The ongoing partnership between WWE and TNA has opened the door for crossover matches, but it has also created some scheduling conflicts for talent involved. TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater is set for a massive opportunity this weekend, but it came at the expense of previously advertised appearances.
Slater will team with NXT star Je’Von Evans to face World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee in a non-title exhibition match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The show, which features John Cena’s retirement match against Gunther, is one of the biggest platforms Slater has performed on to date.
However, Slater’s involvement caused a ripple effect across the independent scene. He was pulled from shows for European promotions wXw and RevPro shortly before the WWE match was announced. Fightful Select has provided an update on how the situation was handled, specifically regarding wXw.
According to the report, wXw was told that Slater had “scheduling” issues that forced him off their show. Sources within wXw noted that this particular appearance had been agreed upon back in March. The promotion had worked diligently around Slater’s TNA dates to book him, making the late withdrawal frustrating.
After the Saturday Night’s Main Event match was revealed, wXw sources admitted it was what they expected. However, they expressed a wish that WWE had given them a heads-up rather than leaving Slater in the “unfortunate position” of having to withdraw without being able to fully explain why to the fans or the promoter. This was especially difficult as the upcoming wXw show is regarded as one of their biggest of the year.
Slater’s current TNA deal is reportedly set to expire in late 2026. Given his placement in such a high-profile match on a WWE premium live event, speculation is already mounting that WWE could have significant interest in him when he becomes a free agent.
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