The ongoing collaboration between WWE and TNA has paved the way for crossover matches but has also led to scheduling challenges for the wrestlers involved. TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater is set for a major opportunity this weekend, although it meant missing out on a previously planned appearance.
Slater will team with NXT star Jevon Evans to face World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee in a non-title exhibition match on Saturday Night Main Event. This event, which featured John Cena’s retirement match against Gunter, marks one of Slater’s most significant spotlight moments to date.
However, Slater’s participation caused a ripple effect in the indie wrestling community. He was pulled from European promotions wXw and RevPro’s events shortly before his WWE match was announced. According to Fightful Select, wXw was informed that Slater had a scheduling conflict that forced him to withdraw. Sources from wXw revealed that an arrangement for Slater’s special appearance was made as far back as March. The last-minute withdrawal was frustrating because the promotion had made great efforts to secure him for his TNA appearances.
Following the Saturday Night Main Event, the match details were confirmed by wXw sources, who also expressed disappointment that WWE did not warn Slater sooner. This left him in a difficult position, unable to explain his absence to fans and promoters, especially since the upcoming wXw show is one of their most significant events of the year.
Slater’s current contract with TNA runs through the end of 2026. Given his role in a major WWE live event match, there is growing speculation that WWE might pursue him aggressively once he becomes a free agent.
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Fan Take: This news is crucial for TNA fans as it highlights the growing influence and visibility of their talent on bigger platforms like WWE. If WWE shows continued interest in Slater, it could mean exciting crossover opportunities and increased recognition for TNA wrestling, potentially elevating the sport’s profile globally.
