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UK Star Leon Slater Shines at WWE SmackDown

1/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 16, 2026, Leon Slater, the 21-year-old Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) X-Division Champion, answered Carmelo Hayes' United States Championship challenge on WWE SmackDown in London.
Slater received a warm reception in his home country.
Visa issues prevented his travel to the United States, but TNA allowed WWE to use him for the taping.
Slater remains under contract with TNA through 2026, making the London appearance a one-time event.

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Story summary

On January 16, 2026, Leon Slater, the 21-year-old Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) X-Division Champion, answered Carmelo Hayes' United States Championship challenge on WWE SmackDown in London.
Slater received a warm reception in his home country.
Visa issues prevented his travel to the United States, but TNA allowed WWE to use him for the taping.
Slater remains under contract with TNA through 2026, making the London appearance a one-time event.