WWE Speed matches often turn on a dime, and that was the case for Faby Apache on NXT last night. The AAA veteran’s résumé includes stints in Japan, Mexico, as well as WWE’s main rivals, AEW. The gap in experience was evident early on, with Apache looking likely to advance to the tournament final.
The 26-year-old Reid felt the full force of Apache’s aerial expertise, struggling to find her footing in the match. Meanwhile, Apache’s rival, Natalya, brooded from the sidelines. The two-time WWE Women’s World Champion has been feuding with Apache since their Triplemanía XXXIII triple threat with Flammer last month. Following on from that heated encounter, the pair are set to go one-on-one in a #1 contender’s match at Worlds Collide: Las Vegas this weekend.
However, the presence of Natalya did not affect Apache early on, who continued to subdue Reid. Every glimpse of a momentum shift was squashed by Apache, with a devastating German Suplex in the final minute, flooring Reid. It looked like curtains for the former rodeo champion who had done well to stay alive in the encounter until this point. Heading to the top turnbuckle, Apache signaled the end for Reid – but not before Natalya could intervene.
Natalya’s Distraction Prove Costly for Faby Apache
Hopping the barricade, Natalya appeared ringside, locking eyes with Apache. The Luchadora hesitated briefly before returning her attention to Reid in the ring. Sadly for Apache, Natalya’s interruption was enough to derail her dominant display. Apache went for the Swanton from the top rope, but Reid evaded and reacted quickly. Hitting Apache with her Running Knee Strike, Reid brought the semi-final to a close with less than 30 seconds on the clock.
Natalya’s intervention adds a little spice heading into Worlds Collide at the weekend, but take nothing away from Reid here. The victory is arguably the biggest of her career so far and now sets up a #1 contender’s clash with Candice LeRae on September 23rd’s episode of NXT. The winner will go on to challenge Sol Ruca for the WWE Speed Championship at NXT No Mercy.
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