Steve Maclin

Steve Maclin, born Stephen Kupryk on May 26, 1987, in Rutherford, New Jersey, is an American professional wrestler. His career spans the independent circuit, WWE, and Impact Wrestling, where he became a world champion. Before wrestling, Maclin served in the U.S. Marine Corps, a background that shapes his intense, no-nonsense persona.

Maclin debuted in 2012 and signed with WWE in 2014, performing on NXT as Steve Cutler. As a member of The Forgotten Sons, he reached SmackDown before his 2021 release. That year, he joined Impact Wrestling as Steve Maclin, capturing the Impact World Championship in 2024 and twice holding the inaugural TNA International Championship. He left TNA in 2026 and now works the independent circuit.

Known for his military-inspired gear and brawling style, Maclin has built a reputation as a disciplined, hard-hitting competitor. His journey from Marine to champion resonates with fans who admire his authenticity and grit.[edit]

Maclin grew up in Rutherford, New Jersey, in a working-class household. At Rutherford High School, he was a standout in football and wrestling, earning varsity letters in both sports. After graduating in 2005, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His time as an infantryman in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2010 instilled a discipline that would later define his wrestling character.

While still on active duty, Maclin began training at the Monster Factory wrestling school under Danny Cage. He finished his enlistment in 2011 and fully committed to wrestling, debuting in 2012 on the Northeast independent circuit as Tommy Maclin. His early matches showcased a hard-hitting, brawler style that drew from his military experience.[edit]

Maclin signed with WWE in 2014 and was assigned to NXT as Steve Cutler. He debuted on NXT television in 2015 as a tag team with Tucker Knight, but his most significant role came in 2019 when he formed The Forgotten Sons with Wesley Blake and Jaxson Ryker. The stable debuted on SmackDown in April 2020 but was short-lived due to controversy, leading to Maclin's release in February 2021.

He joined Impact Wrestling in April 2021 as Steve Maclin and quickly rose through the ranks. In January 2024, he defeated Alex Shelley at Hard To Kill to win the Impact World Championship. Later that year, he became the inaugural TNA International Champion, defeating Kenny King in July 2024. He held the title twice, losing it and regaining it in a rematch. Maclin departed TNA in early 2026 and now works the independent circuit, taking bookings across the U.S. and Canada.[edit]

Maclin is known for his gritty, military-inspired ring gear: camo trunks and combat boots. His entrance music is the Marine Corps Hymn. The media portrays him as an authentic soldier-turned-wrestler, often calling him underrated and a throwback to the Attitude Era. His social media mixes training videos, match highlights, and patriotic posts. He rarely engages in political commentary and maintains a direct, professional tone, occasionally sarcastic. Fans connect with his intensity and real-life military background.[edit]

Steve Maclin commands a dedicated following known as The Maclin Corps, a group that frequently chants the Marine Corps battle cry Ooh-rah during his matches. This audience connects with his gritty, military-inspired persona and authentic background as a former U.S. Marine, yet no formal organizational structure or specific fan campaigns define their support. Unlike major superstars who inspire chart-topping movements or organized charity drives, Maclin's supporters engage through standard social media interactions and match attendance without creating a distinct public mythology. His digital presence mixes training footage and patriotic content, but the community lacks the viral rituals or named subcultures seen in broader wrestling circles. According to iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluation from August 2026, Steve Maclin is currently evaluated but does not hold a placement in the published rankings for the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This status reflects a career defined by technical proficiency and international championship success rather than global pop culture saturation. While he achieved significant milestones such as capturing the Impact World Championship in 2024 and holding the inaugural TNA International Championship twice, these achievements have not translated into a quantifiable rank within the current fame hierarchy. The absence of a documented numeric position indicates that his reach remains concentrated within the professional wrestling ecosystem rather than expanding into general celebrity consciousness. Media portrayals often label him an underrated throwback to the Attitude Era, a sentiment echoed by fans who appreciate his no-nonsense approach, but this reputation has not generated the widespread search volume or consumption signals required for a ranked entry. Consequently, while respected among peers and enthusiasts, his fame profile remains distinct from those occupying the top tiers of the global index.[edit]

Steve Maclin was born Stephen Kupryk on May 26, 1987, in Rutherford, New Jersey, carrying Ukrainian heritage from his grandparents who immigrated from Ukraine. His ring name is a composite of his mother's maiden name, Mac, and his father's middle name, Lin. A tattoo of the Marine Corps emblem adorns his left shoulder, marking his service history. Before his wrestling debut in 2012, he competed in two amateur mixed martial arts fights in 2013, finishing with a 1-1 record. Fans often chant Ooh-rah during his matches, and his supporter base is informally called The Maclin Corps. In March 2026, a legendary moment occurred when Maclin suffered a scary injury during a main event match against TNA World Champion Mike Santana at the Sacrifice event, stopping the bout shortly after it began. Although he recovered positively later that month, the incident became a focal point of discussion regarding his resilience. Another notable chapter involved his contract disputes in mid-2026, where he requested an immediate release from TNA Wrestling, citing scheduling conflicts and feeling the writing on the wall. These events cemented his narrative as a veteran navigating the complexities of modern professional wrestling.[edit]

Maclin is a private individual regarding his family. He has a younger brother, but their names and occupations are not publicly known. His parents are not in the public eye. He has no reported children from any relationship. As of 2026, he is single and has not publicly discussed his living situation or pets.[edit]

Maclin has frequently collaborated with Alex Shelley (rival and championship opponent), Kenny King (rival for International Championship), Deonna Purrazzo (former partner and fellow wrestler), and Wesley Blake and Jaxson Ryker (former Forgotten Sons stablemates).[edit]

Maclin dated Lauren Kupryk, a childhood friend from New Jersey, from 2012 to 2015. The relationship ended amicably as his wrestling career required extensive travel. From 2018 to 2020, he dated fellow professional wrestler Deonna Purrazzo, whom he met while both were in NXT. The relationship ended after his WWE release and her move to Impact Wrestling. In 2021–2022, Maclin was publicly rumored to be in a relationship with Alisha Edwards, the wife of his Impact Wrestling colleague Eddie Edwards. Multiple credible outlets reported the rumor, but neither party confirmed it. The rumor fueled a heated on-screen feud between Maclin and Eddie Edwards. As of 2026, Maclin is single with no confirmed romantic relationships since 2022.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Steve Maclin's net worth stands at $1.3 Million as of 2026. His primary income sources include his WWE salary, which was approximately $100,000 per year while performing in NXT, and his TNA salary, estimated at roughly $150,000 per year during his championship run. Independent booking fees contribute between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, while merchandise sales generate around $20,000 per year. YouTube ad revenue adds approximately $30,000 per year to his earnings. He has no known real estate holdings, business ventures, or major investments. His net worth has grown steadily since his TNA breakthrough in 2024.[edit]

Maclin has won the Impact World Championship once and the TNA International Championship twice, including as the inaugural holder. He also won the WrestleCade Championship in 2023 and the Monster Factory Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Championship in 2018. In 2024, he was ranked No. 38 in the PWI 500 and listed among the Top 10 Most Improved Wrestlers by PWI staff.[edit]