WWE has officially announced a major shift for the WWE Speed Championships, relocating both the men’s and women’s titles to the NXT brand, where they will be actively defended on the weekly programming. This move marks the end of WWE Speed as a standalone show on the X social media platform and aims to give the Speed titles renewed prominence within WWE’s developmental territory.
Speed Titles Transition from X to NXT
The WWE Speed shows consisted of high-octane, fast-paced matches with strict time limits, originally airing exclusively on X (formerly Twitter) since its April 2024 debut. However, new episodes have ceased since July 2025, with growing speculation suggesting the format would not continue. The uncertainty around these titles’ futures has now been resolved.
During the recent NXT Heatwave premium live event, NXT General Manager Ava confirmed that the Speed Championships will now be defended weekly on NXT television. This realignment places the Speed titles alongside other prestigious NXT midcard championships such as the NXT North American and Women’s North American Championships and the NXT Heritage Cup[1][4].
According to a WWE insider, “WWE felt the Speed Championships deserved a solid home that could elevate the belts and give the talent a consistent platform. NXT’s fast-paced style is a perfect match, ensuring these titles continue to mean something significant”[4].
Current Champions: El Grande Americano and Sol Ruca
At the time of the announcement, the titles are held by El Grande Americano (Men’s Speed Champion) and Sol Ruca (Women’s Speed Champion), both of whom will represent the Speed brand within NXT. The character of El Grande Americano was originally portrayed by Chad Gable before his injury; the role has since been taken over by Ludwig Kaiser, a former NXT Tag Team Champion[4].
Sol Ruca holds notable distinction for simultaneously carrying the WWE Women’s Speed Championship and the NXT Women’s North American Championship, making her one of the most decorated athletes on NXT’s roster[3][4].
Tournament to Determine No. 1 Contender for Women’s Speed Title
To kick off the NXT debut of WWE Speed competition, a high-profile four-woman tournament will determine the next challenger for Sol Ruca’s Women’s Speed Championship. The tournament lineup is particularly unique, featuring talent from across multiple wrestling promotions and WWE brands:
- A competitor from WWE’s Raw or SmackDown roster
- An NXT talent
- A representative from TNA Wrestling
- A representative from AAA (Asistencia Asesoría y Administración, the Mexican lucha libre promotion)[2][4]
The winner of this tournament will earn the right to challenge Ruca at the NXT No Mercy premium live event scheduled for September 27, 2025, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida[1][2][4].
What This Means for WWE Speed and NXT
The transition of the Speed titles to NXT signals a strategic pivot for the brand, placing the focus back on in-ring storytelling rather than social media exclusivity. The five-minute time limit matches that define Speed competition will now unfold before the established NXT audience, providing more visibility and meaningful rivalries.
“This is a fresh start for WWE Speed,” noted a backstage source. “The timing was perfect — with X no longer hosting the show, NXT’s environment allows the Speed titles to flourish like never before. Fans can expect faster action and plenty of high-energy showdowns”[4].
Potential for Cross-Promotional Sparks
The upcoming Women’s Speed Title contender tournament also reflects WWE’s growing openness to cross-promotional collaboration. Incorporating wrestlers from TNA and AAA adds variety and intrigue, potentially drawing fans from those fanbases and integrating diverse wrestling styles within NXT’s programming.
This approach aligns with WWE’s recent strategy of nurturing talent exchanges and partnerships, as evidenced by El Grande Americano’s storylines involving AAA talent. This collaborative angle may also enhance the Speed Championships’ prestige beyond WWE’s traditional audience.
Looking Ahead to No Mercy 2025
The NXT No Mercy event looming on September 27 will serve as a critical milestone for the Speed titles. Fans are already buzzing about who will emerge victorious from the tournament and how Sol Ruca will fare as a dual champion defending her Speed title on such a high-profile stage.
With the Speed Championships embedded in NXT’s ecosystem, expect more consistent defenses and rivalries to enliven the midcard scene on Tuesday nights. The blend of quick, intense matches with NXT’s strong storytelling tradition could make the Speed division a standout attraction.
WWE’s strategic choice to bring the Speed titles to NXT not only preserves these recently introduced accolades but also enhances their value by situating them in a vibrant environment ripe for rivalry and innovation. The upcoming contender tournament and the NXT No Mercy challenge promise exciting developments for the Speed division in the months ahead.