subtle complexity that has raised eyebrows among viewers and wrestling analysts. As Frazer attempted an O’Connor roll, a common pinning maneuver, LeRae discreetly struck Frazer from behind while the referee’s attention was elsewhere. This allowed Sabin to reverse the position and secure the pinfall, earning the MCMG the victory. The incident, captured and widely shared on social media, has ignited a debate about LeRae’s motives and the future of the team.
What’s particularly noteworthy is Sabin’s apparent unawareness of LeRae’s assistance. He celebrated the win as if it were a clean victory, a detail that has fueled speculation about a potential rift within the MCMG. LeRae’s focus immediately after the match appeared to be directed more toward Shelley than Sabin, hinting at a possible underlying tension or even a calculated move to sow discord within the team. This subtle nuance has led many to believe that a “heel turn” – a shift to a villainous character – could be on the horizon for one or both members of the Motor City Machine Guns.
The seeds of this potential storyline were further planted earlier in the evening. Prior to the match, LeRae and her husband, Johnny Gargano, were involved in a backstage segment with the popular wrestler Danhausen, who offered to lift a supposed curse. Shelley briefly entered the scene during this interaction, only to be interrupted by Sabin, who redirected Shelley’s attention back to their upcoming match. This brief encounter, while seemingly innocuous, adds another layer to the unfolding narrative, suggesting a deliberate attempt to create friction between the team members.
The History of the Motor City Machine Guns
The Motor City Machine Guns, comprised of Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley, have a long and decorated history in professional wrestling. Formed in 2006, the duo initially gained prominence in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), now known as Impact Wrestling, where they became five-time TNA World Tag Team Champions. Impact Wrestling’s official history details their numerous accomplishments and their reputation for innovative and high-octane matches. Their in-ring style, characterized by fast-paced action and intricate maneuvers, quickly earned them a dedicated fan base. They are widely regarded as one of the most influential tag teams of the 21st century.
After a period apart, Sabin and Shelley reunited in WWE in 2023, bringing their established chemistry and skill set to a new audience. Their return was met with enthusiasm from fans who had followed their careers for years, and they quickly established themselves as a formidable force in the tag team division. Their current run in WWE represents a new chapter in their already impressive careers, and the potential for a dramatic shift in their alignment adds an intriguing element to their story.
Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano: A Power Couple in WWE
Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano have become a prominent power couple within WWE, known for their in-ring talent and compelling storylines. Gargano, a former NXT Champion, is celebrated for his captivating character work and technical wrestling prowess. LeRae, a veteran of the independent wrestling scene, has proven herself to be a versatile performer capable of both comedic and serious roles. WWE’s official profile of Candice LeRae highlights her accomplishments and her dynamic with Gargano.
Their on-screen relationship has often been a central element of their storylines, and their recent involvement with the Motor City Machine Guns suggests that their influence may be extending beyond their own individual pursuits. LeRae’s actions during the match against Axiom and Frazer raise questions about her loyalty and her ultimate goals within WWE. Is she acting in her own self-interest, or is she working on behalf of Gargano to further their own agenda?
What’s Next for the MCMG and WWE?
While the full direction of this storyline remains unclear, the pieces are undeniably falling into place for a dramatic turn of events. The subtle interference by LeRae, coupled with the backstage interactions involving Gargano and Shelley, suggests that a complex web of alliances and betrayals is being woven. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this unfolding saga, and the potential for a heel turn by either Sabin or Shelley – or even both – adds a significant level of intrigue.
The implications of a potential heel turn extend beyond the immediate dynamics of the Motor City Machine Guns. It could lead to a feud with Gargano and LeRae, a rivalry with other top tag teams in WWE, or even a shift in the overall landscape of the tag team division. The possibilities are numerous, and the creative team at WWE has a wealth of options to explore.
Candice LeRae helps MCMG win, but she low-key has got her eyes on Alex Shelley #SmackDown
pic.twitter.com/Elj3R2lbVA, Saúl Alejandro (@SaulAlejandr00) March 21, 2026
The next scheduled appearance for the Motor City Machine Guns is on next week’s episode of SmackDown, where they are slated to face another challenging tag team. Fans will be closely watching for any further developments in this evolving storyline, and the potential for a confrontation between Sabin, Shelley, LeRae, and Gargano remains high. WWE’s official website, wwe.com, will provide updates and further details as the story unfolds.
What do you consider is going to happen with the Motor City Machine Guns? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with your fellow wrestling fans!
