Steve Maclin, a notable star of TNA Wrestling, recently shared his views on some of the company’s most influential wrestlers during an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling. Maclin emphasized the lasting impact of AJ Styles, the key figure synonymous with the promotion’s history, praising his role as an AJ Styles TNA Wrestling Legend.
AJ Styles made a memorable return to TNA Wrestling at Slammiversary, where he captivated fans by acknowledging Leon Staples as a promising future star of the X-Division, underscoring the continued evolution of the promotion.
The Pillars Behind TNA Wrestling’s Success
In his discussion, Maclin identified several pivotal names that have shaped TNA Wrestling over the years. Beyond AJ Styles, he mentioned stalwarts including Samoa Joe, Abyss, and Kurt Angle as essential contributors. Highlighting Kurt Angle’s illustrious career across both TNA and WWE, Maclin remarked on the unique respect Angle commands for his versatility and dedication.
“When you think of anything with TNA Wrestling, AJ Styles is the first name. Then you got Samoa Joe, Abyss, Kurt Angle. It’s funny to think, you think of Kurt Angle so much from his time in WWE. But he’s just a staple name as well in TNA. And I know he said in many interviews recently that he’s had a better career wrestling in TNA than he did in WWE, which just blows my mind because he just had a good career across the board. But that just shows the testament of talent that he was to be able to go to another company, and people think that way.”
— Steve Maclin, TNA Wrestling Star
Recognizing Unsung Heroes Who Shaped the Promotion
Maclin also drew attention to wrestlers who may not always receive the same recognition but played key roles in building the brand, such as Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, Eric Young, Sami Callihan, and Eddie Edwards. He praised their contributions to TNA Wrestling’s fabric and cited Josh Alexander as a figure who once set high standards within the company.
“Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, Eric Young, like people that are still out, Eddie Edwards now, I think is one of those names that when you think of TNA Wrestling, they are Sami Callihan as well. And it’s just, it’s cool to be a part of, and I think of a Josh Alexander that way as well, being the standard that he was at one point and being the longest reigning TNA World Champion, but then also being a quitter at the end of the day.”
— Steve Maclin, TNA Wrestling Star
However, Maclin criticized Alexander’s departure, labeling him as someone who left the company prematurely despite his successful tenure.
The Ongoing Influence of TNA Legends on Wrestling
Steve Maclin’s remarks highlight how TNA Wrestling’s legacy has been shaped by a mix of celebrated superstars and overlooked contributors, all essential to its identity. AJ Styles continues to stand out as the embodiment of TNA’s spirit, while the mention of veterans like Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe emphasizes the depth of talent involved.
With rising stars like Leon Staples receiving praise from established figures, TNA Wrestling’s future appears promising. The acknowledgement of past and present wrestlers creates a bridge connecting the promotion’s rich history with its evolving roster, reflecting a passionate and determined wrestling community eager to carry forward the company’s legacy.
