The WWE Speed Championships, previously featured exclusively on the now-defunct WWE Speed show, are officially relocating to NXT, marking a new chapter for both the men’s and women’s titles. This move was announced during the recent NXT Heatwave event, signaling WWE’s commitment to building fresh storylines around the Speed division within its developmental brand.
WWE Speed Show Cancelled, Titles Transition to NXT
WWE Speed debuted in April 2024 as a unique concept—a Twitter-exclusive show spotlighting one fast-paced match per episode, each restricted by a strict time limit of three to five minutes. Despite its innovative format and buzz among fans, the show abruptly ended in July 2025 without formal explanation, largely due to WWE’s discontinuation of its deal with the X (formerly Twitter) platform. This left the status of the Speed Championships uncertain.
However, at NXT Heatwave, NXT General Manager Ava clarified the future of these titles. She announced that the Men’s and Women’s Speed Championships will now be defended on NXT programming, integrating the belts into NXT’s competitive landscape alongside other midcard prizes like the North American and Heritage Cup titles[1][2][3][4].
A WWE insider stated, “Bringing the Speed titles to NXT is a strategic move to keep the unique high-octane style of wrestling alive within WWE. NXT’s roster is brimming with talent that can elevate the Speed division beyond what we saw on the digital platform.” This confirms WWE’s intent to preserve and enhance the Speed Championships’ legacy despite the show’s cancellation.
Current Champions and Tournament Details
At the time of transition, El Grande Americano holds the Men’s Speed Championship, while Sol Ruca is the Women’s Speed Champion. Both wrestlers claimed their titles on the WWE Speed show, with Americano notably winning from Dragon Lee. Following Chad Gable’s injury, Ludwig Kaiser currently portrays Americano, maintaining the character’s presence in the title scene[2].
Sol Ruca, who is also NXT’s Women’s North American Champion, was present for the announcement and will defend her Speed title at the upcoming NXT No Mercy Premium Live Event (PLE) on September 27 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida[1][2].
To determine Ruca’s challenger, a number one contender’s tournament will be held on September 2 during NXT programming. This intriguing competition features four participants representing four different wrestling backgrounds:
- One superstar from WWE Raw or SmackDown
- One competitor from the NXT roster
- One wrestler from Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA)
- One competitor from Mexico’s Lucha Libre AAA promotion
This cross-promotional tournament underscores WWE’s willingness to expand the Speed Championship’s prestige while providing an exciting platform for talent from multiple brands and styles[1][2][3].
What Does This Mean for WWE and NXT?
The integration of the Speed Titles into NXT offers several benefits for WWE’s broader wrestling ecosystem:
- Fresh Storytelling: NXT can develop dynamic rivalries around intense, time-limited matches, adding variety to the weekly show.
- Talent Spotlight: The Speed division’s quick-paced style highlights in-ring agility and explosiveness, showcasing athletes who excel in fast, high-stakes encounters.
- Cross-Brand Exposure: Including wrestlers from outside WWE, such as AAA and Impact stars, introduces fresh competition and increases viewer interest.
- Preservation of the Titles’ Prestige: Instead of retiring the Speed Championships following the show’s end, WWE sustains their relevance by shifting their home to a flagship platform known for innovation and talent development.
According to sources close to WWE management, “The move to NXT was inevitable once WWE Speed ceased production. There’s a strong belief backstage that the Speed Titles can carve out a niche similar to the Heritage Cup—fast-paced, unique rules, and a different flavor from the standard championship matches.”
Fans’ Reactions and Expectations
Since the announcement, fans have expressed a mixture of enthusiasm and curiosity. The cancellation of WWE Speed was a disappointment to many who enjoyed its concise, hard-hitting bouts. However, the promise of new challengers and defenses on NXT provides hope that the Speed division will receive the attention and storytelling depth it deserves.
Social media buzz suggests viewers are particularly excited about the interbrand contender tournament. Bringing in talent from multiple promotions not only refreshes NXT’s roster but also builds anticipation for dream matchups with a global flair.
Looking Ahead: The Road to No Mercy
The spotlight is now firmly on the upcoming No Mercy event, where Sol Ruca will defend her Women’s Speed Championship. The tournament winner from the September 2 qualifying matches will earn the coveted opportunity to dethrone her.
For the Men’s Speed Championship, WWE has yet to announce a formal storyline post-transition, but insiders hint that El Grande Americano is poised to become a featured figure on NXT’s weekly programming, potentially locking into fresh rivalries that capitalize on the Speed Title’s signature racing-against-the-clock match format.
Ultimately, WWE’s decision to embed the Speed Titles into NXT reaffirms the company’s evolving strategy to blend innovation with traditional wrestling storytelling. As a developmental brand known for cultivating the future, NXT offers fertile ground for the Speed division to grow beyond its digital beginnings into a staple of WWE’s in-ring action.
Fans can expect to see lightning-fast matches, high stakes, and an infusion of new talent challenging for a belt that exemplifies speed, agility, and explosiveness — all hallmarks of a thrilling wrestling style destined to make a rapid impact.