TNA Bound For Glory: Fans Fume After ‘Temu Shield’ Ruin '5 Star' Je'Von Evans vs Leon Slater

Evans and Slater produced one of the best matches this year, with fans applauding the pair as the future of the business. They went 23 minutes after the director of authority, Santino Marella, ordered the match to continue, having initially drawn due to the time limit.

There was no winner, though, because DarkState attacked the two 21-year-olds, much to the frustration of fans in attendance who were heard chanting "F**k these guys." It was a really poorly received angle that has seemingly done nobody any favours, including the NXT group.

Fans on social media were left raging, with one responding:

"That was such garbage. Horrible ending. They should have just let the match finish within the 20 mins. Garbage ending at biggest level of year."

One added:

"Ruined a potential 5 star match to put over Temu Shield."

A comparison was made to Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart:

Another acknowledged the damage it may have done to the faction:

"Just killed any momentum DarkState could’ve had."

One fan was enraged:

"How do you have the youngest dream match ever between Leon Slater & Je’Von Evans, go to a time limit draw, just to extend the time limit and have it end in a draw. They ruined a MOTY contender and the crowd was pissed."

Others were keen to highlight how bright a future both Evans and Slater have:

"Je'Von Evans. Leon Slater. It's a shame about the finish, but they absolutely killed it tonight. The future of professional wrestling."

Evans and Slater had already caught the eye teaming up and defeating The Culling on NXT a week ago. The two high flyers are already fan favourites who many want to be pushed as main event talents now rather than the future.

Their impressive chemistry could be used in the tag team division, especially as TNA's Hardy Boyz are the reigning TNA Tag Team Champions and NXT Tag Team Champions. A potential match against the two future WWE Hall of Famers could help further propel the pair to superstardom.

Could WWE Sign Leon Slater?

WWE's partnership with TNA has allowed several talents to cross the line and appear in both promotions. But some have made permanent jumps from TNA to WWE, including Jordynne Grace and Joe Hendry.

Leon Slater could be the next TNA star being eyed by WWE to be signed to a contract amid his stellar showings during the NXT Showdown storyline. Fightful Select reported back in August that the TNA X-Division Champion signed a new three-year contract back in 2023, which expires in 2026.

It's thought that Slater, from Bradford, England, is looking to move to the United States, which will factor into his decision about his future when his contract is up. TNA would likely prefer he signs with WWE if he doesn't re-sign with them, should his deal expire, because he'd still be able to make appearances courtesy of their partnership.