Steve Maclin is the new face of Impact Wrestling.
Impact crowned a new world champion Sunday night at Rebellion, as Maclin defeated Kushida to claim the vacant title.
Maclin, who is United States Marine Corps veteran Stephen Kupryk, served two tours of Afghanistan during his time in the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines infantry battalion. Now he is living out a dream that was once the topic of conversation 14 years ago while deployed in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province.
“From dirt holes in Afghanistan to winning the Impact world title, this is something I’ll hold on to,” says Maclin, who spoke in the moments following his victory. “A lot of my brothers there told me I was going to be an action figure one day, that I’d become a pro wrestler. To me, it was just a dream. It taught me the importance of earning life. There are brothers that aren’t here anymore. I try to earn every day. That’s my approach in life, and it’s no different in the ring.”
Ten years into his career, Maclin has attained his place atop one of pro wrestling’s major companies. The finish came just past the 16-minute mark. He had already hit his K.I.A. spike DDT once, but Kushida—who flourished in this bout as the resilient babyface—kicked out and kept fighting, applying his Hoverboard Lock. But Maclin used sheer force to reverse the hold into another K.I.A., which led to the winning pin fall.
Maclin was initially scheduled to challenge Josh Alexander for the belt. Alexander, who held the belt for a record length of 335 days, was forced to relinquish the belt after tearing his triceps. But Kushida proved to be every bit as worthy of an opponent. The longtime New Japan star and crowd favorite was the perfect adversary for Maclin.
“He’s a hard-hitting son of a b----,” says Maclin. “It was an honor to share the ring with Kushida. He’s a great opponent. But that moment was mine.”
Taking place at the Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto, Maclin sat backstage after his match and reflected on what it took to put the title on his shoulder—as well as put eyes on what stands in front of him.
“I was never a chosen one,” says Maclin, who never found the right momentum during his time in WWE. “I came to Impact and I’ve worked my ass off. I kept my head down, I kept grinding, and this is only the beginning. The easy work is over. Now the head work begins.
“Whether you believe in me or not, I’m out there proving people wrong. That’s the way it’s always been, and it’s not going to change now.”
Rebellion served as a major pay-per-view for Impact. The women’s champion, Mickie James, was also forced to relinquish her title. During the main event, Deonna Purrazzo defeated Jordynne Grace in a hard-hitting bout to become a three-time Impact Knockouts champion. Maclin and Purrazzo are husband and wife, setting up an upcoming program against James and her husband, the newly returned Nick Aldis.
But that will occur in the future. James, Aldis and every other member of the Impact roster all take a backseat for the moment to the new champions. The present belongs to Maclin and Purrazzo, an opportunity they intend to embrace.
“This is a night I won’t forget,” says Maclin. “It’s even more incredible that my wife won the women’s title. It’s a hell of a way to start a rebellion.”
Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
