Steve Maclin wins Impact World title at Rebellion

For the first time in his career, Steve Maclin is the Impact World Champion following his win over KUSHIDA at Sunday’s Impact Rebellion.

KUSHIDA kicked out of a Maclin KIA and when Maclin went to the top rope, he got caught in a Hoverboard Lock as a counter. Maclin fought out of it, but KUSHIDA was relentless in re-applying it, even when Maclin broke out of it by driving KUSHIDA into the corner. Maclin finally hit another KIA as a counter to get the pin and win.

Afterward, Maclin insisted Impact president Scott D’Amore hand him the title as he said he would. D’Amore did, but Maclin insisted he put it around his waist. D’Amore eventually slapped it on his shoulder forcefully and Maclin laid him out when he turned around. 

Former TNA World Champion Nick Aldis then got in the ring to confront Maclin before the new champion backed away.

It’s the first Impact title of any kind for Maclin.

The title was vacated several weeks ago after reigning champion Josh Alexander was forced to relinquish the title after tearing his triceps, putting him out of action indefinitely. 

Maclin was supposed to face Alexander on the PPV but KUSHIDA, who was slated to challenge for the title at Impact x NJPW Multiverse United, was put in his place instead.