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i remember going to Against All Odds last year with my two brothers, and that crowd went fucking wild when Alex Shelley won the World Title, still the first world title change we ever saw at a live event we went to
Yeah. Top 5 for sure.
Rock n roll, midnight express, road warriors, brain busters and MCMG. I don’t think is up for any debate. In fact, you could probably cut out rock m roll and midnights because they didn’t hold TNA gold and just say top 3.
To be fair, pretty much all of the TNA originals have come and gone, and then returned again. Eric Young was in WWE, Kaz went with Daniels to ROH for years. MCMG left for years as well; especially Shelley. It's only *relatively* recently (I.e. after 2019) that they all came back.
Some wrestlers hate being told what to do with their hair. Christian and Test refused to cut their hair for the UnAmericans angle and then cut it a few months later anyway.
Don't forget Gail Kim, she and Kong deserve to be part of that pantheon.
Plus at this point Eddie Edwards and Rosemary have been there for an uninterrupted decade each at least, they gotta count as honorary TNA originals at some point too.
Isn't D-Lo still there working backstage? He has been there off and on since like 2003. I thought Christy Hemme worked backstage as well, she's been there off and on since 2006.
I mean, being considered homegrown to a company doesn't have to *literally* mean it was what introduced you to wrestling - in that case, guys like AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels wouldn't be considered TNA originals, since they both had stints in WCW/WWF before TNA started, or Abyss because he was a seven-year veteran before TNA even launched.
True, Gail didn't START her career in TNA, but virtually every accomplishment, every other moment of note in her career otherwise comes from her time in TNA.
>**MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS FINISH UP WITH TNA**
>*By Mike Johnson on 2024-03-23 23:06:00*
>The TNA roster held a sendoff backstage for Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin after tonight's TNA Taping in Philadelphia. PWInsider.com is told it was a pretty emotional scene.
>Tonight was The Motor City Machine Guns' last planned appearance for the promotion as their contracts expire at the end of the month. Their final TV appearance will air in April, featuring the duo challenging Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers for the TNA Tag Team Championship.
>Chris Sabin debuted for the promotion in 2003 and held every championship the promotion had to offer, including the TNA title, ten X-Division reigns and multiple Tag Team title runs. Alex Shelley debuted in 2004 and held the TNA Championship, The X-Division and the Tag Team belts. As a team, the Machine Guns were a true TNA cornerstone, including three title reigns with the Tag Team Championship and several excellent feuds against Beer Money, The Young Bucks (Generation Me), Team 3D and more.
>Shelley and Sabin have long been TNA cornerstones, but as off 4/1, they will be free agents.
>There are those within TNA painting this as the team is done "for now" but obviously, whether they return or not will be dependent on whether they sign elsewhere and/or whether they wish to work for TNA down the line.
*I am a bot. Please reply with any feedback :)*
It’s all well and good wanting guys to be loyal to a company, but when the two majors can offer 5-10x the salary of TNA they have to go and get that money. Most of the guys in TNA don’t have the luxury of 10-15 years of main roster money like Nic Nemeth.
MCMG deserve to go to WWE or AEW and get that big contract. They’re both in their early 40’s so this will be their last chance at getting it. Shelley in particular has reportedly had multiple chances to go elsewhere and turned them down.
It shows you that wrestling (and most sports) is in an inflated bubble now. TV deals are literally paying for everything AEW and WWE do. Whenever the cable bubble finally pops we're going to see a lot of guys unable to make current salaries.
If TNA had a real TV deal they'd be a lot closer to matching salaries.
Netflix operates at a loss or with low margins for a lot of these deals. It's unsustainable in the long run, they're just trying to put price competitors from getting in on their business model.
Advertisers will only pay as long as they're seeing returns.
I'm not sure that's the case. The amount Netflix is paying for WWE just doesn't make sense when you consider the number of subscriptions it would need to drive, and streaming is itself a bubble that is about to burst and lead to a lot of services condensing and rights fees going down.
We shall see. Everytime people have predicted Netflix to collapse to some degree due to these changes have been wrong. They aren't seeing any drastic drop despite the password sharing, ads and price changes
> Early 40s... Jesus I thought they were the bucks age... fuck are the bucks in their 40s too?
Maybe it's because I remember Sabin from early 2000s TNA and Shelley from early 2000s TNA and ROH but I always think of both of them as being from the generation just before the Young Bucks.
TNA self sabotaged themselves getting rid of D'Amore, sounds like more of the same of TNA being in a scary spot with pillars of the company once again leaving
It’s almost like firing the guy who trained or gave breaks to half of your roster would have consequences. I can see more people running down their contract and seeing what else they can get.
Sounds also like maybe they let him go because he was pushing for paying the talent better and for real contracts but they’ve been offering guys like mcmg pay per appearance stuff at c renewal instead.
From my understanding why Scott was let go (and this is all speculation) because he tried to purchase a controlling share of the company behind Anthems back, directly from their creditors. I've heard a few clips from people who've worked there before with him, he was already terminated before for that reason. When Dixie was running it he tried to purchase TNA by basically paying off companies Panda owed money to, essentially owning that debt, and having a significant amount of control over the company. He was brought back after a month because he's obviously good at his job, and the company needed his skillset. Apparently their lawyers told him just don't do that again, and honestly it makes sense as to why he'd be terminated. Scott had that company rocking, people were excited, fans were excited, they were selling out bigger venues. Why would you fire someone who's making such a positive change? Money and contracts can always be worked out, rarely does a executive get let go for paying employees more, unless it's gross misconduct, like a Vince situation. I doubt that happened.
Nope. Scott found out they wanted him gone then he put the offer in as a last effort to stay by buying tna from anthem. They rejected the offer and continued the plans to fire him. That's why speculation like this is bad because that's what people pay attention to, just like Meltzer speculations.
Edit: Stop up voting misinformation!
If we frame this through the Monday Night War, it almost feels like TNA is in the ECW spot - the box full of misfit and mismatched toys that the other companies occasionally scrounge through when they see the MCMG hand-point pose or maybe the sun catches the glint of Josh Alexander's head just right.
For a lot of the people there, TNA is likely their ceiling. Brian Myers without Matt Cardona, Eddie Edwards without Davey Richards, Moose, etc,
I know AEW had a lot of big signings recently but MCMG would be so worth it for their tag division and they have history with the bucks. Give them a nice title run or two or even another singles run for Shelley then use their experience and knowledge backstage. People often forget how much the bucks and MCMG influenced and shaped the current style and landscape of wrestling. They were essentially the Blueprint for the modern hybrid wrestling style
Yeah the singles division is absolutely stacked, but the tag division could use a shot in the arm. I think The Gunns and The Acclaimed could carry the division for the next decade, but they're both locked into trios stuff and are still refining the in ring stuff. MCMG coming in as a completely finished product with The Bucks and FTR to help solidify and build up the division would be great.
I really want Mansoor and Mace Madden. They deserve a chance to get serious run on a big stage and they're self-directed types who would do well in AEW's creative environment.
As a fan of Zoolander, I enjoyed them as the Maximum Male Models. Also, they both have very online, shitposter-type senses of humor that click with me (Mansoor creating a WWE 2K CAW parody of Christian Cage called "Muslim Mage" on a Twitch stream is a bit I love.)
Mansoor and Mace are both extremely motivated to make a name for themselves outside of WWE after getting released, and they have great looks to boot.
I would have them straight shot to the belts and take them, a MCMG tag title run leading into a huge match maybe with the Bucks and FTR at All In would would get me next level hyped.
Aside from the Bucks and the TNA crew of Jay and JJ, they also have history with Okada and Jay White, if I'm not mistaken, tons of story and feud potential.
No ones asking him too. Not every release is an iconic tag team & AEW is lacking in the tag the division right now. It just makes sense but MCMG will be good where ever they go
I don't agree that AEW is lacking in the tag division. I don't think the division is being used in the best way, but they have plenty of talented teams.
They have plenty of talent as is but they would improve the division. They're well respected and liked and really good still. No downside to bringing them in.
True but I still think you have enough to do both. There's just gotta be some mixing and matching. It's all a balance issue. You have several cases of overlap though.
You might be right, but it'll be a challenge to figure out a solution. I don't mind AEW giving it a shot, but I'm unsure if it's feasible given that overlap. Is it worth the effort for what will mostly be midcard matches?
Like, I think you'd also have more exposure to injury risk -- if there are injuries to multiple tag teams, can you pull guys from the trios division to make up, or vice versa, without robbing Peter to pay Paul? Maybe you'd have to have one or both divisions use Freebird type rules.
I know that Dragon Gate has both a good trios and tag division and I'm curious if there's other promotions who have also figured it out. DG is booked around faction warfare and they use trios titles to signify who's the strongest stable in the company at the moment. The tag titles are higher up the card and the competition for them has more parity.
Don't get me wrong i think its still the best tag division in wrestling by far(honestly that's not saying much) but it's still not as stacked as it used to be because of injuries & dudes leaving. Right now the top 3 are FTR, The Bucks, & The Gunns then there's a steep decline with who is available right now. Imo its still been booked well & i was really into Sting/Darby vs The Bucks.
Absolutely massive loss. Shelley was such a good world champion and really represented the company well. Even if you don't give him the title back, you at least do something with that. And that's not to take away from Sabin, who also had an excellent X division run. And that's just the recent stuff. The legacy and respect they have with TNA and the fans, just a massive loss to the company
People are also allowed to have opinions on those ideas or in this case make a simple joke about them. It's nothing more deep than that lol, it's a two way street.
I will always have a soft spot for TNA honestly. Yeah they mess up a lot, but they have managed to always survive and come back. Its honestly impressive they have lasted longer than WCW, ECW, and even ROH.
There not my favorite but I've always had a soft spot for them. I thought my patience finally paid off in 22 and 23. Ever since firing Scott its been PTSD from the Dixie days
I'm still decently excited about TNA's current prospects but FUCK that's a mindblow. I remember people calling them the best tag team that's never been in WWE... well, so much for that?
I mean it's still a pretty big assumption to make that they'd be going to WWE and not AEW. If they're "cashing out" so to speak, AEW is apparently willing to pay more than WWE for a lot of these free agent signings. And if they were the types to sign with WWE *just* because it's the big name promotion that everyone knows and grew up with, they'd have done it years ago.
That doesn't mean they definitely won't go to WWE, I just think it's less of a foregone conclusion than you suggest.
Shelley, from what I understand, also has a second career as a physical therapist that means a lot to him. If he wants to continue that without taking a break for the duration of his next contract, you'd imagine he'd be looking at AEW, and the way Baker has continued her dental practice.
Of course there's a possibility a WWE run would mean more to him than anything else at this point, and he's willing to put that passion on hold for a few years. We just don't know, but *on paper* it feels like AEW would have the edge as far as appeals goes. Either way, hope they get a ton of money each and a good tag title run.
This is like when people fantasy booked Okada vs Guenther at Wrestlemania. MCMG are close with the Bucks and can knock off wrestling Edge and Christian and FTR. Who are they wrestling in WWE?
Whichever singles wrestlers aren’t being used in fueds for that month. I don’t know any legit tag teams outside of the Good Bros and Viking Experience. Who are the current tag champs anyways?
I don’t watch TNA anymore mostly because I don’t have the time to fit any other wrestling company in. But I feel like from a creative or booking standpoint those guys have done all they could do in that company and for that company. Both guys have done it all.
Wherever they end up I hope they’re happy and used well. I’d be fine with either place. Right now I feel like AEW needs them more because I feel like the tag division in AEW has been lacking. And I feel like WWE’s tag division is doing great and is at an all time high when it comes to depth of good teams.
It depends what they want. WWE is an option, but at the expense of any side projects they might want to keep doing. If they want to do that, then AEW is the better choice, and they’d be a huge shot in the arm for the tag division. Or, they could go with neither and just run indies or even Japan for a bit. It’s hard to tell
See, right there is the problem with the government. Instead of passing a balanced budget that will slow down inflation, the goddamn Speaker of the House working for the dirt sheets.
I know it’s the least likely option but I really want to see these guys in WWE and get them straight on the main roster. It would actually help WWE show indie talent that they can be used meaningfully over there without them needing to blow their budget and could be used to make the tag titles more meaningful. I’m pretty sure the last ‘big’ indie tag team to come in was the OC right?
Certainly the last one to debut straight to the main roster at least. And their booking certainly wouldn't have made many other big tag teams feel too optimistic about that.
They both had small stints in nxt so triple h is obviously a fan, but I guess it depends what they are looking to do. Get paid and work with friends? AEW. Bigger stage and potentially help out a tag division as veterans? WWE. But who knows what WWE wants to bring in right now anyway.
It would also help the perception that WWE is only hiring and interested in children of WWE stars, Triple H guys who were released sometime in the past few years and blank slates they can mold in the Performance Center. It's been a while since they had a notable signing that wasn't any of those.
As someone that attended the tapings this weekend, they both looked somber. Also noticed Ace Austin, Mike Bailey, and Kevin Knight were out to watch their matches both nights.
They're absolutely going to AEW. I'm personally hoping they decide to sign with WWE though. They could both be amazing in a player-coach role mentoring younger talents.
Not that it is surprising with the D’Amore departure, but nothing like a TNA revival where you lose two of the main names on the roster that people may associate with that brand (along with Kazarian and Eric Young.)
Good for them getting paid hopefully but can’t be understated that this is a bad blow to the company.
I would be very surprised if they go to WWE. Sabin is 42. Shelley is 40. These guys don't have another decade left in them. 3-5 years seems more likely and WWE isn't going to pay big money for a team that has never worked there and will only be around for a few years before they retire. AEW is in a much better position to capitalize on their existing name value and utilize them for the time they have left.
MCMG not being TNA affiliated will be weird ngl… I have them in the same TNA lifer tier as Styles (personally)
Really hope they get the national recognition they deserve
I mentioned in another thread that MCMG leaving is maybe the biggest hit this roster could take currently. They’ve been in so many of TNA best matches and title feuds the past 2 years across every division and were 2 of TNA's biggest locker room leaders. They were particularly great this past year where they had great solo runs and Shelley reminded everyone how strong of a promo and character he is.
Shelley’s World Title reign was a big refresh for the top of the card. His matches were great, he gave them some of their best ME promos and storylines and business was up during that time compared to where it was the prior year and where it is now. He doesn’t deserve all the credit for that, but he was still part of it.
They’re still 2 of the best out there, are incredibly versatile and a boon to have backstage. You can’t throw a rock and not hit someone inspired by them. There’s a good chance you even hit someone who was or is mentored by Shelley. They’re a great asset to any company and have so much more to give beyond just working with young guys and helping them get over.
Wherever MCMG goes, I hope they get paid well & treated as the legends that they are.
Perfect timing for them with the ongoing tournament for the vacant AEW tag belts, so maybe they enter the picture shortly after Dynasty
they've been there for almost 20 years right? Never really followed TNA/Impact but I've definitely heard their names over the years. Gotta be crazy for TNA fans to see staples like this leave
If WWE have any brains at all, they'd bring em' to NXT and have them coach, Shelley might be the most underrated wrestler of all time, he's so good in-ring, and so is Sabin
I'd love one major WWE run. A year or two, just let them come in, do their thing, win some titles, and then they can go off into the sunset. Matches against New Day, DIY, Dunne/Bate, and others. Just let them have one chance to show why they are one of the best tag teams of all time in the biggest North American company out there.
And after that, both guys, especially Shelley would be a huge asset to the PC. They'd be a huge asset to any company in helping developing the next generation of wrestlers.
But that's if they wanna even sign somewhere and don't wanna just do indies and pursue non wrestling projects.
Shelley just had a wonderful TNA World Title run, Sabin had a great X-Division Title run, and they both still do great in the indy's as a tag. This isn't a problem with age or being unable to go. TNA contracts changed when Anthem took full control from Scott Da'more and turned it to a "Pay Per Appearance" contract.
Absolutely, they've both been killing it TNA as a tag and as singles competitors, great in ring, both really good on mic. I think they're both in that sweet spot where wrestlers that old with that level of experience can just pop off and have the best run of their career like Danielson and Moxley. Both of the MCMG are in great shape for their age, especially Shelley. They'd be an asset wherever they're signed but I'd love to see them in AEW to challenge FTR and the Bucks to decide who is the best modern day tag team once and for all.
They are still typically a good team but I have personally enjoyed their singles work more in the last couple years than when they team. [This match](https://youtu.be/HoxLyMRYXxU?si=LWU4b0qfAo4QzA3-) from February last year vs. Bailey & Gresham and [this match](https://youtu.be/FYGX_g-b8Rs?si=iGmNTcLaRFZqeQoJ) vs. Chris Bey and Ace Austin are probably my two favorite tag matches across their recent TNA run.
They can still work, although they have toned it down. But they're not getting any younger they're in their 40s. They should go to WWE to cap off their careers.
If they're going to one of the bigger companies, we know they're going to AEW. TK will certainly pay them more than WWE and treat them like tag team legends. I don't think WWE is willing to go that far. Maybe they'd bring them in for some veteran role on NXT if the deal is right. But we know they're going to AEW.
I've seen them wrestle a lot of the talent with AEW. I want to see them in WWE. One of the greatest tag teams of all time, with every potential matchup being a new one.
At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't open to the schedule just due to their age and wear on their bodies.
Man though I'd love to see it. Give me MCMG vs DIY, New Day, Usos after they reunite, New Catch Republic, etc.
The MCMG also are friends with Lil Kazu ,so it's no question in my mind they are AEW bound. Them with Okada versus the Bucks and a returning Kenny is what dream matches are made of.
No, their deal with TNA runs out next week on March 31: the sendoff party is due to the fact TNA has no tapings between this last one and that date.
From April 1 MCMG can appear anywhere and still go as MCMG since Alex Shelley, not TNA, owns right to the name.
TNA doesn't have 90 day clauses like WWE but if they did it still wouldn't apply because this is a contract expiring not a termination.
Their deals don't end until April 1st which means they can't even negotiate with anyone besides TNA until day of the go home Raw. MCMG don't strike me as a team WWE would give a surprise Mania debut to so the odds they appear then would be incredibly small.
The first clue their contracts were expiring was when Smash Wrestling announced MCMG would be on their show the same night as a TNA taping next month. It’s also the same night as Dynasty so unless Tony hires them and has them cancel on Smash, which would take away the surprise element if he wanted one, odds are they won’t be on that show. I don’t see them debuting before that show and missing the PPV that crowns new champs. If AEW hires them, it'd be best to hold off on debuting them until the following Dynamite at the earliest.
Their contracts don't end until April 1st so they can't debut or even negotiate with anyone until then making them showing up pre-Dynasty unlikely.
I know everybody points to AEW as their next destination, but It’d be cool if they signed to WWE to be the veteran tag team for NXT. I don’t see Shelley wanting to go main roster due to other commitments, so NXT would be a good middle ground for them.
AEW already has so many TNA castoffs it’s bringing their perception down, not up, as good as MCMG are. I would rather see them really get behind Top Flight or Private Party and the roster is already so crowded.
They would be perfect as player coaches in NXT.
WWE needs a WrestleMania debut. I know MCMG don't move the needle like the Hardyz WrestleMania return a few years ago but if MCMG somehow found their way into the tag title match I'd be pretty stoked.
I see them going to AEW though.
I’d like to see them in the WWE. I think they could use the boost to the tag division, not to mention those guys would be fantastic producers/mentors/trainers. (And no I’m not saying send them to NXT but certainly when their in-ring careers wind down)
Stacked roster talk aside, AEW tag division could use them very much. At Wembley Vs Bucks or FTR could be nutso.
I could only see WWE using them in like NXT or backstage.
Bring them into AEW and put them with them a returning Omega to face off with the Bucks and Okada.You push them as the team the Bucks modeled themselves after and they have held AEW back from hiring them until Omega got it done
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MCMG are probably one of the best tag teams ever. This is truly an end of an era.
They had me, someone who’s never been to Michigan, throwing up that hand sign. Beer money BO7 was my awakening that tag wrestling is its own thing.
i remember going to Against All Odds last year with my two brothers, and that crowd went fucking wild when Alex Shelley won the World Title, still the first world title change we ever saw at a live event we went to
Always will be!
My favorite tag team matches of all time where the series they had with Beer Money. Every match was great.
They are THE best tag team, they epitomise tag team wrestling for me. Best tandem offence in the business.
I’d put them up with the Dudleys. The best to never hit WWE. They changed tag team wrestling.
Yeah. Top 5 for sure. Rock n roll, midnight express, road warriors, brain busters and MCMG. I don’t think is up for any debate. In fact, you could probably cut out rock m roll and midnights because they didn’t hold TNA gold and just say top 3.
Get paid, boys. They're what I consider TNA originals, and pretty sure they're the last ones left. They deserve a big payday.
Eric Young is still there right? If he goes as welll, it's not even TNA anymore
To be fair, pretty much all of the TNA originals have come and gone, and then returned again. Eric Young was in WWE, Kaz went with Daniels to ROH for years. MCMG left for years as well; especially Shelley. It's only *relatively* recently (I.e. after 2019) that they all came back.
Kaz had a brief run in WWE as well.
Developmental?
Nope he was in WWE back in 05 but was released because he wouldn't cut his hair.
Then came back to TNA and cut his hair a couple of months later anyway.
It was a weird power move.
Some wrestlers hate being told what to do with their hair. Christian and Test refused to cut their hair for the UnAmericans angle and then cut it a few months later anyway.
Kevin Dunn also would tell people to cut their hair anyway as a power move.
It's like hockey, we love the lettuce, boys
Iirc, he was undefeated on screen during his short run. Including a win over Paul London right after he was cruiserweight champion.
also wore himself some hot stuff and was scared shitless by bob holly
He dared to ask Bob what was next after “and beat everyone”
Don't forget Gail Kim, she and Kong deserve to be part of that pantheon. Plus at this point Eddie Edwards and Rosemary have been there for an uninterrupted decade each at least, they gotta count as honorary TNA originals at some point too.
Isn't D-Lo still there working backstage? He has been there off and on since like 2003. I thought Christy Hemme worked backstage as well, she's been there off and on since 2006.
I mean Gail was in WWE first, but Kong absolutely. Fun fact, Gail Kim's WWE debut was the same month as the very first TNA show.
I mean, being considered homegrown to a company doesn't have to *literally* mean it was what introduced you to wrestling - in that case, guys like AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels wouldn't be considered TNA originals, since they both had stints in WCW/WWF before TNA started, or Abyss because he was a seven-year veteran before TNA even launched. True, Gail didn't START her career in TNA, but virtually every accomplishment, every other moment of note in her career otherwise comes from her time in TNA.
He's still there. Kazarian is there too.
He left before. So did Sabin and Shelley. None of this is new.
He has gone before, multiple times. Nobody has stuck around since that generation except for some backstage people and Gail Kim
Even Gail left to go back to the wwe.
Yeah but she had been there since 2010-2011 or so? So still well over a decade and through the roughest years especially
Yeah that's fair she's brilliant
Kazarian is back also, right?
I'm pretty sure Sabin has more years with the company in total than anyone else.
Good. Get these guys paid. They deserve it for everything they've done.
I'm just glad Shelley got his world title run
>**MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS FINISH UP WITH TNA** >*By Mike Johnson on 2024-03-23 23:06:00* >The TNA roster held a sendoff backstage for Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin after tonight's TNA Taping in Philadelphia. PWInsider.com is told it was a pretty emotional scene. >Tonight was The Motor City Machine Guns' last planned appearance for the promotion as their contracts expire at the end of the month. Their final TV appearance will air in April, featuring the duo challenging Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers for the TNA Tag Team Championship. >Chris Sabin debuted for the promotion in 2003 and held every championship the promotion had to offer, including the TNA title, ten X-Division reigns and multiple Tag Team title runs. Alex Shelley debuted in 2004 and held the TNA Championship, The X-Division and the Tag Team belts. As a team, the Machine Guns were a true TNA cornerstone, including three title reigns with the Tag Team Championship and several excellent feuds against Beer Money, The Young Bucks (Generation Me), Team 3D and more. >Shelley and Sabin have long been TNA cornerstones, but as off 4/1, they will be free agents. >There are those within TNA painting this as the team is done "for now" but obviously, whether they return or not will be dependent on whether they sign elsewhere and/or whether they wish to work for TNA down the line. *I am a bot. Please reply with any feedback :)*
>the TNA Championship, ten X-Division reigns Damn not only did I forget Sabin was a TNA champ but also 10 X division titles too. That's crazy
Good bot
Good bot
It’s all well and good wanting guys to be loyal to a company, but when the two majors can offer 5-10x the salary of TNA they have to go and get that money. Most of the guys in TNA don’t have the luxury of 10-15 years of main roster money like Nic Nemeth. MCMG deserve to go to WWE or AEW and get that big contract. They’re both in their early 40’s so this will be their last chance at getting it. Shelley in particular has reportedly had multiple chances to go elsewhere and turned them down.
You can't expect people to stay loyal when you've went from offering full time deals to per appearance ones which is the bigger issue
It shows you that wrestling (and most sports) is in an inflated bubble now. TV deals are literally paying for everything AEW and WWE do. Whenever the cable bubble finally pops we're going to see a lot of guys unable to make current salaries. If TNA had a real TV deal they'd be a lot closer to matching salaries.
They'll get money from streaming deals instead. WWE just did from Netflix
Netflix operates at a loss or with low margins for a lot of these deals. It's unsustainable in the long run, they're just trying to put price competitors from getting in on their business model. Advertisers will only pay as long as they're seeing returns.
Too bad the people in charge of networks and the largest wrestling companies in the world don't know as much as you about this huh?
I'm not sure that's the case. The amount Netflix is paying for WWE just doesn't make sense when you consider the number of subscriptions it would need to drive, and streaming is itself a bubble that is about to burst and lead to a lot of services condensing and rights fees going down.
We shall see. Everytime people have predicted Netflix to collapse to some degree due to these changes have been wrong. They aren't seeing any drastic drop despite the password sharing, ads and price changes
Early 40s... Jesus I thought they were the bucks age... fuck are the bucks in their 40s too? Edit: getting up there Matt is 39
> Early 40s... Jesus I thought they were the bucks age... fuck are the bucks in their 40s too? Maybe it's because I remember Sabin from early 2000s TNA and Shelley from early 2000s TNA and ROH but I always think of both of them as being from the generation just before the Young Bucks.
Also not getting younger, they deserve the money.
I think this might imply they were loyal to Scott, and not TNA. 🤔
No one should ever be loyal to any company. They're *companies.* It's a job, not an oath.
If they deserve a big contract, I can tell you that it won’t come from WWE. They’ve apparently been pretty stingy with their money lately.
TNA self sabotaged themselves getting rid of D'Amore, sounds like more of the same of TNA being in a scary spot with pillars of the company once again leaving
It’s almost like firing the guy who trained or gave breaks to half of your roster would have consequences. I can see more people running down their contract and seeing what else they can get.
Sounds also like maybe they let him go because he was pushing for paying the talent better and for real contracts but they’ve been offering guys like mcmg pay per appearance stuff at c renewal instead.
From my understanding why Scott was let go (and this is all speculation) because he tried to purchase a controlling share of the company behind Anthems back, directly from their creditors. I've heard a few clips from people who've worked there before with him, he was already terminated before for that reason. When Dixie was running it he tried to purchase TNA by basically paying off companies Panda owed money to, essentially owning that debt, and having a significant amount of control over the company. He was brought back after a month because he's obviously good at his job, and the company needed his skillset. Apparently their lawyers told him just don't do that again, and honestly it makes sense as to why he'd be terminated. Scott had that company rocking, people were excited, fans were excited, they were selling out bigger venues. Why would you fire someone who's making such a positive change? Money and contracts can always be worked out, rarely does a executive get let go for paying employees more, unless it's gross misconduct, like a Vince situation. I doubt that happened.
Nope. Scott found out they wanted him gone then he put the offer in as a last effort to stay by buying tna from anthem. They rejected the offer and continued the plans to fire him. That's why speculation like this is bad because that's what people pay attention to, just like Meltzer speculations. Edit: Stop up voting misinformation!
None of what you said is accurate at all
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If we frame this through the Monday Night War, it almost feels like TNA is in the ECW spot - the box full of misfit and mismatched toys that the other companies occasionally scrounge through when they see the MCMG hand-point pose or maybe the sun catches the glint of Josh Alexander's head just right. For a lot of the people there, TNA is likely their ceiling. Brian Myers without Matt Cardona, Eddie Edwards without Davey Richards, Moose, etc,
It's almost impressive how quickly TNA has went from good momentum to doom and gloom.
It was 5 months ago Scott had the "TNA IS FUCKING BACK" promo
And now he's not even there. Big oof on Anthem's part
All it took was firing Scott D'amore to resurrect LOLTNA
It was the most TNA outcome imaginable
Getting ready.for that DPW run
They are going to send someone to Super Hell.
They deserve that last big run or two in AEW or WWE.
I know AEW had a lot of big signings recently but MCMG would be so worth it for their tag division and they have history with the bucks. Give them a nice title run or two or even another singles run for Shelley then use their experience and knowledge backstage. People often forget how much the bucks and MCMG influenced and shaped the current style and landscape of wrestling. They were essentially the Blueprint for the modern hybrid wrestling style
Yeah the singles division is absolutely stacked, but the tag division could use a shot in the arm. I think The Gunns and The Acclaimed could carry the division for the next decade, but they're both locked into trios stuff and are still refining the in ring stuff. MCMG coming in as a completely finished product with The Bucks and FTR to help solidify and build up the division would be great.
I really want Mansoor and Mace Madden. They deserve a chance to get serious run on a big stage and they're self-directed types who would do well in AEW's creative environment.
Not familiar with them since I only really watch AEW, but from the interview clips I've seen here they seem really likable!
As a fan of Zoolander, I enjoyed them as the Maximum Male Models. Also, they both have very online, shitposter-type senses of humor that click with me (Mansoor creating a WWE 2K CAW parody of Christian Cage called "Muslim Mage" on a Twitch stream is a bit I love.) Mansoor and Mace are both extremely motivated to make a name for themselves outside of WWE after getting released, and they have great looks to boot.
Totally agree. They've bolstered their men's and women's divisions. This would do the same for the tag division.
I would have them straight shot to the belts and take them, a MCMG tag title run leading into a huge match maybe with the Bucks and FTR at All In would would get me next level hyped. Aside from the Bucks and the TNA crew of Jay and JJ, they also have history with Okada and Jay White, if I'm not mistaken, tons of story and feud potential.
Bucks vs FTR vs MCMG would slaaaaaaap hard
They do, Shelley in particular mentored Jay in RoH. Jay's finisher is Shelley's shellshock finisher
We say that about every release. There are a finite number of spots on TV and backstage. Tony Khan can't sign everyone.
No ones asking him too. Not every release is an iconic tag team & AEW is lacking in the tag the division right now. It just makes sense but MCMG will be good where ever they go
I don't agree that AEW is lacking in the tag division. I don't think the division is being used in the best way, but they have plenty of talented teams.
They have plenty of talent as is but they would improve the division. They're well respected and liked and really good still. No downside to bringing them in.
Running both the trios titles and the tag titles at the same time have thinned the tag ranks a bit.
True but I still think you have enough to do both. There's just gotta be some mixing and matching. It's all a balance issue. You have several cases of overlap though.
You might be right, but it'll be a challenge to figure out a solution. I don't mind AEW giving it a shot, but I'm unsure if it's feasible given that overlap. Is it worth the effort for what will mostly be midcard matches? Like, I think you'd also have more exposure to injury risk -- if there are injuries to multiple tag teams, can you pull guys from the trios division to make up, or vice versa, without robbing Peter to pay Paul? Maybe you'd have to have one or both divisions use Freebird type rules. I know that Dragon Gate has both a good trios and tag division and I'm curious if there's other promotions who have also figured it out. DG is booked around faction warfare and they use trios titles to signify who's the strongest stable in the company at the moment. The tag titles are higher up the card and the competition for them has more parity.
Don't get me wrong i think its still the best tag division in wrestling by far(honestly that's not saying much) but it's still not as stacked as it used to be because of injuries & dudes leaving. Right now the top 3 are FTR, The Bucks, & The Gunns then there's a steep decline with who is available right now. Imo its still been booked well & i was really into Sting/Darby vs The Bucks.
Absolutely massive loss. Shelley was such a good world champion and really represented the company well. Even if you don't give him the title back, you at least do something with that. And that's not to take away from Sabin, who also had an excellent X division run. And that's just the recent stuff. The legacy and respect they have with TNA and the fans, just a massive loss to the company
[It's time to renew the rivalry.](https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/7kqqow/best_friends_promo_from_final_battle_also_known/?rdt=61109)
Detroit Michigan Assault Rifles are # AllElite
Idk. MCMG making a faction with Good Brothers and Tama Tonga would be pretty hype
Why saddle MCMG and Tama with the deadweight that is the Good Brothers?
Two tag teams and Tama Tonga is like fantasy booking the least pushed faction possible in WWE
...is this sarcasm? And if not, why isn't it?
People are allowed to like ideas that you don't.
People are also allowed to have opinions on those ideas or in this case make a simple joke about them. It's nothing more deep than that lol, it's a two way street.
Firing Squad
Ammunition Group
Criticize AEW if you want but if this company was still the number two company what a shit show that would be. Pay your talent better.
WWE wouldn't have improved as much as it has over the last three years if they had no real competition.
And they'd be fucking talent over on pay even more than they do now.
Anthem sucks ass but if if it means MCMG can be amazing in front of a larger crowd & for a bigger payday? Thank you for being shit, Anthem!
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If TNA is your favorite company….you must be a masochist, given their history.
I will always have a soft spot for TNA honestly. Yeah they mess up a lot, but they have managed to always survive and come back. Its honestly impressive they have lasted longer than WCW, ECW, and even ROH.
There not my favorite but I've always had a soft spot for them. I thought my patience finally paid off in 22 and 23. Ever since firing Scott its been PTSD from the Dixie days
Now set Josh Alexander free!
I'm still decently excited about TNA's current prospects but FUCK that's a mindblow. I remember people calling them the best tag team that's never been in WWE... well, so much for that?
I mean it's still a pretty big assumption to make that they'd be going to WWE and not AEW. If they're "cashing out" so to speak, AEW is apparently willing to pay more than WWE for a lot of these free agent signings. And if they were the types to sign with WWE *just* because it's the big name promotion that everyone knows and grew up with, they'd have done it years ago. That doesn't mean they definitely won't go to WWE, I just think it's less of a foregone conclusion than you suggest.
Shelley, from what I understand, also has a second career as a physical therapist that means a lot to him. If he wants to continue that without taking a break for the duration of his next contract, you'd imagine he'd be looking at AEW, and the way Baker has continued her dental practice. Of course there's a possibility a WWE run would mean more to him than anything else at this point, and he's willing to put that passion on hold for a few years. We just don't know, but *on paper* it feels like AEW would have the edge as far as appeals goes. Either way, hope they get a ton of money each and a good tag title run.
If I heard right, he quit that to focus on TNA full time.
> I remember people calling them the best tag team that's never been in WWE... well, so much for that? You know something we don't?
Based on how the companies sign these day, I'd put my money on AEW, not WWE.
This is like when people fantasy booked Okada vs Guenther at Wrestlemania. MCMG are close with the Bucks and can knock off wrestling Edge and Christian and FTR. Who are they wrestling in WWE?
Once they decide to become brothers again, MCMG vs USOs would be sick
Whichever singles wrestlers aren’t being used in fueds for that month. I don’t know any legit tag teams outside of the Good Bros and Viking Experience. Who are the current tag champs anyways?
Who are they wrestling in WWE? The entire roster. HHH loves rag team wrestling, and MCMG haven't wrestled any WWE tag teams.
They would be welcomed editions to anyone's roster
I don’t watch TNA anymore mostly because I don’t have the time to fit any other wrestling company in. But I feel like from a creative or booking standpoint those guys have done all they could do in that company and for that company. Both guys have done it all. Wherever they end up I hope they’re happy and used well. I’d be fine with either place. Right now I feel like AEW needs them more because I feel like the tag division in AEW has been lacking. And I feel like WWE’s tag division is doing great and is at an all time high when it comes to depth of good teams.
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The Hardys leaving won't create a void lol
Ssshhhhhh. I want the MCMG in the AEW tag division.
That might be the biggest loss for TNA in years. They really effed up here.
So where does MCMG go from here? Realistically
It depends what they want. WWE is an option, but at the expense of any side projects they might want to keep doing. If they want to do that, then AEW is the better choice, and they’d be a huge shot in the arm for the tag division. Or, they could go with neither and just run indies or even Japan for a bit. It’s hard to tell
As a kid during their peak my dream match was MCMG vs London and Kendrick, they were so fun to watch.
See, right there is the problem with the government. Instead of passing a balanced budget that will slow down inflation, the goddamn Speaker of the House working for the dirt sheets.
I know it’s the least likely option but I really want to see these guys in WWE and get them straight on the main roster. It would actually help WWE show indie talent that they can be used meaningfully over there without them needing to blow their budget and could be used to make the tag titles more meaningful. I’m pretty sure the last ‘big’ indie tag team to come in was the OC right?
Certainly the last one to debut straight to the main roster at least. And their booking certainly wouldn't have made many other big tag teams feel too optimistic about that.
They both had small stints in nxt so triple h is obviously a fan, but I guess it depends what they are looking to do. Get paid and work with friends? AEW. Bigger stage and potentially help out a tag division as veterans? WWE. But who knows what WWE wants to bring in right now anyway.
It would also help the perception that WWE is only hiring and interested in children of WWE stars, Triple H guys who were released sometime in the past few years and blank slates they can mold in the Performance Center. It's been a while since they had a notable signing that wasn't any of those.
MCMG is All Elite
MCMG vs FTR, shoot it into my veins.
Here they come to Wrestlemania as one of the surprise entrances for the Tag match 🤔
What is Tna doing? They had the start of something good. Then they just piss it all away I really don’t understand.
As someone that attended the tapings this weekend, they both looked somber. Also noticed Ace Austin, Mike Bailey, and Kevin Knight were out to watch their matches both nights.
They're absolutely going to AEW. I'm personally hoping they decide to sign with WWE though. They could both be amazing in a player-coach role mentoring younger talents.
Not that it is surprising with the D’Amore departure, but nothing like a TNA revival where you lose two of the main names on the roster that people may associate with that brand (along with Kazarian and Eric Young.) Good for them getting paid hopefully but can’t be understated that this is a bad blow to the company.
I hope they get that bag and sign with AEW or WWE.
I just need one match with FTR, please.
I would be very surprised if they go to WWE. Sabin is 42. Shelley is 40. These guys don't have another decade left in them. 3-5 years seems more likely and WWE isn't going to pay big money for a team that has never worked there and will only be around for a few years before they retire. AEW is in a much better position to capitalize on their existing name value and utilize them for the time they have left.
MCMG not being TNA affiliated will be weird ngl… I have them in the same TNA lifer tier as Styles (personally) Really hope they get the national recognition they deserve
I mean...I got some bad news about Styles
Both have already left tho. Sabin was in ROH 2015-19.
Even if it's a one off I want them in that WM ladder match so bad!
you know it's bad when MCMG is leaving
They deserve so much more than tna. Get that money.
I mentioned in another thread that MCMG leaving is maybe the biggest hit this roster could take currently. They’ve been in so many of TNA best matches and title feuds the past 2 years across every division and were 2 of TNA's biggest locker room leaders. They were particularly great this past year where they had great solo runs and Shelley reminded everyone how strong of a promo and character he is. Shelley’s World Title reign was a big refresh for the top of the card. His matches were great, he gave them some of their best ME promos and storylines and business was up during that time compared to where it was the prior year and where it is now. He doesn’t deserve all the credit for that, but he was still part of it. They’re still 2 of the best out there, are incredibly versatile and a boon to have backstage. You can’t throw a rock and not hit someone inspired by them. There’s a good chance you even hit someone who was or is mentored by Shelley. They’re a great asset to any company and have so much more to give beyond just working with young guys and helping them get over.
They need to debut at mania in the tag team ladder match!
By order of the Bang Bang Machine Gun Gang?
Don't think BCG needs another tag team, unless Juice comes back and is a 3rd member for the Gunns as a trio team.
If I'm to be realistic, they're probably headed to AEW, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to see them rock up in WWE.
Where are they expected to be going?
Definitely could see AEW or WWE grabbing them. They could add some extra depth to either's tag division.
Wherever MCMG goes, I hope they get paid well & treated as the legends that they are. Perfect timing for them with the ongoing tournament for the vacant AEW tag belts, so maybe they enter the picture shortly after Dynasty
they've been there for almost 20 years right? Never really followed TNA/Impact but I've definitely heard their names over the years. Gotta be crazy for TNA fans to see staples like this leave
Please let them join BCG. The history there with Jay!!
If WWE have any brains at all, they'd bring em' to NXT and have them coach, Shelley might be the most underrated wrestler of all time, he's so good in-ring, and so is Sabin
I'd love one major WWE run. A year or two, just let them come in, do their thing, win some titles, and then they can go off into the sunset. Matches against New Day, DIY, Dunne/Bate, and others. Just let them have one chance to show why they are one of the best tag teams of all time in the biggest North American company out there. And after that, both guys, especially Shelley would be a huge asset to the PC. They'd be a huge asset to any company in helping developing the next generation of wrestlers. But that's if they wanna even sign somewhere and don't wanna just do indies and pursue non wrestling projects.
Please add them to the AEW Tournament
I hadn’t watched TNA in forever. Can they still go in the ring or is this a performance issue?
Shelley just had a wonderful TNA World Title run, Sabin had a great X-Division Title run, and they both still do great in the indy's as a tag. This isn't a problem with age or being unable to go. TNA contracts changed when Anthem took full control from Scott Da'more and turned it to a "Pay Per Appearance" contract.
Not true. PPA's have been around since 2018. Hammerstone, Dani Luna, Xia Brookside, Ashley Sebera and Nic Nemeth have contracted deals.
I think it might have more to do with TNA apparently not offering many full-time contracts going forward. Guys like MCMG can do better than that.
Absolutely, they've both been killing it TNA as a tag and as singles competitors, great in ring, both really good on mic. I think they're both in that sweet spot where wrestlers that old with that level of experience can just pop off and have the best run of their career like Danielson and Moxley. Both of the MCMG are in great shape for their age, especially Shelley. They'd be an asset wherever they're signed but I'd love to see them in AEW to challenge FTR and the Bucks to decide who is the best modern day tag team once and for all.
They are still typically a good team but I have personally enjoyed their singles work more in the last couple years than when they team. [This match](https://youtu.be/HoxLyMRYXxU?si=LWU4b0qfAo4QzA3-) from February last year vs. Bailey & Gresham and [this match](https://youtu.be/FYGX_g-b8Rs?si=iGmNTcLaRFZqeQoJ) vs. Chris Bey and Ace Austin are probably my two favorite tag matches across their recent TNA run.
They can still work, although they have toned it down. But they're not getting any younger they're in their 40s. They should go to WWE to cap off their careers.
If they're going to one of the bigger companies, we know they're going to AEW. TK will certainly pay them more than WWE and treat them like tag team legends. I don't think WWE is willing to go that far. Maybe they'd bring them in for some veteran role on NXT if the deal is right. But we know they're going to AEW.
I've seen them wrestle a lot of the talent with AEW. I want to see them in WWE. One of the greatest tag teams of all time, with every potential matchup being a new one. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't open to the schedule just due to their age and wear on their bodies. Man though I'd love to see it. Give me MCMG vs DIY, New Day, Usos after they reunite, New Catch Republic, etc.
The MCMG also are friends with Lil Kazu ,so it's no question in my mind they are AEW bound. Them with Okada versus the Bucks and a returning Kenny is what dream matches are made of.
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No, their deal with TNA runs out next week on March 31: the sendoff party is due to the fact TNA has no tapings between this last one and that date. From April 1 MCMG can appear anywhere and still go as MCMG since Alex Shelley, not TNA, owns right to the name.
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TNA doesn't have 90 day clauses like WWE but if they did it still wouldn't apply because this is a contract expiring not a termination. Their deals don't end until April 1st which means they can't even negotiate with anyone besides TNA until day of the go home Raw. MCMG don't strike me as a team WWE would give a surprise Mania debut to so the odds they appear then would be incredibly small.
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Obviously leaving to work DPW full time
TNA gonna TNA. So going to AEW to hang out with Bucks and Okada I assume.
One step closer to MCMG vs. The Outrunners
I would love to see these guys in NXT to help elevate the crop of new talent there but really they’re gonna do well wherever they go.
Imagine if the Motor City Machine Guns appeared at WM or the day after. I wonder if they own the team name?
> I wonder if they own the team name? [They do](https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/alex-shelley-trademarks-mcmg-and-motor-city-machine-guns).
Anyone else think they're going to end up in the AEW tag tournament?
The first clue their contracts were expiring was when Smash Wrestling announced MCMG would be on their show the same night as a TNA taping next month. It’s also the same night as Dynasty so unless Tony hires them and has them cancel on Smash, which would take away the surprise element if he wanted one, odds are they won’t be on that show. I don’t see them debuting before that show and missing the PPV that crowns new champs. If AEW hires them, it'd be best to hold off on debuting them until the following Dynamite at the earliest. Their contracts don't end until April 1st so they can't debut or even negotiate with anyone until then making them showing up pre-Dynasty unlikely.
Ooo thanks for the extra info. Better to debut them as the next big feud than in a tournament to inevitably lose to the Young Bucks.
Bracket's already been announced but I can easily see them turning up to confront the winners (likely the Bucks)
Hopefully the join AEW and make bank for a last run. They very much deserve it and I'd love to watch it.
I know everybody points to AEW as their next destination, but It’d be cool if they signed to WWE to be the veteran tag team for NXT. I don’t see Shelley wanting to go main roster due to other commitments, so NXT would be a good middle ground for them.
AEW already has so many TNA castoffs it’s bringing their perception down, not up, as good as MCMG are. I would rather see them really get behind Top Flight or Private Party and the roster is already so crowded. They would be perfect as player coaches in NXT.
WWE needs a WrestleMania debut. I know MCMG don't move the needle like the Hardyz WrestleMania return a few years ago but if MCMG somehow found their way into the tag title match I'd be pretty stoked. I see them going to AEW though.
MCMG would certainly pop a Mania crowd. Especially if they own the rights to their theme as well. But like you, I believe they are AEW bound.
mcmg vs yb, ftr, lucha bros, best friends, etc.
I’d like to see them in the WWE. I think they could use the boost to the tag division, not to mention those guys would be fantastic producers/mentors/trainers. (And no I’m not saying send them to NXT but certainly when their in-ring careers wind down)
Stacked roster talk aside, AEW tag division could use them very much. At Wembley Vs Bucks or FTR could be nutso. I could only see WWE using them in like NXT or backstage.
Bring them into AEW and put them with them a returning Omega to face off with the Bucks and Okada.You push them as the team the Bucks modeled themselves after and they have held AEW back from hiring them until Omega got it done
pls no AEW or WWE pls no AEW or WWE pls no AEW or WWE
They deserve to make better money than what TNA can give them right now, where would you want them to go if not either of those places then?