TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater is gearing up for the most significant match of his career this weekend, partnering with NXT star Jevon Evans to face WWE World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee in the main event of WWE Saturday Night. However, this matchup has sparked some controversy as Slater had to cancel two other appearances, including a booking at Austrian promotion wXw’s 25th anniversary event. This last-minute change has left wXw frustrated, feeling pressured to cancel a booking they say Slater had committed to back in March.
One promoter, however, disagrees with wXw’s stance. Brett Lauderdale, owner and promoter of GCW, defended WWE and Slater, pointing out that since Slater is contracted with TNA—WWE’s promotional partner—he must prioritize TNA and its affiliates. Lauderdale emphasized that when dealing with contracted talent, there’s always a chance they will be pulled away for bigger opportunities, which, while inconvenient, ultimately increases their value upon return.
Lauderdale, who has hosted Slater on GCW shows multiple times since 2022 and seven times in 2025, also noted GCW’s closer ties with WWE this year, including hosting a WWE ID showcase event featuring matches for the WWE ID Women’s and Men’s Championships in early August.
Fan Take: This situation highlights the complex dynamics between wrestling promotions when it comes to talent sharing and exclusivity. For WWE fans, it’s exciting because it shows WWE’s growing influence and the potential for fresh matchups, but it also underscores the challenges wrestlers face in balancing commitments across different promotions.
