Veteran professional wrestler Matt Hardy has identified several Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) talents that fans should closely monitor. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Hardy, a TNA world tag team champion, pointed to Mustafa Ali, Leon Slater, Jason Hotch, and Ricky Sosa as individuals on the rise within the company.
Hardy specifically praised Mustafa Ali, describing him as a star in his prime. He also noted Jason Hotch, who is currently challenging Ali, as a wrestler with significant potential who is beginning to establish himself.
"I think someone who is, well someone who has been a star for a while, and I think right now he's in his best era ever, he's in his prime, that is Mustafa Ali," Hardy told Fox News Digital. "And the guy he's working with, Jason Hotch, is just starting to become a star and I think he's going to be a big deal when it's all said and done at TNA. See so much potential in him."
Hotch recently won the TNA International Championship from Ali, and the two are scheduled for a rematch at the upcoming Lockdown pay-per-view event on Aug. 23. The match will be contested inside a steel cage.
Hardy also highlighted 21-year-old Leon Slater, noting his rapid development and understanding of the wrestling landscape. Slater was recently in contention for the longest reign as TNA X Division Champion before being defeated by Cedric Alexander. Alexander will defend that title against Slater at Lockdown.
"Leon Slater is a guy that's there. He kind of sat underneath myself and Jeff's learning tree. For 21 years old, he has it in here," Hardy said. "So, it's so powerful how much knowledge and how good he is and how aware he is and how he knows what's going on at 21 years old."
Ricky Sosa was also named by Hardy as a talent to watch. Sosa joined TNA earlier this year after gaining attention on the independent circuit for his entrance. Hardy believes Sosa, also 21, is destined for stardom.
"Also, Ricky Sosa, another guy's 21. I think he's going to be a big star there," Hardy stated. "Leon, hopefully he stays with TNA for a little while longer. He may end up leaving, going to WWE or AEW, whatever else, but he is going to be a big star. Leon Slater, Ricky Sosa, watch out for Jason Hotch. Those are three guys that uh that are really ascending right now, those three."
Hardy and his brother Jeff Hardy are also set to defend their TNA World Tag Team Championship against Nic and Ryan Nemeth at the Lockdown event, which will take place at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Each match on the card will be held within a steel cage.