8 Ups & 3 Downs From Impact Wrestling (Dec 8)

3. Step Two: Nearly Achieved

The Motor City Machine Guns' three-step plan towards regaining the World Tag Team Championships is nearing its final stage, following their victory over XXXL last Tuesday, alongside Chris Sabin's pinfall win against The North's Josh Alexander this week.

Sabin and Alexander worked a terrific match together, focusing around 'The Walking Weapon' picking apart the body of the former World Champion. Josh was so tactical in his offence that Sabin was simply unable to fight back for the majority of the contest. Because he's most often in tag team action, you often forget just how great Alexander can be on his own - he was exceptional here. Sure, it was nothing mind-blowing, but he still proved that when he inevitably parts ways with Ethan Page, he'll be fine as a singles competitor.

Speaking of The North's impending breakup, it was 'All Ego' who distracted his pal long enough for Sabin to sneak in a victory. Page insisted on Alexander damaging Chris' neck like he had done to Alex Shelley. Instead, Sabin reversed the piledriver attempt with a rollup to secure the win over the Canadian striker.

A fun match this. It continued the story of the Guns' plan back to the top, while also teasing further dissension within The North. The blowoff to this will be immense.