Leon Slater Answers Carmelo Hayes' United States Championship Open Challenge on WWE SmackDown

TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater answered Carmelo Hayes' US Championship Open Challenge on the latest edition of WWE SmackDown.

With the event emanating from London, England and Slater's hometown in nearby Bradford, "The Youngest in Charge" put it all on the line in hopes of capturing more championship gold. 

.@LEONSLATER_ has answered @Carmelo_WWE's Open Challenge! 👏 pic.twitter.com/hlBxlsJLMn

— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2026

Slater soared as he wiped out Hayes with Big Play Slater on the floor. 

Courtesy: WWE

Hayes narrowly avoided the Swanton 450 but was unable to keep Slater down with the First 48.

🔥 🔥 🔥 https://t.co/Amu4uueDSl

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 17, 2026

When the dust settled from this awe-inspiring showdown, it was Hayes who reigned supreme after putting Slater away with a top rope Cutter.