Steve Maclin has made no secret of his interest in the possibilities that could await him in AEW, and he has now identified the wrestler he would most like to face if that opportunity becomes a reality: Darby Allin.
Maclin, who is currently a free agent, recently discussed the depth of AEW’s roster and the range of directions available to a performer entering that environment. While he emphasized that there are numerous appealing matchups, Allin stood apart as the clear No. 1 choice. Maclin praised the physical commitment Allin brought to a recent world title run and said the AEW star’s consistency made a strong impression on him.
“Oh, 1000%. There’s so many people on that roster, my #1 is Darby Allin. I watched him each week, even when he had his world title run recently. He was just a workhorse and he was giving his body up. I just really enjoyed what he was doing with that body of work at the time, that’s somebody I’d love to get in the ring with.”
The comments are notable because Maclin had already expressed interest in AEW near the end of September. There has been fan speculation about where the former IMPACT/TNA standout could appear next, but Maclin’s remarks do not confirm a move to AEW. They do, however, offer a clearer view of the matches and relationships he sees as especially compelling within the promotion.
For more background on this topic, read Sheamus Enters Free Agency as AEW Interest Remains a Possibility.
Why Darby Allin Stands Out to Maclin
Allin has long been positioned as one of AEW’s most distinctive competitors. His willingness to absorb punishment, take risks, and place urgency behind his matches has made him a central figure in the company’s identity. For Maclin, it was not simply Allin’s name recognition that put him at the top of the list. It was the body of work he produced during his world title run.
Maclin specifically described Allin as a workhorse, a term that speaks to both volume and endurance. In wrestling, that description often reflects a performer’s ability to carry a demanding schedule, consistently deliver in high-pressure matches, and remain credible through the physical toll of the role. Maclin’s admiration focused heavily on that commitment, particularly the way Allin repeatedly put his body on the line.
A match between the two would present an intriguing contrast in styles. Maclin is known for an intense, direct approach built around physicality and a serious edge. Allin brings a faster, more unpredictable style, with his resilience and risk-taking frequently creating openings against larger or more methodical opponents. Maclin’s stated respect for Allin’s toughness suggests that the matchup is rooted in more than a surface-level dream encounter; he sees qualities in Allin that he values as a fellow wrestler.
That kind of pairing would also create an immediate question of strategy. Maclin’s power and forceful offense could test Allin’s durability, while Allin’s pace and willingness to take unconventional risks could force Maclin to adapt. Nothing has been announced between the two, and Maclin is not confirmed to be AEW-bound, but his selection of Allin gives fans a specific potential clash to consider.
Maclin Sees Multiple Paths in AEW
Allin may be Maclin’s first choice, but he made clear that AEW’s roster offers far more than one possible route. He highlighted his friendship with Josh Alexander and raised the possibility of working with the Don Callis Family, a group that has continued to provide a major point of connection within AEW programming.
“Then, you have Josh Alexander over there who is one of my best friends. There’s a lot of opportunity with the Don Callis Family, Jake Something, you have Kyle Fletcher, the list goes on of the entire family. There’s so many different avenues and approaches that you can go into this, especially with that locker room that is so stacked.”
Maclin’s reference to Alexander is significant because it centers on an established personal connection. In a wrestling environment where alliances, rivalries, and shared history can quickly shape a wrestler’s presentation, a friendship with Alexander could naturally provide a foundation for several different stories. That could mean standing alongside Alexander, being pulled into conflict around him, or taking a completely separate direction after being introduced through that association.
The Don Callis Family is especially relevant because it offers a ready-made framework for a newcomer. A wrestler can enter a group as an ally, a recruit, an enforcer, a reluctant associate, or an opponent targeting the faction. Maclin did not state that he is joining the group, and there is no confirmation that any such plans exist. His comments instead reflected the number of possibilities he sees when looking at the group’s personnel and position on the roster.
Jake Something and Kyle Fletcher were among the names Maclin mentioned. Their inclusion underlines his broader point: AEW’s locker room creates opportunities across different levels of the card and across different types of matchups. A potential Maclin arrival would not need to be limited to a single marquee bout. The combination of factions, friendships, established rivalries, and stylistic variety could give him several viable starting points.
A Free Agent With Options
Maclin’s free-agent status has naturally made his next step a subject of discussion. He has built a reputation as a hard-hitting competitor with experience in high-profile singles matches, and his comments show that he is evaluating the landscape with an eye toward both opponents and storytelling possibilities.
At this stage, the important distinction is between interest and confirmation. Maclin has publicly indicated that AEW is a place he would be interested in exploring, and he has named Allin as the talent he most wants to face there. Those statements are meaningful, particularly because they come directly from Maclin, but they should not be treated as an announcement that he has signed or that a debut is scheduled.
Still, there is value in hearing a wrestler lay out what excites him creatively. Maclin did not frame AEW as a destination with only one obvious program waiting for him. He described a stacked locker room and “different avenues and approaches,” suggesting that he sees flexibility as one of the company’s biggest attractions. For a free agent, that flexibility can matter as much as one individual match.
The potential appeal of Allin is clear. He represents a prominent singles challenge with a style unlike Maclin’s own. The Alexander connection offers familiarity and possible faction-related intrigue. The Don Callis Family mention opens the door to a broader web of personalities and conflict. Together, those comments paint a picture of Maclin seeing AEW as a place with both immediate match potential and longer-term narrative options.
No Announcement, But a Clear Wish List
For now, Maclin’s future remains unannounced. There is no confirmed AEW debut, no official match with Darby Allin, and no indication that Maclin has aligned with Josh Alexander or the Don Callis Family. What is clear is that Maclin has a defined view of the opportunities he would like to pursue.
Allin sits at the top of that list. Maclin’s praise was rooted in the effort, sacrifice, and week-to-week output he saw from Allin during his recent title run. That respect could make a future meeting particularly compelling if circumstances eventually put both men in the same ring.
Until then, Maclin’s comments add another layer to the conversation around his free agency. He is not merely identifying a potential landing spot; he is outlining the kind of competition and creative environment that interests him. With AEW’s roster continuing to feature a wide range of established names, factions, and emerging rivalries, Maclin believes there would be no shortage of directions to explore.
Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.