Steve Maclin’s TNA exit is still getting people talking, and Matt Hardy just gave a little more insight into how things looked from his side.
TNA announced on June 7, 2026, that Maclin and Myla Grace had both been released, effective immediately. Maclin later confirmed that he requested his release the week before, ending a five-year run that saw him become TNA World Champion and one of the company’s most intense performers.
While speaking on The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Hardy said Maclin’s exit was interesting because he had expected Maclin to still be around TNA for a little while longer. Hardy explained that Maclin had been negotiating, but it sounded like both sides could not land on an agreement that worked.
“It’s going to be interesting for sure. I just know that he was still going to be around at TNA for a little while, and I think he was doing some negotiating, trying to figure out what works best for him. And I don’t think he could find something that worked for everyone, all parties involved, and then he just asked if he could have his release.”
Hardy also revealed that he heard about Maclin’s departure the same day as TNA’s Battle for the Brave event. That made the timing stand out, especially since Maclin had been a major part of the promotion’s roster and was not someone fans expected to see leave so suddenly.
“And actually, I just heard about it earlier in the day—the day of the show, Battle for the Brave. I don’t know, man. It’s going to be really interesting.”
Hardy made it clear he respects Maclin and praised what he brought to TNA. He described Maclin as talented, passionate, hardworking, and well-liked, which makes his next move even more interesting now that he is officially available: “I mean, he’s a very talented guy. He’s very passionate. He’s hardworking. He’s universally liked. I’m curious, I’m excited—we’ll see.”
The conversation then turned to where Maclin could land next. WWE and AEW have already been mentioned as possible destinations because of Maclin’s status as a free agent and his previous WWE background. However, Hardy brought up another interesting possibility under the AEW umbrella: Ring of Honor.
“I mean, there is a space out there under the All Elite Wrestling umbrella, at Ring of Honor. I know he has a good relationship with Scott D’Amore.”
That detail is notable because Maclin has a strong relationship with Scott D’Amore, who played a major role in TNA before his own departure. Hardy did not say Maclin was going to ROH, but he clearly saw it as a possible place where Maclin could fit if the right situation came together. Hardy stated Maclin has a lot to consider, but he believes the former TNA Champion is smart enough to make the right decision for his future.
“I mean, who knows? But it’ll be interesting to see what he ultimately ends up doing. And I wish him the best, whatever it is. And who knows—he’s a pretty smart guy.”
Maclin’s TNA exit comes after reports that he had been frustrated with the company’s creative direction dating back to last year. There had also been talk about pay structure and shorter-term contracts in TNA, which may have played into the larger situation around talent negotiations. Maclin did not go into those details publicly, but his own statement made it clear he was ready to move on.
Now, Maclin is in a strong position. He has a world title run on his resume, a hard-hitting style that fits several promotions, and enough name value to draw interest from WWE, AEW, ROH, or even another company tied to Scott D’Amore. Hardy’s comments made it clear that Maclin was respected in the locker room, but sometimes the business side just does not line up.
For now, Steve Maclin’s next chapter is wide open. He left TNA after putting five years into the company, and Hardy seems just as curious as everyone else to see where he stacks bodies next.
What do you think Steve Maclin should do after leaving TNA? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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