Leon Slater, the 20-year-old rising star in professional wrestling, recently opened up about his landmark victory at Slammiversary, where he became the youngest TNA X-Division Champion in history. He describes this milestone as a dream realized after years of hard work, beginning from the age of nine. Slater emphasized how significant the moment still feels and how he is focused on embracing every second of his reign as champion.
“Insane. It still doesn’t feel real. It really is a dream come true. It’s something that I’ve worked towards since I was 9 years old, when I first started training. It’s been something that I’ve pictured in my mind for even longer than that. For something of that magnitude to be here, be real, and be true, it’s something that’s still kind of settling in. It’s definitely something I’m not taking lightly. I’m trying to enjoy every moment of this reign and every moment I have as champion. I definitely enjoyed every moment of Slammiversary. It was the best day of my life.”
—Leon Slater, TNA X-Division Champion
Experiences Wrestling Moose and Appreciating His Legacy
Slater highlighted the special significance of facing Moose during his championship match at Slammiversary. He praised Moose as an underrated legend within TNA, noting Moose’s remarkable combination of size and agility. The physicality and legacy Moose brings made the match particularly thrilling and meaningful for Slater.
“It was super cool. He’s one of the people who really doesn’t get the flowers he deserves. He’s been putting out really consistent work for nearly a decade now in TNA. He is a real legend. He’s one of the longest reigning X-Division Champions of all time. For me to get my moment against him only made it that much more special. Not only because of his legacy, his lineage, and who he is, but also because of what he is. He is an absolute freak. He’s 6’5, 250-260, and can do everything I can do. He can throw me halfway across the arena. The concept of Moose had me really excited heading into Slammiversary, and I’m glad we got to make that match as special as it was.”
—Leon Slater
AJ Styles’ Landmark Moment: Passing the Torch
One of the defining events for Slater was the interaction with AJ Styles immediately following his championship win. Slater described the atmosphere as electric and unlike anything he had experienced, with AJ Styles’ surprise appearance spurring an unforgettable energy among the fans. He expressed deep gratitude that Styles chose to publicly praise him during this moment, viewing it as an important milestone in his career symbolizing the “passing of the torch.”
“It was wild. It’s cool that you mention the pop because I remember when his music hit, I had no clue he was coming out. I was jumping around and spinning around like a toddler. When his music hit, I wanted to sing along, but I had that adrenaline spike, I was waiting for the ‘You are, You are, I am, I am’ and I missed the first loop of the chorus because the pop drowned his music out. Not only to be in the building, but to be in the middle of that, where all the noise was channeling in, was just insane. It was an atmosphere like I’ve never experienced before. I think it’ll be pretty hard to top, but I’ll try my best to do it. For AJ to spend his time for the first time in 10 years, with me to sing my praises, when he could have just come out and said ‘Hey, it’s good to be back, missed you all’ and nobody would have complained, the fact that he chose to spend that by putting me over and singing my praises is something I’m going to be forever grateful for. It’s one of these moments that I think is going to live forever, which has always been my goal in TNA.”
—Leon Slater
He further explained the importance of receiving praise from AJ Styles, widely recognized as a foundational figure in TNA history.
“In the early days of TNA, he put it on his back. I feel like if you ask anyone what their TNA Mount Rushmore is, the first name on there is AJ Styles, without a doubt. To have Mr. TNA pretty much come out there and sing my praises and give me the salute and almost have that passing of the torch moment, even though I don’t think we’re quite there with the passing of the torch moment. I feel like there’s only one way to pass a torch in wrestling that hasn’t happened yet between AJ and me. It’s a huge moment for me, and I’m super grateful. It means the world that not only Mr. TNA, but the first X-Division Champion came out to sing my praises at UBS when I became the youngest X-Division Champion of all time.”
—Leon Slater
Learning from The Hardy Boys: Mentorship On and Off the Ring
Slater credited Matt and Jeff Hardy with offering invaluable guidance throughout his wrestling career. He detailed how his relationship with The Hardy Boys evolved from a short-term partnership into a lasting friendship and mentorship. Beyond wrestling techniques, Slater learned from their professionalism backstage and the importance of maintaining a strong overall presence as a performer. Their advice included preparing for a future when his high-flying style might no longer be sustainable, encouraging him to develop other skills and a more aggressive approach.
“It’s been an absolute dream come true to work with Matt and Jeff over the past nine months, which is crazy to say. I think it’s something that was meant to be a one-time thing, or a couple-time thing, and we really hit it off. I think it’s very clear the influences I take from Matt and Jeff, both with what I do when I’m on my own and not with them, but I feel like we also just click as a unit. It’s crazy to even say that because there aren’t many people who get to work with their heroes and team with their heroes, especially not a 20-year-old from England. It really is an opportunity that I’m super grateful for and don’t take lightly. As far as what they taught me, they taught me a world of information. Not only of just what they said, but just being able to be around them, spend time with them, and see how they operate backstage, and treat everyone. It’s really been a VIP seat. How many people can say they’ve had a passenger seat on the Hardy train? If there’s one thing that stuck out to me, which they always preached from day one, it’s the importance of being presentable as a fighter. It’s something I’ve tried to work on, and I continue to work on. They made a real big point to me that the high-flying moves only last so long. They are the epitome of high-flyers, and if there’s anyone who knows what they’re talking about, it’s these two. They said to me, You only have so many Swanton 450s in the tank. There’s going to be a day when you can’t do that anymore. So, you need to find a way to legitimize yourself without doing that. It’s something I work on every day. I’m in the gym trying to get bigger, and I’m in the ring multiple times a week, and I’m trying to get more aggressive. I’m trying to get my technique better and really dial in on all of these areas of my craft. There’s been a world of information, but if there’s really one thing that stuck out, it’s that.”
—Leon Slater
Current TNA Era and the Sense of Brotherhood in the Roster
Slater reflected on the unique position of being part of TNA’s current roster, highlighting how much the company has changed and grown since he first signed his deal in 2023. He described the transformation from Impact Wrestling to the return of the TNA brand as a whirlwind of positive momentum. Slater also emphasized the tight-knit camaraderie within the TNA roster, contrasting it with larger wrestling organizations and noting the strong sense of team unity that drives them forward.
“It’s wild. When I first signed my deal, TNA wasn’t even back yet. When I first signed my deal in 2023, it was an Impact Wrestling deal. That was already super cool to be a part of a company that has a lineage longer than I’ve been alive. I feel like it’s just been this spiral of events for myself and the company, where we just kept going up. It was Impact Wrestling when I signed, then we did the UK tour, then TNA came back, then Nic Nemeth debuted, The Hardyz came back, Santana came back, we got the partnership with NXT, Slammiversary broke records, everything is just on the up right now in TNA. It’s a super special time to not only be a fan, but a part of this roster. I think the most special part about it for me is that we are a team. It’s very well-known information that the TNA squad and team aren’t as big as the other major companies in the United States or Japan. We don’t have the same manpower that a WWE or Pro Wrestling Noah does. But what that means is we have to come together as a tight-knit unit and push this thing to make it work. That’s been the most fun part about being at TNA for me: the camaraderie, the friendship, the brotherhood. I made friends, met people, and found mentors at TNA who will be with me for the rest of my life. Not only is it an incredible time to be a TNA Wrestling fan, but it’s even more special to be a part of it.”
—Leon Slater
Envisioning a TNA vs. NXT Invasion Storyline
Slater shared his vision for an exciting crossover storyline between TNA and NXT, pitching the idea as a competitive invasion rivalry. He imagines assembling teams of top talent from both promotions to battle and determine which brand is superior, emphasizing the potential depth and drama such a storyline could bring. For him, participating as a TNA representative in that narrative would be a thrilling opportunity to highlight his company’s strength.
“As far as a match goes, Je’Von Evans. There are a couple of other people I’d love to mix it up with. Wes Lee is one, Ricky Saints, Ethan Page, Oba Femi, Trick (Williams), and I never had a one-on-one either. Those are all people I’d love to mix it up with. As far as the storyline goes, my ideal storyline would be almost like an ‘Invasion’ storyline. That’s how I picture this culminating. There’s been all of this talk on who has the better wrestlers, better this, better that, but I think there’s only one way to see who’s the better brand. We take a team of four or five TNA all-stars and put them against a team of four or five NXT all-stars, and we see which brand is better. For me, that would be an incredible storyline. If that does happen one day, I’d be super eager to be a part of that TNA squad and represent my company.”
—Leon Slater
Dream Opponents and Future Championship Defenses
When asked about potential challengers for his X-Division Championship, Slater expressed enthusiasm about facing numerous wrestlers from both TNA and NXT who he has yet to compete against. He mentioned names such as Myron Reed, Jason Hotch, Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel, and KC Navarro, highlighting the diverse talent pool available. Slater also welcomed the possibility of wrestlers from Pro Wrestling Noah and other promotions entering the mix, showcasing the expanding possibilities for cross-promotional matches.
“Whether it’s a Myron Reed, a Jason Hotch one-on-one, or Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel when he’s back, KC Navarro, or even someone not so typical like a Jake Something or Steve Maclin, we’ve got so many people on our roster that I’d love to mix it up with that I haven’t had the chance to yet. Being in 2025, the possibilities are even more endless. So, all those names I said for NXT, throw them boys in the hat. WWE and TNA have that relationship with Pro Wrestling Noah, where we’ve seen Inamura come over to NXT, Tavion Heights go over to Noah, if anyone from that side wants to come over and get some, they can get some for sure.”
—Leon Slater
Encouraging Fans to Join TNA+ Streaming Service
Slater urged fans hesitant about subscribing to the TNA+ streaming platform to take advantage of the free month offer available in the UK and Ireland. He highlighted the wealth of wrestling content available on the service, ranging from historic matches to current events, and encouraged viewers to witness firsthand the recent surge of quality and momentum within TNA.
“To be quite honest, if you don’t sign up for a free month, you’re plain stupid, man, I can’t lie. Number one, I never met anyone who doesn’t like free stuff. For my UK and Ireland gang, if you like free stuff and like professional wrestling, why not? For the US, you’re missing out on a whole lot. TNA is on a major upswing right now and has a lot of momentum behind it. There’s a reason for that. I think a lot of our quality and best moments are still going under the radar because people haven’t taken that chance yet. I urge you to take that chance. Not only for the product we’re putting out right now, but also to look back on the lineage of some of the best professional wrestling to ever grace planet earth. Everything from 2002 to 2025, to 2095, is going to be on TNA+. It really is a one-stop shop for some of the best professional wrestling going on right now on this planet.”
—Leon Slater
Unexpected Interests: Slater’s Passion for Horror and Magic
Beyond wrestling, Slater shared a surprising personal interest in horror movies, contrasting with what some might expect given his background. He enjoys both contemporary films and classic slasher franchises, naming respected production companies and titles he follows. Additionally, Slater is honing skills in magic, particularly card tricks, showing a creative side outside the ring few fans may be aware of.
“That’s crazy. That’s a really good question. I don’t know what people would expect of me. I guess if there’s one thing that I assume people wouldn’t guess, it’s that I’m a big fan of horror movies. A lot of people from where I’m from or who look like me are not big fans of horror movies. But I’m a huge horror movie guy. Anything A24, most Blumhouse stuff, I’m a big fan of. Anything retro, like Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, I’m a big horror movie guy. We’re actually in a really good scene of horror movies right now. Weapons just came out, I’m going to see Together at some point, Bring Her Back was a killer movie. I know magic, too. I know card tricks. I don’t think people would expect that. I’m still perfecting it, but I’m working on my magic.”
—Leon Slater
Significance and Outlook for AJ Styles’ Torch Passing and TNA’s Future
Leon Slater’s acknowledgment of the AJ Styles passing torch moment marks not just a personal achievement, but a pivotal transitional event within TNA wrestling. This public endorsement from a legendary figure elevates Slater’s status and suggests a new generation rising to carry the company forward. His vision for cross-promotional storylines, especially a potential NXT vs. TNA invasion narrative, signals fresh creative directions that could reinvigorate the wrestling scene. As Slater continues to grow under veteran mentorship and embraces tougher challenges ahead, TNA’s renewed momentum presents an exciting era for fans and wrestlers alike.
