In a recent interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, newly-crowned IMPACT World Champion Steve Maclin commented on defeating KUSHIDA at IMPACT Rebellion to be crowned the new Champion and his journey to reaching the top of the company.

“From dirt holes in Afghanistan to winning the IMPACT World Title, this is something I’ll hold on to. 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 any more.

I try to earn every day, that’s my approach in life and it’s no different in the ring. I was never a chosen one, I came to IMPACT and I’ve worked my a** off, I kept my head down, I kept grinding and this is only the beginning, the easy work is over, now the hard 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. This is a night I won’t forget, it’s even more incredible that my wife won the Women’s Title, it’s a hell of a way to start a rebellion.”

The full interview is available at this link.