Steve Maclin on His Deceision To Leave TNA Being Him Seeing “Writing On The Wall” & His Wrestling Career Future

MuscleManMalcolm held a recent interview with former TNA talent Steve Maclin. One of the topics discussed included Maclin’s thoughts about his decision to depart from TNA Wrestling this past June.

“People were shocked I asked for my release, but five years is a long time in a company, and we’re in the territory area again when it’s a global territory for pro wrestling. I saw the writing on the wall; it was time for me to leave, and maybe come back later down the road.

I went through three different regimes with Scott D’Amore, Ariel (Schrener) and now Carlos Silva. I was taken well care of. In the D’Amore era, I was built up nicely and got to the World Title and proved to the world who Steve Maclin is. I knew my worth then, and I got to show the world. I think people know my worth now, which is why I want to pop up anywhere. For five years, that locker room is the number one key in pro wrestling. I’ve never been in a bad locker room, but there is a different vibe with TNA and that locker room. It’s family-oriented. When you’re done, everyone is chilling and hanging out in the hotel. That was the one thing I let people know, ‘I asked for my release and was granted it.’ It hurt to feel like I let some of the guys and girl down, but I think everyone understood why.”

Maclin also gave his thoughts about the future of his wrestling career.

“There are so many opportunities on the independents. There are so many other companies like MLW, AEW, NOAH, New Japan, AAA, CMLL, so many different places to work. It’s a good time for the business as a pro wrestler and anybody that is a free agent because you can make money everywhere.

The possibilities are endless, which is really cool for me, and that’s the fun part with free agency. It’s the first time I haven’t been signed to a television company since I started training. I was on the indies for a year and a half when I was in the Monster Factory, got signed to NXT, was there for seven and a half years with WWE, and went straight into TNA when my 90-day window was done, and I was with TNA for five years. I’m very excited for this time where I can pop up anywhere and have some buzz around it.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com 1 & 2