Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jun 19

TNA Adds 5 Challengers to Ultimate X Title Match as Mustafa Ali Gets Open Challenge

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jun 19

TNA Adds 5 Challengers to Ultimate X Title Match as Mustafa Ali Gets Open Challenge

Q: With legends and rising stars clashing, who will survive the chaotic Ultimate X match to become champion?

Cedric Alexander looks like the safest pick to leave Slammiversary still TNA X Division champion, though Ultimate X is built for chaos and Leon Slater is the strongest threat to unseat him. The case for Alexander is straightforward. He is the reigning champion, just beat Slater for the title on May 14, and has framed the X Division as the centerpiece of his TNA run. As champion entering a seven-man Ultimate X match, he benefits from not needing to be pinned or submitted; he only has to outlast the field and seize the belt. His alliance with The System also adds to the sense that TNA is positioning him strongly. Slater is the most credible challenger because of his recent 298-day reign and the fact that he was champion until Alexander took the belt. He knows the division, has momentum despite the loss, and fits the high-risk demands of Ultimate X. If there is a title change, he is the likeliest candidate. Frankie Kazarian and Amazing Red bring the deepest X Division pedigree. Kazarian is a six-time champion and one of the division’s defining names, while Red is a TNA original and three-time champion. Both are dangerous, but their inclusion also feels designed to raise the match’s prestige and unpredictability. Fabian Aichner, KC Navarro, and Mr. Elegance add upset potential, especially in a match where one opening can decide everything. Still, based on recent booking and championship momentum, Alexander enters as the favorite, with Slater the clearest alternative.

Q: Who is the mystery challenger answering Mustafa Ali’s open invitation for a title match at Slammiversary?

Mustafa Ali’s Slammiversary challenger has not been announced. Both the original report and the additional event coverage say Ali will defend the TNA International Championship in an open challenge, but the opponent is still being kept secret. Current listings for Slammiversary continue to identify the challenger as TBA. There has been outside speculation about possible names, including Amazing Red, and Adam Brooks was mentioned in connection with a separate open challenge on an earlier episode of *Impact*. But neither has been confirmed for Slammiversary. So, as of now, the mystery challenger remains unknown pending an official TNA announcement.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 19

Five new challengers were added on Thursday’s Impact to the June 28 Ultimate X match at Slammiversary, turning Cedric Alexander’s X Division title defense into a six-man field.
Frankie Kazarian, KC Navarro, Mr. Elegance, Fabian Aichner and Amazing Red joined Leon Slater, who was already set for the bout after Alexander beat him weeks ago.
Kazarian brings the deepest résumé as a six-time X Division champion, while Navarro and Mr. Elegance are still chasing their first TNA titles and Amazing Red shifts from a possible International title path.
TNA also said Mustafa Ali will defend the International Championship in an open challenge at Slammiversary, leaving his opponent unknown as six titles are scheduled to be defended.
Separately, TNA said Tasha Steelz and Trey Miguel re-signed and Allie was officially signed, moves that strengthen the roster ahead of what the company calls a new era after Slammiversary.