Leon Slater Says He's Trying To Become TNA's Next AJ Styles

For many, TNA Wrestling remains "the house that AJ Styles built." Reigning TNA World Champion Leon Slater, however, is looking to cement himself as the new foundation.

During an interview with "Wrestling Life," Slater looked back on his memorable encounter with "The Phenomenal One" at TNA's 2025 Slammiversary event. In doing so, he also voiced his desire to become TNA's next AJ Styles.

"When you really put it into perspective of the company that I work for, the company that I'm currently the world champion of, was on the back of this man for years. He is the TNA guy," Slater said of Styles. "Even to this day, he is the TNA guy, and of course, I'm trying to overtake him as that. He is legendary and he hadn't been in the company that he built for over a decade. He could have come back and gone out on the stage and waved his hand and said 'Hi, thanks for coming to Slamversary,' but he chose to spend that time not only with me, but to sing my praises. When you put it like that, it really is just unbelievable to think about."

In his near 12-year run with the company, Styles brought TNA to new heights by helping to establish the X-Division, a branch that spotlights fast-paced wrestling. During his in-ring interaction with Slater, Styles pointed to Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, Amazing Red, and Homicide as other foundational members of the division. He then declared Slater, the brand-new titleholder at that moment, as its future.

Over a year later, Slater is now the youngest TNA World Champion ever, having captured the respective title with a victory over wrestling veteran Nic Nemeth at TNA Bound For Glory.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Wrestling Life" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.