Lainey Reid secured a pivotal win on the September 9th episode of WWE NXT, advancing to the finals of the WWE Women’s Speed Championship number one contender tournament. Her victory over AAA superstar Faby Apache sets up a high-stakes showdown against Candice LeRae, with the winner earning a shot at sol Ruca’s Speed Title at the upcoming NXT No Mercy event.
Lainey Reid’s Tactical Victory Over Faby Apache
In a fast-paced match defined by agility and quick thinking, Lainey Reid emerged victorious thanks in part to an important distraction caused by Natalya, who interfered as Apache was poised for a top-rope maneuver. This critical moment disrupted Apache’s swanton attempt, allowing Reid to capitalize with a running knee strike, securing the pinfall and advancing in the tournament.
The distraction by Natalya, herself set to face Apache soon at WWE x AAA Worlds Collide: Las Vegas, added a layer of drama and strategic alliance to the contest. WWE insiders note that the interference was a carefully orchestrated move to shift momentum within the tournament bracket, signaling rising backstage interest in Reid’s potential as a contender.
The Path Ahead: Reid vs. Candice LeRae in the Finals
Reid’s next opponent will be Candice LeRae, a former Women’s Speed Champion and a fan favorite, in a final match scheduled for the September 23rd episode of NXT. This bout will determine who challenges Sol Ruca for the Women’s Speed Title at NXT No Mercy, solidifying the tournament’s significance in elevating the WWE women’s division on NXT.
According to a WWE insider, “Lainey is showing tremendous growth and speed. The company sees her as a potential cornerstone for the Speed division and this tournament win is a stepping stone toward bigger opportunities.”
Evolution of the WWE Women’s Speed Championship
The WWE Speed Championship, originally introduced in 2024, has undergone several format changes to increase the visibility and prestige of speed-style matches within WWE programming. Matches originally had a three-minute time limit, emphasizing fast-paced action and earning the series its “Speed” moniker. Title matches, however, have expanded to five minutes to allow more storytelling and showcase endurance and skill at the championship level.
Previously aired exclusively on X (formerly Twitter), the Speed episodes have found a new home as a regular feature on WWE NXT, starting from NXT Heatwave. This move was intended to bring the high-energy style to a wider audience and integrate it more cohesively into WWE’s developmental brand.
What Fans Can Expect Next on NXT
NXT fans can look forward to an exciting buildup to the tournament finale, with Reid and LeRae both bringing distinct styles. Reid’s rapid-fire offense combined with growing ring savvy contrasts with LeRae’s veteran experience and tactical mastery of speed matches. The winner will face Sol Ruca, who has firmly established herself as a dominant champion making thrilling defenses in the Speed format.
Additionally, the fallout from Natalya’s involvement hints at potential storylines brewing between intense competitors from WWE and AAA, increasing cross-promotional intrigue in the lead-up to WWE x AAA Worlds Collide: Las Vegas.
Backstage Perspectives on Lainey Reid’s Momentum
Sources close to WWE’s creative team reveal that Lainey Reid is gaining strong support behind the scenes. “They’ve noticed her work ethic and marketability,” an insider says. “With her recent TV exposure and tournament success, many expect she’ll be more prominently featured moving forward.”
The ongoing Speed tournament is seen as a prime platform for new talent like Reid to rise quickly, capitalizing on the unique wrestling style and condensed match times that highlight athleticism and excitement more than typical bouts.
