Steve Maclin is out of TNA, and now everyone wants to know where he lands next.
During an Instagram Live on June 27, Maclin addressed his future and didn’t duck the AEW question. In fact, he made it clear that All Elite Wrestling could make a lot of sense for him.
“AEW would be a great fit. MLW, but top of my list would be going to Japan.”
So there it is. AEW is definitely on Maclin’s radar, but he’s not acting like it is the only move on the table. MLW was also mentioned, and Maclin made it clear that Japan is sitting very high on his personal wish list.
That makes sense for a guy who just wrapped up a five-year run with TNA. Maclin became one of the company’s top names, won the TNA World Championship, and now has a chance to test himself somewhere new. Maclin also talked about WWE, but he didn’t sound desperate to go back. He has already been there, so a return would have to actually make 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.”
That leaves the door open, but barely. Maclin sounds more interested in fresh ground than running back to familiar territory. He also brought up the NWA as another possible stop.
“NWA would be a great spot as well. I’d love to stop in there.”
This comes after Maclin recently said on the Boots to Boots podcast with Deonna Purrazzo that he would love to work for Ring of Honor. He pointed to his past matches with Jonathan Gresham under Pure Rules and talked about ROH’s history meaning something to him.
So Maclin’s free agency board is pretty loaded right now. AEW would be a strong fit. ROH interests him. MLW got a mention. NWA is on the list. WWE is not impossible. Japan may be the one he wants most.
Maclin is not sitting around with one door open. He has several. The AEW mention will get plenty of attention, but the bigger story is that Maclin seems ready to move around and do something different after leaving TNA.
Where do you think Steve Maclin should go next — AEW, ROH, WWE, Japan, MLW, or NWA? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.
