Leon Slater defeated Nic Nemeth to retain his X-Division Championship during Thursday night’s “TNA Impact.”
Slater began the match out strong, getting the higher of the primary exchange before taking Nemeth out on the surface of the ring. As he tried to get back within the ring, Ryan Nemeth at ringside pulled on his leg, creating enough of a distraction for Nemeth to attach with the Famouser for a near-fall.
Nemeth carried on with the advantage until Slater reversed an Irish Whip into the corner, sending Nemeth clattering into the turnbuckle. Slater sought to press on, hitting a rebound heel kick for his own near-fall. Nevertheless, Nemeth swung the momentum back in his favor together with his signature DDT for an additional near-fall.
Nemeth searched for Danger Zone but Slater fought out of it, searching for a handspring back elbow to no avail before connecting with a standing Blue Thunderbomb for an additional close count.
Slater went to the highest, going for the Swanton 450 as Nemeth rolled out of the way in which, but ultimately connecting with the Styles Clash – a nod to the TNA legend and his idol. Over again he went for the Swanton 450, Nemeth got his knees up on the landing, going for the quilt, getting a near-fall, and cinching in a rear choke in the midst of the ring.
Slater fought out of it, dropping his opponent to the mat and making his way back to his feet. Ryan Nemeth popped up on the apron, getting knocked back off of it by Slater, but once more giving the time and space for Nemeth to attach with a superkick.
The third attempted Swanton 450 proved to be the charm for Slater, connecting with it and securing the winning pinfall to retain the title. Although he did not have long to have fun, Eric Young emerging to ambush him and piledrive him onto the ground.