Leon Slater to defend TNA X Division Championship against Cedric Alexander
Leon Slater will defend the TNA X Division Championship against Cedric Alexander during Thursday night’s episode of TNA Impact Wrestling. The event is part of TNA’s weekly programming on AXS TV.[1][2]
Slater, a 21-year-old wrestler from Liverpool, England, holds the X Division title, which emphasizes athleticism and high-flying maneuvers regardless of weight class. He recently appeared on WWE SmackDown at OVO Arena Wembley in London on January 16, 2026.[1][3]
Cedric Alexander, an American wrestler who competed in TNA from 2015 to 2017, returns for the title challenge. Alexander currently performs with WWE.[1][3]
TNA wrestler A.J. Francis, a former NFL defensive tackle who joined TNA in 2023, said he hopes Slater defeats Alexander. Francis aims to challenge for the title himself, claiming to be the promotion’s biggest heel.[1]
“Hopefully Leon wins because the person that should be taking the X Division title off Leon is me. I’m the biggest heel in TNA,” Francis told Fox News Digital. He added that top heels like MJF and Dominik Mysterio often receive cheers from fans, contrasting his own reception.[1]
Francis referenced a prior X Division title match against Slater, alleging interference from Rich Swann and the referee. He faces KC Navarro in a SacTown Street Fight on the Sacramento, California, episode of Impact, airing live at 9 p.m. ET.[1]
Sources
- Fox News Digital, “TNA Wrestling star A.J. Francis talks to Fox News Digital about his pursuit of the X Division Championship and torches the critics”, February 10, 2026, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/tna-wrestling-star-aj-francis-pursuit-x-division-championship
- TNA Wrestling official website, “Impact on AXS TV Schedule”, accessed February 2026, https://www.tnawrestling.com/shows/impact
- Cagematch.net, “Leon Slater Profile & Match Listing”, accessed February 2026, https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=28981
