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Real Reaction To WWE Pulling TNA Talent From Indie Shows

By Lyle Kilbane • Published Dec 10, 2025 05:50 EST

A new report has shed light on how those affected really feel about WWE flexing its muscles over TNA talent.

WWE and TNA have been in partnership throughout 2025, which has mainly seen NXT talent mix with their TNA counterparts. However, there has been TNA representation on the main roster with then-TNA World Champion Joe Hendry appearing as Randy Orton’s surprise WrestleMania 41 opponent.

But now, another TNA champion is heading to the WWE main roster as they will share the stage at Saturday Night’s Main Event for John Cena’s final match.

Cena will clash with Gunther in the final bout of his career, but the 17-time WWE Champion is looking to the future with exhibition bouts planned for the show, giving fans a glimpse of the future of the company.

Oba Femi recaptured the NXT Championship at Deadline, meaning he also earned a match with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event. NXT star Sol Ruca will clash with Bayley, and TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater will team with Je’Von Evans to face World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee in a non-title bout.

Slater’s involvement caused a ripple across the wrestling world as he was pulled from shows for European promotions wXw and RevPro before his SNME bout was announced.

WWE Put Leon Slater In Unfortunate Position

Fightful Select has now given an update on how the situation has been received with wXw, noting that they were told Slater had “scheduling” issues that forced him off their show. wXw noted that while aware of Slater’s busy schedule, this particular appearance had been agreed back in March, and the promotion had worked around Slater’s TNA dates to book him for its shows.

After the SNME match was announced, wXw sources admitted that it was what they expected, but had hoped WWE would have given them the heads-up rather than leaving Leon Slater in the unfortunate situation of having to withdraw without being able to fully explain why, especially as the upcoming show is regarded as one of the biggest of the year for the promotion.

Leon Slater’s current TNA deal comes to an end late in 2026, and given the prominence he’s been given by being part of this landmark show for WWE, they could well come calling for him when that contract expires.