The WWE Speed Championships are officially relocating to NXT, marking a new chapter for the high-octane titles that debuted on WWE’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Announced during the NXT Heatwave event on August 24, 2025, this move brings the Speed Titles onto WWE’s established weekly television brand, promising fresh opportunities and renewed visibility for the division’s fast-paced style.
Credit: WWE.com
Speed Titles Transition From X to NXT
Since their inception in April 2024, the WWE Speed Titles featured exhilarating bouts with short time limits — three minutes for regular speed matches and five minutes for title defenses — delivering rapid-fire wrestling content exclusive to X. However, that format went on hiatus after July 9, 2025, leading to speculation on the championships’ future.
At NXT Heatwave, NXT General Manager Ava confirmed the Speed Championships, both men’s and women’s, will now be defended regularly on NXT TV. This integration places the Speed Titles alongside other key NXT accolades like the North American Championships and the Heritage Cup, deepening NXT’s midcard scene with a new, exciting division.
“The decision to bring the Speed Titles to NXT reflects WWE’s commitment to nurturing fast, dynamic wrestling styles and talent,” noted a WWE insider familiar with the transition. “NXT is the ideal platform to showcase these championships and elevate their prestige.”
Current Champions and Tournament Details
The reigning champions making this jump are Sol Ruca, the WWE Speed Women’s Champion, and El Grande Americano, the Men’s Speed Champion.
- Sol Ruca, who also holds the NXT Women’s North American Championship, was present for the announcement. She will defend her Speed Title at NXT No Mercy on September 27, 2025, facing the winner of an upcoming number one contender’s tournament.
- El Grande Americano, a character currently portrayed by Ludwig Kaiser (formerly Chad Gable until an injury), originally captured the title from Dragon Lee during his storyline involving WWE’s partnership with AAA and its lucha libre talent.
The tournament to determine Ruca’s challenger will begin on September 2, featuring four competitors representing various WWE brands and their partners:
- One wrestler from Raw or SmackDown,
- One from NXT,
- One from TNA,
- One from AAA.
This international mix reflects WWE’s ongoing collaboration with other promotions and creates anticipation for high-level matchups on the path to No Mercy.
What This Means for NXT and WWE Fans
Shifting the Speed Titles to NXT serves multiple strategic purposes:
- Expanded Audience Reach: Moving from X-exclusive content back to WWE’s televised programming broadens the audience exposure, inviting both dedicated NXT fans and casual viewers to experience the rapid-fire action.
- Talent Development: NXT’s roster, known for its blend of established and emerging stars proficient in various wrestling styles, will provide fertile ground for cultivating fresh Speed Title contenders.
- Brand Synergy: Uniting the Speed Titles under the same roof as NXT’s other prestigious belts supports stronger storytelling and cross-title rivalries within the brand.
A backstage source commented, “The Speed matches, with their unique time constraints and intensity, fit perfectly into NXT’s style. It rejuvenates the titles while maintaining the fast-paced excitement fans loved on X.”
Looking Ahead to NXT No Mercy and Beyond
NXT No Mercy, set for September 27 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will mark the first major Speed Title defense on NXT with Sol Ruca defending her belt against the tournament champion. This event is becoming an essential stop on the NXT calendar, promising high stakes and fast-paced thrills for the Speed division.
While no official plans for the men’s Speed Title defense have been announced yet, El Grande Americano’s presence as champion guarantees continued spotlight moments as NXT integrates these titles into their programming rhythm.
Summary of Key Developments
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Home | NXT (formerly defended exclusively on X / Twitter) |
| Current Champions | Sol Ruca (Women’s), El Grande Americano (Men’s) |
| No. 1 Contender Tournament | Starts Sept. 2; features Raw/SmackDown, NXT, TNA, AAA reps |
| First Defense Venue | NXT No Mercy, Sept. 27, 2025, Ft. Lauderdale, FL |
| Match Time Limits | Speed matches 3 minutes; title matches 5 minutes |
The integration of the WWE Speed Titles into NXT breathes new life into the division and offers fans fresh opportunities to witness exciting, fast-paced wrestling. With a dynamic tournament underway and a big title defense on the horizon, NXT is solidifying its position as a must-watch brand for WWE audiences craving innovation within tradition.
