Cedric Alexander wins TNA X Division title in Sacramento upset

Cedric Alexander defeated Leon Slater to win the TNA X Division Championship Thursday night in Sacramento. The victory ended Slater’s record-breaking reign, which was set to surpass Austin Aries as the longest in the division’s history, according to sources.

The match was intense from the start, with both wrestlers exchanging blows. Slater quickly secured the first fall with a roll-up. Alexander responded with a German suplex on the outside and targeted Slater’s injured neck, tying the match at one fall each. Slater then hit an avalanche Styles Clash, but Alexander kicked out. Later, Alexander knocked Slater out of the ring and sent him into steel steps, leaving him bloodied.

Alexander declared his intention to be the “greatest” X Division champion before hitting a brainbuster and attempting to pin Slater, who kept kicking out. After multiple Lumbar Checks from Alexander, Slater summoned his last energy for a swanton 450 attempt, which Alexander countered with another Lumbar Check. Alexander then pinned Slater for the win, earning his first TNA title and marking a significant milestone in his career.

Moments after the match, the lights went out in the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Fabian Aichner, formerly known as Giovanni Vinci during his WWE tenure, appeared from the darkness. He stared down Alexander and appeared to challenge him for the title, signaling a new rivalry. Aichner has been out of the spotlight since his WWE departure, where he was a two-time NXT tag team champion and an Evolve champion.

Earlier, Eric Young won a battle royal to earn a shot at the TNA World Championship, set for next week. Young eliminated Elijah after a confrontation on the apron. Meanwhile, Mike Santana, the reigning TNA World Champion, declared he would face Steve Maclin next week, who was cleared to return from injury. Santana also announced that Indi Harwell re-signed with TNA, and Lei Yung Lee regained the Knockouts Championship, though her title reign was challenged by Xia Brookside, who vowed to take the belt.

In other segments, A.J. Francis prepared for his SacTown Street Fight against Navarro, pushing through punishment to secure a victory with a final Down Payment through tables. The event showcased a night of high-stakes matches and emerging rivalries within TNA, with fans eager to see what unfolds next.

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