Steve Maclin is not just talking about AEW as a possible landing spot. The two sides have already made contact.
Fightful Select noted that Maclin and All Elite Wrestling have had at least preliminary discussions following his departure from TNA, though there is no word on whether those talks will lead to a deal.
“Regarding Steve Maclin, we’re told that there has at least been preliminary contact between him and All Elite Wrestling. However, we haven’t learned much more than that or if a deal is coming any time soon.”
That is the first real sign that AEW may be more than a name on Maclin’s free agency wish list. During an Instagram Live on June 27, Maclin openly addressed the possibility of joining AEW and said the company could be a strong fit. He also mentioned MLW, but made it clear that working in Japan remains at the top of his list.
“AEW would be a great fit. MLW, but top of my list would be going to Japan.”
Maclin is coming off a five-year run with TNA, where he became a TNA World Champion and established himself as one of the company’s top names. His exit now gives him the freedom to explore several different options, but preliminary contact with AEW makes that destination much more realistic than it was before.
Maclin has also discussed the possibility of returning to WWE, though he did not sound eager to go back simply for the sake of it. He said any offer would have to make sense because he has already experienced that system.
“WWE, I’ve already been there and done that. I kind of want to hit untapped waters, but maybe, if there’s an offer and it made sense.”
Maclin previously expressed interest in Ring of Honor during an appearance on the Boots to Boots podcast with Deonna Purrazzo. He pointed to his Pure Rules matches against Jonathan Gresham and said ROH’s history still carries weight with him. That could make an AEW deal especially attractive since it could also open the door for Maclin to work in ROH.
There is no indication that Maclin has signed anything, and the contact could remain nothing more than an early conversation. Still, AEW has now reached out to one of the biggest available names coming out of TNA.
Do you think AEW should sign Steve Maclin, or would he be better off heading to Japan? Leave your feedback in the comments.
