Chris Sabin wasted no time in embracing the moment. 'There is no place we would rather be than right here, in the greatest city in the history of modern civilization,' he declared to the roaring crowd. The live version of 'Collision' aired simultaneously on TNT and HBO Max, giving fans worldwide a front-row seat to the Motor City homecoming.
Shelley and Sabin, who wrestle under their Detroit-born personas, previously appeared in AEW in 2022. The tag team, which has performed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Ring of Honor and TNA over their 21-year career, remains not only wrestling partners but also close friends and creative collaborators.
Their musical side project, GRPPLNG, released a four-song EP in November. Sabin described wrestling as a shared experience. 'It's nice to have someone by your side to experience those things with,' he told The Detroit News in December.
The show also featured a high-profile ALS Ice Bucket Challenge participation from Detroit rap legends Insane Clown Posse. The duo doused Roderick Strong, Orange Cassidy and Kyle O'Reilly in icy water while joined by pro wrestler Rhino.