WWE Stars Released: AEW’s Next Big Signings and Backstage Reactions

Detroit’s wrestling heartbeat just skipped a beat—and the ripples are reaching all the way to the Motor City’s living rooms, indie venues, and even its legendary music scene. The Motor City Machine Guns, the tag team of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, are no longer under WWE contract after Friday’s roster cuts. For a city that bleeds wrestling history—from the Shea Stadium era to the modern indie boom—this isn’t just another backstage transaction. It’s a cultural moment, one that could reshape the local wrestling economy, fan engagement, and even the way Detroit’s creative class navigates career pivots in 2026.

Here’s what’s actually happening, why it matters to Detroiters, and how this shift could play out in your neighborhood.

The Exit: What the Primary Sources Actually Say

According to TPWW’s report, Chris Sabin confirmed the team’s release from WWE on April 25, 2026. The duo’s contracts included a 90-day clause, meaning they’ll officially be free agents in July. Fightful Select, cited in the same report, notes that while TNA (now rebranded as Impact Wrestling) has expressed openness to their return, industry sources expect them to land in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This isn’t just speculation—AEW made a formal offer to the Machine Guns in 2024, which WWE matched at the time. The fact that WWE didn’t renew their contracts this time around suggests a strategic shift, not a performance issue. In fact, WWE sources told TPWW that Shelley and Sabin were “happy to be used” and seemed aware they’d stay busy outside the company.

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From Instagram — related to Shelley and Sabin

For Detroit, this isn’t just about two wrestlers changing employers. It’s about what happens when local legends—who’ve already bridged wrestling and music through their band, GRPPLNG—suddenly have more control over their creative output. Shelley and Sabin’s dual careers have long been a point of pride in Detroit’s underground scene, where artists routinely juggle multiple hustles. Their exit from WWE could mean more live shows in Michigan, more music collaborations, and even a resurgence of indie wrestling events in venues like the St. Andrew’s Hall or the Marx Stage, where wrestling and live music often intersect.

Why This Matters to Detroit’s Wrestling Ecosystem

Detroit has always been a wrestling town, but its relationship with the industry has been complicated. The city was a major stop for the NWA and AWA in the 1970s and 1980s, with the Cobo Arena hosting legendary cards. But as WWE centralized its operations in the 2000s, local talent often had to leave to make a living. The Machine Guns’ career arc—from TNA to WWE and now potentially AEW—mirrors the broader tension between local identity and corporate wrestling. Their return to the indie circuit, even in a limited capacity, could reinvigorate a scene that’s been overshadowed by national promotions.

Here’s how this could play out in Detroit:

More Live Events: AEW has been aggressive about running house shows in non-traditional markets. If the Machine Guns sign with AEW, expect the promotion to book Detroit more frequently, possibly at the Little Caesars Arena or even smaller venues like the Garden Theater. This could create jobs for local wrestlers, referees, and production crews.
A Boost for Indie Wrestling: Detroit’s indie scene, led by promotions like Pro Wrestling Detroit and Brew City Wrestling (which runs shows in nearby Hamtramck), could see a surge in attendance if the Machine Guns make appearances. Their presence alone could draw casual fans who’ve only watched WWE, introducing them to the local scene.
Music and Wrestling Cross-Pollination: Shelley and Sabin’s band, GRPPLNG, has already played shows in Detroit’s underground music venues. Their increased availability could lead to more wrestling-themed concerts or even collaborative events, blending the city’s two biggest subcultures. Imagine a GRPPLNG demonstrate at the Shelter with a post-show wrestling meet-and-greet—that’s the kind of hybrid event Detroit’s creative class would flock to.
Economic Ripple Effects: Wrestling events bring more than just ticket sales. Hotels, restaurants, and bars near venues see a boost in business. If AEW starts running regular shows in Detroit, local businesses could see a meaningful uptick in revenue, especially in areas like Midtown or Downtown, where wrestling fans often gather before and after events.

The Broader Trend: WWE’s Roster Cuts and What They Mean for Talent

The Machine Guns’ release is part of a larger pattern. WWE has been trimming its roster aggressively in 2026, with cuts affecting both veterans and younger talent. According to Yahoo Sports, this round of releases included several tag teams, signaling a shift in WWE’s strategy. The company seems to be prioritizing singles competitors and younger talent over established teams, even those with strong fan followings like the Machine Guns.

For wrestlers, So the industry is becoming even more unpredictable. The traditional path—sign with WWE, work your way up, and retire with a pension—is no longer a guarantee. Instead, talent is increasingly treating wrestling as a gig economy, where flexibility and side hustles are essential. Shelley and Sabin’s ability to pivot between wrestling and music is a blueprint for how wrestlers can navigate this novel landscape. For Detroit’s creative community, their story is a case study in diversifying income streams—a lesson that resonates far beyond wrestling.

What’s Next for the Motor City Machine Guns?

The next few months will be critical. According to Wrestling News Co, AEW is the most likely landing spot for the duo. AEW has a history of signing established tag teams and giving them creative freedom, which aligns with Shelley and Sabin’s strengths. Still, TNA/Impact Wrestling remains a possibility, especially if the team wants to stay closer to home. TNA is based in Nashville but runs shows in the Midwest, including occasional stops in Michigan.

For Detroit fans, the best-case scenario is a hybrid approach: the Machine Guns signing with AEW for national exposure while still making appearances on the indie circuit. This would allow them to maximize their earnings while staying connected to their roots. It’s a model that could work for other Detroit wrestlers, too—using national promotions as a platform while maintaining local ties.

How This Affects You: A Guide for Detroiters

Whether you’re a wrestling fan, a local business owner, or just someone who cares about Detroit’s creative economy, the Machine Guns’ exit from WWE is a moment worth paying attention to. Here’s how it could impact you and what you can do about it:

Predicting Where EVERY Released WWE Wrestler Will Go Next

For Wrestling Fans

Follow Local Promotions: If you’ve only watched WWE, now’s the time to explore Detroit’s indie scene. Promotions like Pro Wrestling Detroit and Brew City Wrestling offer a more intimate, community-driven experience. Check their schedules for shows featuring local talent—you might discover the next big star.
Support Hybrid Events: Keep an eye out for wrestling-themed concerts or collaborative events. Venues like the Shelter and St. Andrew’s Hall often host niche events that blend music and wrestling. These are great opportunities to support local artists and wrestlers in one night.
Engage with Wrestlers on Social Media: Shelley and Sabin are active on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Following them is a great way to stay updated on their plans and any local appearances. Many wrestlers also use social media to promote indie shows, so you’ll get a heads-up on events you might otherwise miss.

For Local Business Owners

Partner with Wrestling Promotions: If you own a bar, restaurant, or hotel near a wrestling venue, consider partnering with local promotions to offer discounts or specials for fans. Even compact promotions can draw crowds of 200-300 people, which can be a meaningful boost for your business.
Host Watch Parties: If AEW or another promotion runs a major show in Detroit, consider hosting a watch party. This is a low-cost way to attract customers and create a sense of community around your business.
Sponsor Local Events: Many indie wrestling promotions rely on local sponsors to keep ticket prices affordable. Sponsoring a show is a great way to get your brand in front of a passionate, engaged audience. Plus, it’s a tax-deductible way to support the local arts scene.

For Creatives and Freelancers

Learn from the Machine Guns’ Model: Shelley and Sabin’s ability to balance wrestling and music is a masterclass in diversifying your income. If you’re a musician, artist, or freelancer, suppose about how you can create multiple revenue streams. Could you teach classes, offer workshops, or collaborate with other creatives in your field?
Network at Wrestling Events: Wrestling shows are great places to meet other creatives. The indie wrestling scene is full of artists, musicians, and filmmakers who collaborate on projects. Attend a show and strike up a conversation—you never know what opportunities might arise.
Explore Hybrid Projects: The Machine Guns’ band, GRPPLNG, is a perfect example of how to blend two passions into one project. If you have multiple interests, think about how you can combine them in a way that resonates with audiences. Detroit’s creative community thrives on innovation, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

The Local Resource Guide: Who You Need to Know in Detroit

Given my background in covering Detroit’s creative and economic landscape, I’ve seen firsthand how shifts in the wrestling industry can create opportunities—and challenges—for local professionals. If this news has you thinking about how to engage with Detroit’s wrestling scene or pivot your own career, here are the three types of local experts Consider connect with:

Indie Wrestling Promoters

What They Do: These are the people who run local wrestling shows, from small venue events to larger productions. They book talent, secure venues, and handle logistics like marketing and ticket sales.

Why You Need One: If you’re a wrestler looking to break into the indie scene, a promoter can help you get booked. If you’re a business owner, a promoter can connect you with sponsorship opportunities. And if you’re a fan, they can keep you in the loop about upcoming shows.

What to Glance For:

Experience running shows in Detroit or the Midwest. Look for promoters with a track record of successful events, not just one-off shows.
Strong relationships with local venues. The best promoters have partnerships with multiple venues, which means they can offer flexibility in scheduling and ticket prices.
A clear vision for their promotion. Do they focus on in-ring action, storytelling, or community engagement? Make sure their goals align with yours.
Transparency about finances. Indie wrestling is a tough business, and you want to work with someone who’s upfront about costs, profits, and payment structures.

Where to Discover Them: Check out promotions like Pro Wrestling Detroit and Brew City Wrestling. Many promoters are active on social media, so follow them on platforms like Twitter and Instagram to stay updated on their plans.

Entertainment Lawyers with Wrestling Experience

What They Do: These lawyers specialize in the legal side of the entertainment industry, with a focus on wrestling. They can help with contract negotiations, intellectual property issues, and disputes between wrestlers and promotions.

Why You Need One: If you’re a wrestler signing with a promotion, an entertainment lawyer can review your contract to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. They can also help you navigate issues like image rights, merchandise sales, and appearances. For business owners, an entertainment lawyer can assist with sponsorship agreements and liability waivers for wrestling events.

What to Look For:

Experience with wrestling contracts. Not all entertainment lawyers understand the nuances of the wrestling industry, so look for someone with a track record in this niche.
Knowledge of Michigan law. Laws vary by state, so you want a lawyer who’s familiar with Michigan’s entertainment and business regulations.
Strong negotiation skills. A good entertainment lawyer should be able to advocate for your interests while maintaining a positive relationship with the other party.
Clear communication. Legal jargon can be confusing, so look for a lawyer who can explain complex issues in plain language.

Where to Find Them: Start by asking for recommendations from local wrestlers or promoters. You can also search for entertainment lawyers in Detroit through directories like the State Bar of Michigan or the American Bar Association’s Entertainment and Sports Law Section.

Event Production Companies with Wrestling Experience

What They Do: These companies handle the technical and logistical aspects of live events, including sound, lighting, staging, and crowd control. Some specialize in wrestling events, while others work across multiple industries.

Why You Need One: If you’re running a wrestling show, an event production company can ensure everything runs smoothly. They’ll handle the technical details so you can focus on the creative and business aspects of the event. For business owners, they can help you host wrestling-themed events at your venue, from watch parties to live shows.

What to Look For:

Experience with wrestling events. Wrestling shows have unique requirements, like ring setup, pyrotechnics, and crowd management. Look for a company with a proven track record in this area.
A portfolio of successful events. Request to see examples of past events they’ve produced, including photos, videos, and testimonials from clients.
Flexibility. Every event is different, so you want a company that can adapt to your needs, whether you’re running a small indie show or a larger production.
Strong communication. Event production involves a lot of moving parts, so you need a company that keeps you informed every step of the way.

Where to Find Them: Search for event production companies in Detroit that specialize in live entertainment. You can also ask local venues for recommendations—they often work with production companies on a regular basis.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated wrestling experts in the Detroit area today.