Alex Shelley Then and Now

Alex Shelley Then

Alex Shelley, born Patrick Kenneth Martin on May 23, 1983, in Detroit, Michigan, is a renowned professional wrestler known for his impressive career across various promotions. 

He began his wrestling training in 2002 under Breyer Wellington and Truth Martini before further honing his skills at Border City Wrestling’s Can-Am Wrestling School with Joe E. Legend and Scott D’Amore. 

The ring name “Alex Shelley” was inspired by Alex from the novel A Clockwork Orange and Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks.

Alex Shelley Wrestling Career

Shelley’s early career saw a significant setback when he suffered a severe jaw injury in 2002, requiring steel plates. 

Despite this, he continued to make a name for himself, wrestling in promotions like IWA Mid-South and Combat Zone Wrestling before joining Ring of Honor (ROH) in 2003. 

In ROH, Shelley was a key figure in the “Generation Next” stable and later had notable feuds and matches, including a high-profile rivalry with CM Punk.

Related Article: Chris Sabin Then and Now

Shelley’s career took him to Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max, where he won the Zero1-Max United States Openweight Championship and the NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship. 

He also achieved success in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he formed the popular tag team Motor City Machine Guns with Chris Sabin. 

Together, they won multiple tag team championships and became prominent figures in the junior heavyweight division.

Related Article: Axl Rotten Then and Now

Shelley returned to ROH in 2015, reuniting with Sabin and forming a new version of the Motor City Machine Guns. 

After a brief retirement to focus on other pursuits, including physical therapy school, Shelley made a return to wrestling in 2019 and has since competed in various promotions, including Impact Wrestling, MLW, PWG, and AEW.

Related Article: The Sandman Then and Now

Shelley’s career highlights include winning multiple tag team championships, competing in high-profile matches across the globe, and forming significant alliances and rivalries throughout his wrestling journey. 

His contributions to professional wrestling continue to be celebrated by fans and peers alike.

Related Article: Stevie Richards Then and Now

Alex Shelley Wrestling Competition

• Ring of Honor (ROH):
  • ROH debut: June 28, 2003
  • Generation Next: May 22, 2004
  • ROH Pure Championship Tournament: July 17, 2004
  • Final Battle 2004: December 26, 2004
  • The Embassy feud
  • Return with Chris Sabin: March 30, 2007
  • ROH Tag Team Championship challenges: April 28, 2007; return match: December 18, 2007
  • Return to ROH: November 20, 2015
  • 14th Anniversary Show: February 26, 2016
  • Best in the World ’16: June 24, 2016
  • All-Star Extravaganza VIII: September 30, 2016
  • Return from injury and retirement: June 30, 2019
• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA):
  • Initial signing: July 8, 2004
  • Paparazzi Productions: Early 2006
  • X Division Tournament and matches: 2006-2007
  • Teaming with Chris Sabin: Summer 2007
  • Return with Chris Sabin: June 2, 2016
  • X Division Championship matches and feuds
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW):
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: January 4, 2009
  • Time Splitters: September 7, 2012
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (Time Splitters): November 11, 2012
  • Return to NJPW: August 13, 2016
• Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG):
  • Debut: September 26, 2021
  • PWG World Championship challenge
  • Battle of Los Angeles: January 29-30, 2022
  • Major League Wrestling (MLW):
  • Debut: October 2, 2021
• WWE (NXT):
  • Debut: January 8, 2020
  • Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic: January 15, 2020
• Impact Wrestling:
  • Return to Impact Wrestling: March 5, 2022
  • Multiverse of Matches: April 1, 2022
  • Impact World Championship number one contender match: July 21, 2022
  • Impact World Tag Team Championship: December 9, 2022
  • Title loss: March 2, 2023

Alex Shelley Now

As of September 2024, Alex Shelley, whose real name is Patrick Kenneth Martin, is 41 years old and has made significant strides in his professional wrestling career. 

Known for his remarkable agility and technical prowess in the ring, Shelley has garnered widespread recognition for his time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he achieved notable success, including capturing the TNA World Championship once. 

His tenure in TNA showcased his versatility and dedication, making him a standout competitor in the wrestling world.

Related Article: Raven Then and Now

Recently, on September 13, 2024, it was reported that Alex Shelley, alongside his longtime tag team partner Chris Sabin, signed a contract with WWE. 

This move marks a new chapter in Shelley’s career, as he transitions from his previous wrestling endeavors to one of the industry’s most prominent stages. 

With this contract, Shelley not only continues to pursue his passion for wrestling but also integrates his skills and experience into WWE’s competitive landscape.

Related Article: Eddie Guerrero Then and Now

In addition to his wrestling achievements, Shelley is also a qualified physical therapy clinician. 

His background in physical therapy underscores his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition and enhancing his performance in the ring. 

This dual role highlights his dedication to both the sport of wrestling and the well-being of athletes, blending his professional wrestling career with his expertise in physical health. 

As Shelley embarks on this new phase with WWE, his experience and versatility are expected to make a significant impact on the promotion’s dynamic and evolving roster.

Related Article: Chavo Guerrero Then and Now

FAQs