Add as a preferred source on Google Leon Slater may be becoming one of the most sought-after names in pro wrestling over the next few months.
According to Self Made Pro, there are many people within AEW pushing for the company to try to sign the young British star when his situation with TNA allows it. The report stands out because, months ago, Slater heading to WWE was treated almost like a formality backstage.
The key point is that Slater, as of now, has not signed a contract with WWE. In other words, despite all of his recent appearances on WWE programming, he still would not be tied to any definitive deal.
His connection to WWE, however, is clear. Slater has already challenged Oba Femi for the NXT Championship after winning a Fatal 4-Way Match against Dion Lennox, Joe Hendry, and Myles Borne. He also answered Carmelo Hayes’ United States Championship Open Challenge on SmackDown in London, near his hometown of Bradford.
Slater recently lost the TNA X-Division Championship to Cedric Alexander on iMPACT!, tying Austin Aries at 298 days and missing the chance to become the longest-reigning champion in the title’s history.
It is also worth remembering that Slater had been cutting back on independent dates. According to Fightful Select, there was a belief that he was protecting himself during a contract year, with strong interest expected from WWE.
It remains to be seen whether AEW can turn that internal interest into a real offer, or whether WWE will stay ahead because of the relationship built through its partnership with TNA.