The Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) World Championship is the top prize in the company and adding your name to the rich legacy of the title is a worthy cause for any pro wrestler.
The pressure is enough for anyone, but add a shot at history on top of it is almost too much. It was what Leon Slater was trying to accomplish at Bound for Glory on Sunday night in Tampa, Florida. If Slater defeated Nic Nemeth, he would become the youngest TNA world champion in the promotion’s history at 22 years old. The opportunity came months after Slater nearly became the longest-reigning X Division champion.
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Pressure can crush anyone who cannot live up to it. It can also make diamonds.
Slater survived a Skull Crushing Finale and a Rough Ryder. He superkicked Nemeth and got his opponent in position for the Swanton 450. He hit the move but Nemeth kicked out of the pin. He tried again, but Nemeth got his knees up and nearly pinned him in the same sequence.
Nemeth hit a Danger Zone and tried to pin Slater, but to no avail.
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Slater dug as deep as he could. He countered every chance Nemeth had to move out of the way of the danger Slater brought with him. Slater went over the turnbuckle and onto the floor to catch Nemeth slipping. As he tossed Nemeth back into the ring, Nemeth moved out of the way of a third Swanton 450. Instead, Slater soared across the ring and nailed a splash.
It set Slater up for the final Swanton 450. He hit it perfectly and pinned Nemeth for the win.
Slater became the youngest TNA world champion and proved that the “Youngest in Charge” was certainly that.
Nemeth’s reign ends at 105 days. It was his second reign as world champion.
Now, Slater has the title and has etched his name into the TNA history books.
