Leon Slater delivered an unforgettable performance at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s (TNA) Lockdown pay-per-view event held on Sunday. Slater faced Cedric Alexander in a pivotal match for the TNA X Division Championship, agreeing to relinquish his legacy in TNA’s history books if he was defeated.
Every match on the Lockdown main card took place within a steel cage, and Slater capitalized on this unique setting. During the bout, he ascended to the middle of the cage to execute a flying elbow drop, showcasing his agility and daring approach. Despite Alexander’s attempts to keep him grounded, Slater proved to be overwhelming for his opponent.
Slater employed Alexander’s well-known finishing move, the Lumbar Check, against him three times, followed by an impressive 450 swanton from the top rope. This sequence of maneuvers enabled Slater to pin Alexander, securing his return as the X Division champion. Overcome with emotion, Slater burst into tears as he celebrated his victory.
Later in the night, Slater’s championship reign encountered a twist. Following Nic and Ryan Nemeth’s triumph over The Hardys, resulting in their capture of the TNA World Tag Team Championship, Slater seized the opportunity to address Nic Nemeth. He announced his intention to cash in his Option C opportunity, trading the X Division Championship for a chance at Nemeth’s TNA World Championship.
By activating Option C, Slater relinquished his X Division title, setting up an upcoming clash with Nemeth for the TNA World Championship. This match is scheduled to take place at Bound For Glory on October 11, in Tampa, Florida.
Ryan Gaydos serves as a senior editor for Fox News Digital, providing comprehensive coverage of professional wrestling events.