Steve Maclin is officially a free agent following his departure from TNA Wrestling, and he is already making it clear that multiple options are on the table for his next chapter.
During a recent Instagram Live session on June 27, Maclin addressed speculation about where he could land next. When asked directly about All Elite Wrestling, he did not hesitate to acknowledge the possibility.
“AEW would be a great fit. MLW, but top of my list would be going to Japan.”
That statement puts AEW firmly in the conversation, but Maclin made it clear that it is far from his only option. Major League Wrestling was also mentioned, while Japan appears to be his top priority as he looks to explore new opportunities after a five-year run in TNA.
Maclin also addressed the idea of returning to WWE, though his comments suggested that it is not something he is actively pursuing unless the situation makes sense.
“WWE, I’ve already been there and done that. I kind want to hit on untapped waters but maybe, if there’s an offer and it made sense.”
In addition, he named National Wrestling Alliance as another potential landing spot, further showing how wide open his free agency situation currently is.
Beyond his future plans, Maclin spoke in detail about the reasons behind his TNA exit. He revealed that creative frustrations played a role, claiming that his ideas were often rejected despite his belief that they could benefit the company.
“TNA — I’ve been there for over five years, but things unfortunately changed there. Let alone, you pitch a good idea and get shut down even though it would be good for the company and for the show. That’s my opinion. Well, all we can do as talent is pitch, but so be it. What’s the next idea? Do the best with what we’ve got.”
He confirmed that he personally requested his release prior to it being granted, noting that he had tried to remain professional while attempting to make creative improvements.
“I did. It was granted. I asked for a week prior before our show and it was something I had been wanting for a while and you know that, but it was just trying to keep calm about it and being professional about it and trying to make things work creatively to see if things can happen and just it wasn’t happening.”
Maclin also pointed to financial concerns as a breaking point, explaining that reduced dates under his per-appearance deal directly impacted his income.
“Once you hit my pocket and our family, like that’s when when you’re cutting dates on pay that’s where it hurts and it’s just like I can’t do that when other people are getting paid to go work elsewhere while still getting paid by the company whether it’s full payment or not. They’re still doing that and I’m making this company a priority. Why is that not — that’s a problem to me.”
Despite the issues, Maclin made it clear that he left on respectful terms, specifically crediting TNA President Carlos Silva for handling his release professionally.
“Carlos was nice enough to graciously grant me my release when I asked for it. Tried to make some changes, but just like no, there’s no going back now. It’s like I’ve made this decision and you know how I am. I’m very once I put my foot down and I close a door to something, it’s gone. Like it’s we’re done. Just we’re moving on to the next thing. And I tried to fight for so long. Again, to Carlos, he was so good through the process. We ended on good terms. He was a man of his word too. So it’s like you respect a person for that more than anything.”
Maclin had already informed fans that he requested his release after dedicating five years to TNA.
“Last week I requested my release from TNA. I put my blood, sweat, and tears into everything I’ve done over the last 5 years and I’ll always be thankful for my time there. But now, it’s time to STACK BODIES. See you soon.”
With AEW, MLW, Japan, NWA, and even WWE all mentioned, Maclin is entering free agency with multiple paths available. His comments suggest he is focused on fresh opportunities rather than returning to familiar territory, making his next move one to watch closely.
Steve Maclin Opens Up On TNA Exit And Eyes AEW Japan For Next Move
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