A new WWE Speed Men’s tournament got underway on WWE NXT last night. But this time, there will be a guaranteed new champion once the dust settles on the knockout tournament.
WWE Speed Champion Elio LeFleur was forced to vacate his title after suffering a serious injury during an NXT live event last month. The Frenchman confirmed that he had suffered ligament damage and a torn labrum during the match, forcing him to vacate the title he won in February.
During the match, one of LeFleur’s opponents, Lexis King, was also injured. Fortunately for the Birthright member, his injury wasn’t as serious. And last night on NXT, he looked to take advantage of LeFleur’s misfortune. King was not only looking to claim the vacant WWE Speed title; he was also looking to avenge an embarrassing loss.
King infamously lost in just eight seconds in his previous WWE Speed tournament match. Tavion Heights punished King for his arrogance with the quick win. Hopefully, for King’s sake, his approach will be a little different this time round.
Standing opposite him was WWE ID prospect Chazz “Starboy” Hall, aka Starboy Charlie. The 23-year-old has made a rapid ascent over the past couple of years, building a strong reputation on the West Coast independent scene. Last month, Hall won the WWE ID Men’s title, defeating Cappuccino Jones. And last year, prior to signing with WWE, Hall recorded wins over Matt Cardona, Joey Janela, and Toa Liona.
Lexis King Tested by WWE ID Champion
Chazz “Starboy” Hall is definitely one for the future, and he proved that during his NXT debut. The high flyer was straight out of the gates, delivering a number of acrobatic moves to the NXT Heritage Cup winner.
For the first two minutes of the bout, it looked like King might leave with egg on his face once again. Hall’s climb to the top turnbuckle suggested a major upset, as he looked to deliver his Shooting Starboy Press. But King’s experience won out. The NXT veteran countered Hall with a double boot to the face.
And as the lights turned red, signaling the beginning of the match’s final minute, King turned Hall’s lights out with the Coronation. King advanced, avenging his embarrassing loss to Heights. But Hall should be pleased with his efforts.
Who will Lexis King face in the tournament final?
Lexis King is now one match away from the WWE Speed title. But he will face a stern test in either EK Prosper or WWE Evolve’s Dorian Van Dux. They will battle for a place in the tournament final on NXT next week.
Prosper, previously known as Eli Knight, came very close to winning the WWE Speed title in February as he took part in the first-ever triple threat match for the championship. His next opponent, Belgian wrestler Dorian Van Dux, will be looking to complete an upset. Like Hall, the WWE Speed match will be his NXT debut.
