Leon Slater just won the TNA World Championship, and WWE is already watching what comes next.
According to PWInsider, the belief within WWE has been that Slater’s TNA contract expires at the end of 2026. Some in the company are waiting to see how TNA handles his title reign.
Slater beat Nic Nemeth for the title at Bound for Glory on Sunday in Tampa. He earned the shot by cashing in Option C after giving up the X Division Championship in August.
The report said WWE officials are curious whether Slater will follow the path Cruz Montana took. Montana, then known as Mike Santana, reportedly extended his TNA deal for a few months to get a run on top and more experience before heading to NXT. He lost the TNA World Championship to Nemeth at Slammiversary in June and finished with the company that night.
The other option is that Slater drops the belt quickly before his deal runs out.
PWInsider noted that many within WWE have expected Slater to land in NXT for some time. It remains to be seen whether that happens right away in 2027 or later.
Slater has already worked with WWE through the TNA partnership, including a tag match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
