SouthernWorldwide.com – Cedric Alexander has emerged as the new TNA X Division Champion, ending Leon Slater’s bid to become the longest-reigning champion in the title’s history.
The highly anticipated match saw Slater aiming to surpass Austin Aries’ record. However, to retain his championship, Slater needed to pin Alexander twice in a single encounter, a formidable challenge against the dangerous Alexander.
The bout began with an intense exchange of strikes between Slater and Alexander. Slater, showing quick thinking, managed to secure the first fall with a roll-up.
Alexander then seized control, delivering a powerful German suplex on the exterior of the ring. He focused his offense on Slater’s injured neck, eventually leveling the score at 1-1 with a Lumbar Check.
Slater dug deep into his arsenal, executing an avalanche Styles Clash that would have typically ended a match. Alexander, however, kicked out. He momentarily countered Slater’s aerial maneuvers, knocking him out of the ring.
Alexander then sent Slater crashing into the steel steps, leaving him bloodied. He proclaimed himself the “greatest” X Division champion before attempting a pin after a brainbuster, but Slater kicked out.
Another Lumbar Check from Alexander failed to secure the win, as Slater once again kicked out. Mustering his remaining strength, Slater attempted a tilt-a-whirl slam, setting Alexander up for a swanton 450. Slater missed, allowing Alexander to hit another Lumbar Check, and then a subsequent one.
Alexander secured the pinfall victory, stunning the fans in Sacramento, California. This marks Alexander’s first reign as X Division Champion and his first championship in TNA.
Alexander’s victory serves as a reminder for TNA that “The System always wins.”
Just before TNA went off the air, the lights dimmed in the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, and Fabian Aichner emerged.
Aichner stared down Alexander, seemingly staking his claim as the next challenger for the X Division Championship. Aichner, previously known as Giovanni Vinci during his tenure in WWE, had been absent from the wrestling scene for months following his departure.
Aichner competed under his real name in WWE before rebranding as Vinci in June 2022. His WWE contract concluded in 2025. Prior to his WWE run, he was a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion and an Evolve Champion before the promotion was acquired by WWE.
The show opened with Eric Young outlasting nine other competitors in a battle royal to earn a shot at Mike Santana’s TNA World Championship.
The match came down to Young and Elijah. Elijah had managed to eliminate several members of “The System” and evade Frankie Kazarian’s attempts to re-enter the match after his own elimination.
Young and Elijah engaged in a heated confrontation on the apron, aware that touching the floor would result in elimination. Young clung to Elijah’s hair to maintain his position. Elijah broke free while Young’s back was turned. However, Elijah’s wide stance proved to be his undoing.
Young delivered a kick to Elijah’s groin and pushed him to the ground, securing the victory and a future shot at the TNA World Championship.
Young explicitly stated that Santana was his next target, echoing his recent victories over Joe Hendry, EC3, and Ricky Sosa.
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“Mike Santana, you’re gone next,” he declared.
Mike Santana then addressed the crowd, acknowledging Young’s contributions to building TNA.
“You better be coming with something different because while you may be someone who helped build this place, when it comes to the new era of TNA on AMC, I’m the guy. I’m the man. I’m the one who holds down the fort week after week as your TNA world champion.”
While Young had earned a title opportunity, Daria Rae announced that Steve Maclin had been medically cleared to return to action following an injury sustained at Santana’s hands.
Maclin is scheduled to challenge Santana for the TNA World Championship next week on “Impact.”
Santino Marella also made an appearance after being “suspended.” He revealed that Indi Harwell had re-signed with TNA.
Lei Ying Lee successfully defended the TNA Knockouts Championship last week against Arianna Grace. She addressed the audience before being interrupted by her former close friend, Xia Brookside.
Dressed in all black, Brookside asserted that she had already gotten into Lei’s head.
“You’re such a fraud. I’ve destroyed you mentally, I’ve destroyed you emotionally, I’ve destroyed you physically, and that title will be around my waist.”
The segment concluded with both competitors exchanging heated words, with Brookside making it clear her sights were set on the championship.
Wearing a “Show Stealer” vest, Francis indeed stole the show. He endured significant punishment from Navarro, including shots from a baseball bat and a dropkick with a trash can.
Francis managed to turn the tables briefly, utilizing the baseball bat to his advantage. However, Navarro fought back, setting up six chairs in the ring for a potential splash. Francis countered with an attempted avalanche Down Payment. Navarro, in turn, hit a cutter, sending both men crashing through the chairs.
The match appeared to be over, but Navarro’s pin attempt only resulted in a two-count.
Francis then shifted the momentum, securing Navarro for a Down Payment through tables positioned outside the ring.
He rolled Navarro back into the ring and secured the pinfall victory.
