By News18,Siddarth Sriram,Vineet Ramakrishnan

Copyright news18

When Steve Maclin lands in India later this week, it will mark more than just a new destination on his wrestling calendar. For the 37-year-old TNA International Champion, his debut in New Delhi, India with Global League Wrestling represents uncharted territory – a fresh crowd, a new culture, and the chance to defend a title that symbolises his hard-fought reinvention.
“It’s just a new crowd I’ve never been in front of, a new country I’ve never been to,” Maclin tells News18 Sports in a one-on-one interview ahead of his visit to India.
“The closest I’ve been was Afghanistan when I was with the Marine Corps, and obviously that was under very different circumstances. So, I’m very much looking forward to this trip – to represent TNA Wrestling as the TNA International Champion.”
Wrestling’s New Frontier
Indian fans have long watched professional wrestling on television, but live opportunities are rare. For Maclin, stepping into that atmosphere with the TNA banner on his shoulder feels historic. “Well, I know you guys follow us on Eurosport, so it’s fun to finally come there live to represent TNA Wrestling,” he says adding. “Myself and Xia Brookside are coming, so you’ll get to see two of TNA’s best.”
Set to headline GLW in New Delhi, Maclin is clear: this is more than just another show. It’s about being an ambassador for TNA and an explorer in a land he’s never seen before. His excitement is palpable—from food recommendations (‘I’m a foodie—send me tips!’) to hopes of soaking in Indian traditions and culture.
It’s fitting then, that his first defense of the TNA International Championship outside North America may come in India at the GLW event in Delhi. “I’m just excited to get there, enjoy the culture, see the country a little bit, and connect with a brand-new fan base,” he says. “It’s the first of many international stops, but India gets the honor of being the first. That makes it unforgettable already.”

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Having watched the Indian audience from afar and through social media, Maclin knows he’s stepping onto fresh ground. “I’m coming to India blindly, but with high hopes. I want to earn their respect and support,” he insists. “It’s about introducing myself and TNA live at GLW, to fans who may be watching live wrestling for the first time.”
A Marine’s Journey to the Wrestling Ring
Steve Maclin’s story is as American as it gets, but unlike many wrestling journeys, his began not in a gym, but on a battlefield. Born Stephen Kupryk in New Jersey, Maclin was raised on the legends of Roddy Piper and Andre the Giant—thanks to his grandmother. Like many, his passion started as a kid, and after tours in Afghanistan as a machine gunner; almost by accident and at the urging of friends, he discovered a new kind of purpose—a love that ‘felt like falling for a woman’. Wrestling gave him focus, challenge, and eventually, a path.
“When I was getting out of the Marine Corps, I had a few friends on the independence scene that just said, hey, you should really try this. And I got into a wrestling ring and I fell in love and it, it just, it gave me purpose again and gave me just, it just was fun. It was like falling in love with a woman,” remembers Maclin.
Within a year, Maclin was signed by WWE. As ‘Steve Cutler,’ he spent seven years under the bright lights—learning the art and business of TV wrestling and live tours.
“I kept my mouth shut, my eyes and ears open,” he says about his WWE stint, a nod to the lessons drilled into him by both his military experience and the corporate world of WWE. “Television wrestling is different from live events. You have to work the hard camera, learn time cues—how a show gets broken down. I got a whole education at WWE, and now, I use that in TNA and in helping younger guys.”
The Forgotten Sons
Among his most memorable chapters was the stable – The Forgotten Sons – an NXT tag team built around the patriotism with Cutler, Wesley Blake and Jaxson Ryker. But controversy clouded their run and the group lost momentum. However, Maclin, ever the professional, distinguished his on-screen character from his real-life military background.

“I’ve never been the gung-ho Hacksaw Jim Duggan type or the Hulk Hogan American flag waving,” he explains. “My service is part of me, but I’ve always wanted to be authentic, representing veterans the way they deserve. It’s not about waving flags, but about being true to myself.”
Carrying the TNA International Championship
After his release from WWE, Maclin’s arrival in Impact Wrestling (TNA) marked a new chapter. In just two years, he captured the Impact World Championship and, in 2025, became the inaugural TNA International Champion. This was more than a title – it was a badge of company trust.
“It’s something I never imagined, but now I carry that weight. When I won the TNA International Championship at Unbreakable in Vegas, I called it the ‘workhorse title’. I want to defend it across the globe to anyone who wants to challenge me. At TNA, I “hold the line.” I even wear it on my T-shirt!,” says Maclin.

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Behind the intense persona inside the ring, Maclin reveals a lighter, more relatable side when talking about travel and culture. “Dude, you just said it — the food and the culture. I’m a foodie. If I can enjoy the food, that’s a big thing for me. Please, give me recommendations of what to eat or even what to avoid. Once I leave India, I’ll be going straight to Edmonton. So, I’ll take all the tips I can get before then,” he laughs.
A Wrestling Power Couple: Life With Deonna Purrazzo
Outside of the ring, Maclin’s personal life has also become intertwined with wrestling. His marriage to fellow wrestler Deonna Purrazzo has been a grounding influence, giving him support through the ups and downs of the business.
“It’s the best. My wife is my best friend — and one of my favourite wrestlers to watch,” he says warmly. “I’m not usually a fan of seeing women fight or get hit, but when it’s done right, it’s amazing, and Deonna does it right; she’s one of the most technical wrestlers I know.”
Their shared journey extends beyond the ring. The couple recently launched a podcast, Boots to Boots. “We used to travel together at TNA, now she’s in AEW competing for the ROH Pure Championship, and I hope she brings it home,” Maclin says proudly.
But more than accolades, it’s the small lessons that matter most. “It’s taking moments when you don’t expect them, soaking it all in,” Maclin reflects on that one piece of advice from Purrazzo that has stuck with him.
“I’m usually very straightforward — see my target, go for it. Deonna’s very much about soaking in the moment and connecting with the crowd. I’ve learned to have those moments, watch match packages together, and take her suggestions seriously. I trust and love her, and the honest criticism she gives helps me work on what needs improvement. That’s how you know someone truly supports you.”

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Countdown to GLW in Delhi
When asked about dream matches, Maclin names Roddy Piper – his grandmother’s favourite – and imagines taking the fight to Madison Square Garden, wrestling’s ultimate venue. “Maybe one day TNA will run Madison Square Garden,” he adds, confident in the company’s momentum.
Away from wrestling and military service, fans might be surprised to learn about his love for cooking and carpentry, and his pride in maintaining a lush backyard for his three pups.
But for now, it’s all about this adventure in India. Maclin is eager to immerse himself in Delhi’s hospitality, and culinary delights at the GLW event slated for September 20th and 21st at the Thayagraj Stadium, New Delhi.