TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater was absent from both TNAs big AMC premiere and the Genesis pay-per-viewbut not without an explanation.
During Genesis, a pre-recorded video message from Slater aired, addressing his absence and confirming that visa-related issues prevented him from traveling outside of England for the event. Slater made it clear that no one was to blame for the situation and assured fans that hell be back in the U.S. as soon as possible.
Slater was originally scheduled to defend the title in a triple threat match against Moose and Cedric Alexander. With his absence, TNA turned to a major surpriseWWEs own Joe Hendry, a former TNA World Champion, who stepped in as a temporary replacement for the three-way bout.
Interestingly, while stuck in the U.K., Slater made headlines by appearing on WWEs Friday Night SmackDown, answering Carmelo Hayes open challenge for the United States Championship. Hayes retained, but the surprise crossover created buzz during WWEs European tour.
Despite the travel setback, Slater remains TNAs reigning X-Division Championand when he returns to the U.S., a major showdown with Moose and Cedric Alexander is already locked in.
Do you think Leon Slater should defend the title in a triple threat once hes back, or should it be one-on-one? Drop your take in the comments.
