UPDATED 9:05 PM ET
In an update pertaining to Steve Maclin’s departure, Fightful Select is reporting he preferred to keep his release quiet, despite TNA issuing a press release confirming his departure.
“We’re told Maclin had hoped to keep the word of the departure quiet, but TNA issued a press release announcing it. They rarely do that, and didn’t consult Myla Grace or Maclin ahead of the decision”, Fightful wrote.
Fightful also wrote Maclin had been frustrated with TNA’s creative direction since moving their flagship show IMPACT to AMC this past January. The report also notes that pay was also an issue internally as most of the talents are on short-term deals as opposed to long-term contracts, even after leaving AXS TV for AMC, which is a bigger network.
Furthermore, it was added that Maclin and Myla Grace who was also released, are both expected to have interest from other wrestling companies outside of TNA.
Maclin was involved in a storyline earlier this year that saw him get “fired” following the Feast of Fired briefcase match. TNA had him continue to appear on TV, where he turned heel and attacked Mike Santana in a backstage segment. TNA furthered the angle with Director of Authority Santino Marella ‘re-signing’ Maclin and giving him a rematch for the TNA World Championship, which took place back at the March 27 Sacrifice pay-per-view.
The match at the PPV ended prematurely due to a spot in which Maclin suffered a concussion.
Secondary source: F4WOnline
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Original Story
TNA Wrestling has confirmed earlier reports that Steve Maclin has departed the company, issuing a statement on their website that the former World Champion and Myla Grace have been granted their release.
Maclin commented on his departure, posting the following on social media:
His last match for the company took place during the IMPACT tapings on 5/15 in Sacramento, facing Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship.
Maclin was reported to have signed a new contract with TNA in January, though the length of the deal was not disclosed.
It is unclear what is next for Maclin, who has history with WWE after a run as Steve Cutler and ties with AEW through his wife Deonna Purrazzo, who currently holds the ROH Women’s Pure Championship.