Details Around US Title Spoiler For Tonight’s WWE Smackdown

WARNING: SPOILERS for tonight’s WWE Smackdown follow.

A new spoilery report has details regarding who challenged Carmelo Hayes for the WWE United States Championship on this week’s WWE Smackdown. As noted, Hayes defended the title on tonight’s show against TNA star Leon Slater. Hayes was successful in retaining his title in the bout.

Slater was originally set to defend the TNA X-Division Championship at this week’s Impact, but the match was removed from the show. There were reports that TNA allowed WWE to use Slater in exchange for having AJ Styles on the show. However, that is not the case.

According to Fightful Select, Slater’s match on TNA Impact was pulled because he was among those whose 2026 visas were not yet completed by the US. That left Slater back home in the UK. TNA reportedly allowed WWE to use Slater because he was there.

Slater is under TNA contract for quite a while still; the site notes he’s under contract for “at least” most of this year. TNA is hopeful that they will get the visa situation resolved soon.

Several other talent missed TNA Impact’s premiere including Dani Luna, Lance Storm, and the Home Town Man. The visa issues also affected plans for Saturday’s TNA Genesis.