AEW has made contact with Steve Maclin, though his next move is still up in the air.
TNA announced on June 7 that Maclin had been granted his release, making the former TNA World Champion a free agent. Reports since then have pointed to his frustration with the company’s creative direction, and there’s now an update on where he could land.
According to Fightful Select, there has been early dialogue between Maclin and All Elite Wrestling, though it’s unclear whether it leads to a signing any time soon.
Regarding Steve Maclin, we’re told that there has at least been preliminary contact between he and All Elite Wrestling. However, we haven’t learned much more than that or if a deal is coming any time soon.
Maclin has been one of TNA’s standout performers over the last few years, a run that produced multiple title reigns, including a stint atop the company as TNA World Champion. His reported friction with management was well documented, and matters weren’t helped when he was written off through the Feast or Fired match before returning for a stretch and ultimately requesting his full release.
Should he sign with AEW, Maclin would be reunited with his wife, Deonna Purrazzo, who is signed to the company and currently reigns as the inaugural ROH Women’s Pure Champion. Wrestling couples often seek out the same promotion to ease the strain of demanding travel schedules. It’s also possible Maclin lands primarily on the ROH brand while making occasional AEW appearances, a path Purrazzo and ROH Women’s World Champion Athena have both walked.
The same report noted that fellow recent TNA departee Sami Callihan is currently working backstage for AEW as a producer on a trial basis.
