TNA's Leon Slater Reacts To John Cena Choosing Him For WWE NXT Iron Survivor Challenge

Leon Slater has been appearing on NXT as part of WWE's partnership with TNA and was part of the 'Showdown' storyline which saw the two promotions clash. He has also formed a cross-company tag team with fellow rising star Je'Von Evans with the pair competing in WWE, TNA and Lucha Libre AAA.

The 21-year-old was a surprise pick when John Cena named the five participants for the men's Iron Survivor Challenge. The reigning Intercontinental Champion explained both his and Evans' selections:

"A pair of 21-year-olds who are way ahead of their time. Fun to watch, and I look for big things on the road ahead."

Slater has responded to the Survivor Challenge by posting on his X account. The Brit wrote:

"IRON SURVIVOR FIRST OUTSIDE TALENT TO DO IT RECORD BREAKA MOMENT MAKA."

As Slater alluded to, he becomes the first non-WWE contracted wrestler to compete in the Survivor Challenge, which speaks volumes of his potential. He looks to be the latest member of the TNA roster in WWE's sights amid his contract reportedly expiring next year.

Who Else Did John Cena Choose?

The field is set for the Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline on December 6th and Slater is joined in the list of participants by Evans. The pair will have to put their friendship aside as they battle it out for an NXT Championship opportunity at NXT New Year's Evil.

Cena also chose Joe Hendry, who recently officially signed with WWE and left TNA in the process. He has been performing on NXT but is said to be earning main roster money, suggesting the Scot might not be spending too long in developmental.

Another surprise name to make Cena's list was DarkState's Dion Lennox, who has a chance to breakout as a singles star while still a member of the mysterious group. The former college football player is a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion.

The 17-time world champion left the fifth spot to the winner of the NXT Gold Rush main event last night between Myles Borne and Trick Williams. Borne got the victory with a massive win over one of NXT's top stars to book his place at NXT Deadline.