Leon Slater Issues Apology for Missing TNA Genesis

TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater was absent from both TNA’s big AMC premiere and the Genesis pay-per-view—but not without an explanation.

During Genesis, a pre-recorded video message from Slater aired, addressing his absence and confirming that visa-related issues prevented him from traveling outside of England for the event. Slater made it clear that no one was to blame for the situation and assured fans that he’ll be back in the U.S. as soon as possible.

Slater was originally scheduled to defend the title in a triple threat match against Moose and Cedric Alexander. With his absence, TNA turned to a major surprise—WWE’s own Joe Hendry, a former TNA World Champion, who stepped in as a temporary replacement for the three-way bout.

Interestingly, while stuck in the U.K., Slater made headlines by appearing on WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown, answering Carmelo Hayes’ open challenge for the United States Championship. Hayes retained, but the surprise crossover created buzz during WWE’s European tour.

Despite the travel setback, Slater remains TNA’s reigning X-Division Champion—and when he returns to the U.S., a major showdown with Moose and Cedric Alexander is already locked in.

Do you think Leon Slater should defend the title in a triple threat once he’s back, or should it be one-on-one? Drop your take in the comments.