TNA Prevents Leon Slater From Breaking X Division Title Record, Fuels Exit Speculation

After a 298-day X Division Championship reign, Leon Slater dropped the title to Cedric Alexander in a two-out-of-three falls match on the May 14 live episode of Impact, leaving him tied with Austin Aries instead of breaking the record. The booking choice drew criticism from fans and pundits, as Slater came up one day short of setting a new benchmark for the division.

Reports indicate TNA’s decision was influenced by Slater’s contractual situation — he signed with the company in October 2023 at 19 and is believed to be nearing the end of that deal this fall — and the promotion reportedly did not want him to break the record if he was likely to depart. Slater’s recent NXT appearances, including the Iron Survivor Challenge and title shots on NXT and SmackDown, have only intensified speculation that WWE or AEW could be next for the rising star.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/uncategorized/what-tna-booking-says-about-leon-slaters-future/.