Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garza : The February 14, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a tag team showdown that left fans breathless: Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) clashed with Los Garza (Angel and Berto) in a brutal grudge match. From high-flying suicide dives to backstage betrayals, this encounter redefined tag team chaos. Here’s the untold story behind the match that reignited WWE’s tag division—and why it matters for WrestleMania 41.
The feud began weeks earlier when Los Garza, members of the Legado del Fantasma faction, shockingly betrayed the Motor City Machine Guns during a tag team match. After initially teaming up, Angel and Berto abandoned Shelley and Sabin mid-match, leaving them vulnerable to a beatdown. This act of treachery set the stage for a high-stakes rematch on the Road to Elimination Chamber.
The February 14 clash wasn’t just about revenge—it was about pride. With both teams vying for dominance in WWE’s crowded tag division, the bout served as a qualifier for future title opportunities. The stakes? A chance to reassert themselves as contenders in a division dominated by The Street Profits and DIY.
The match was structured as a fast-paced, high-risk encounter designed to showcase both teams’ athleticism and storytelling. WWE’s creative team leaned into the “grudge match” formula, emphasizing dramatic near-falls and callbacks to Los Garza’s betrayal. Key moments included:
: Sabin and Shelley started strong, using quick tags and double-team maneuvers to isolate Angel.
: Angel’s signature moonsault off the top rope onto Shelley outside the ring, a move that nearly recreated the betrayal.
: Sabin’s suicide dive onto both Garza members, reigniting the crowd’s excitement.
The finish—Skull and Bones, MCMG’s iconic double-team DDT/neckbreaker combo—was a direct response to Los Garza’s underhanded tactics, symbolizing poetic justice.
WWE’s medical team reportedly monitored both teams closely due to the match’s physical demands. Highlights included:
: Unlike standard matches, the fighters performed high-risk moves (e.g., moonsaults, dives) without extra padding, amplifying the danger.
: The youngest Garza member took a brutal bump into the barricade, a moment trainers reviewed post-match for concussion protocols.
Despite the risks, neither team held back—a testament to their dedication to stealing the show.
: MCMG dominated early, using technical prowess to counter Garza’s arrogance.
: Los Garza gained control after Angel’s moonsault, targeting Shelley’s ribs with methodical strikes.
: Sabin’s hot tag led to a frenetic exchange, culminating in Skull and Bones on Berto for the pin.
The match lasted 12 minutes—short by WWE standards but packed with non-stop action.
: WWE’s production team used dynamic angles to highlight the betrayal’s emotional weight, including close-ups of Shelley’s fury during the comeback.
: Enhanced audio captured chants of “MCMG!” and “You Sold Out!” directed at Los Garza, adding to the atmosphere.
MCMG’s victory proved why they’re considered one of wrestling’s most efficient tandems:
: Flawless transitions between Shelley’s technical grappling and Sabin’s high-flying style.
: The duo sold lingering effects of Los Garza’s betrayal, making their triumph feel earned.
For Los Garza, the loss exposed cracks in their teamwork—particularly Berto’s overconfidence in attempting a ill-fated moonsault.
: Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, veterans since 2006, are renowned for revolutionizing tag wrestling in TNA/IMPACT. Their WWE arrival in 2024 marked a new chapter.
: Part of the Legado del Fantasma faction, Angel and Berto represent WWE’s push to elevate Latinx talent. Their ruthless tactics mirror Eddie Guerrero’s legendary cunning.
This match wasn’t just a clash of styles—it was a collision of generations.
: Why did Los Garza betray MCMG initially?
A: Sources suggest Legado del Fantasma leader Santos Escobar ordered the betrayal to weaken tag team rivals ahead of Elimination Chamber.
: What’s next for MCMG after this win?
A: Backstage rumors hint at a title shot against The Street Profits at WrestleMania 41—if they win a #1 Contenders’ match.
: How did the crowd react to the finish?
A: Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena erupted for MCMG’s win, chanting “That was awesome!” post-match.
: Will Los Garza get a rematch?
A: Unlikely soon. Creative plans to pivot Angel and Berto toward a feud with The LWO.
: Did anyone get injured?
A: Berto needed ice for his lower back post-match, but no serious injuries were reported.
The Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garza wasn’t just a match—it was a statement. By blending old-school psychology with modern athleticism, both teams proved why WWE’s tag division is hotter than ever. For MCMG, this win cements their status as legends. For Los Garza, it’s a harsh lesson in karma.
One thing’s certain: The road to WrestleMania just got a lot more interesting.