TNA appears to be creating a storyline for Steve Maclin after firing him

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Steve Maclin was fired last week from TNA as a result of the Feast or Fired stipulation, however, he might not be done yet with the company. TNA aired an angle on Impact (Feb. 5, 2026) that portrays Maclin as a villain.

Even though Maclin was surprised by being fired, he was classy on social media about the departure.

In a scene on Thursday night, Maclin was invited backstage by Santino Marella to say his final words to locker room friends. Maclin spoke into the camera about the TNA being a home when nobody else believed in him. He rose to become a world champion. Maclin praised the locker room as a group of wrestlers that stick together as so-called misfit toys. They overcame challenges to help TNA land on AMC. Maclin is leaving with his head held high and a tear in his eye. He crossed paths with Mike Santana for a respectful chat. Santana thanked Maclin for being selfless. Swerve alert! As soon as Santana turned his back, Maclin snapped in anger to attack. Being called selfless touched a nerve. Being selfless was the problem.

It makes no sense to produce that scene and not have plans to pay it off. Thus, I’m assuming that Maclin is not done with TNA yet. The firing could end up being a catalyst for change in Maclin’s character. The most likely direction is joining up with Eric Young to Cleanse TNA.

Young tried to recruit Maclin to his conspiracy cause in the past. With nothing left to lose, perhaps Maclin will rethink the offer. Also on this episode, Young had a promo to BDE calling TNA a place that chews people up and spits them out under the disguise of opportunity. Young’s ideas fit together with Maclin as puzzle pieces of a larger story.

Share your thoughts on Steve Maclin becoming a villain after being fired from TNA. Where do you think this story leads?