Shockwave took on a double life as a gladiator in the Kaon arena & a member of the city's science division. He was by Megatronus's side when he decided to unite Cybertron under the latter's rule. Shockwave secretly deduced that Megatronus (later Megatron) is not a fit leader for the Decepticons, instead he himself is the better leader. However, Shockwave agrees with Megatron's reasons for starting the Great War, and is playing the long-term for leadership over the Decepticons before Starscream. Starscream critisizes Shockwave for not taking opportunities when he sees it. Shockwave and his the afformentioned seeker were selected by Megatron to accompany him to Earth (along with Soundwave - his mini-cons Ravage, Laserbeak, and Frenzy; Thundercracker, Barricade, and Skywarp).