Steve Maclin has a good opponent in mind for TNA’s return to Rhode Island.
Maclin spoke with WrestleZone to promote TNA’s upcoming television tapings at the University of Rhode Island next month. One show will be broadcast live on Thursday, July 24, marking another opportunity for the brand to air live content. Maclin highlighted why a live show is so important to talent, especially following Slammiversary that same week.
“The one benefit with taped episodes is that things could be edited or changed, or one-liners have to be changed in the back. Or, you could just do it again. But when you’re on live television, you are in the deep end with the sharks. And it’s just, go out there and you’ve got to perform and deliver,” Maclin said. “It adds an element of even the crowd too, it just brings a different energy.”
“The energy is so awesome right now within [the TNA roster], within TNA Wrestling fans,” he added. “It’s just a good time to be a part of this rise in TNA.”
Steve Maclin shares his initial reaction to the TNA International Championship
TNA retired the Digital Media Championship earlier this year and introduced the new International Championship. Maclin became the inaugural champion by winning it at Unbreakable in Las Vegas. Many fans praised the look of the title, which includes a blue leather strap and international flag title plates.
Blue straps are a rare sight for pro wrestling titles, with the Ultimate Warrior’s blue WWF Championship and the NWA World Tag Team Championship being the most notable examples. Maclin shared his initial reaction to seeing the belt before he won it, pointing out that plenty of thought went into the design.
“It was beautiful. It’s something different. And it’s a brand new title that now and forever, [my name is] etched in TNA Wrestling history as an inaugural champion alongside Kurt Angle and AJ Styles [with the TNA World and X Division titles, respectively]. And to be amongst those names, it’s pretty cool.
“Being the International Champion, you have all the flags that are on it. Obviously, with the gold. And then for the blue, for the ocean. It’s a good different feel to it. There’s a lot of meaning behind it for the creation. It’s not just the title that was made to be a title. They tried to put thought into it and make it mean something, which to me, is everything in wrestling. You’ve got to make the most of everything that you do. And to be the ‘First Ever’ is pretty freaking cool man.”
Steve Maclin on what other firsts he wants to accomplish in TNA
Maclin is the first International Champion, and he’s a former TNA World Champion. When asked if there are any other “firsts” he wants to achieve in TNA, Maclin mentioned wanting to be a Grand Slam Champion in the company. He also said an Ultimate X match is on his bucket list, as well as competing in Lethal Lockdown.
Maclin’s picks also extended to a first-time challenger for the title he currently holds. They’ve shared the ring in other capacities, but this would be his first title defense against Eddie Edwards. Maclin also noted that geography could be another deciding factor.
“But also, a first match for me is defending this title. And if I was to pick an opponent, it’d be Eddie Edwards. I think Rhode Island would be close enough to home for him in Boston,” Maclin said. “So, that to me would be a great defense and a great matchup to have there as well… Let’s see if The System allows it.”
Tickets for both of TNA’s events in Rhode Island are on sale now. Watch our full interview with Steve Maclin below:
