Another week, another NXT debut in the WWE Speed Men’s tournament. This time round, EK Prosper, formerly known as Eli Knight, was the first to experience the rich athleticism of Dorian Van Dux.
On the surface, the Belgian import presented a strong, striking heavyweight. But as the rapid-fire first-round match wore on, the wrinkles to Van Dux’s repertoire became apparent. The NXT debutant’s power exceeded Prosper’s cruiserweight stylings. However, the bulky Belgian’s appetite for the air was a welcome surprise to this WWE Speed encounter.
Clad in Hulk Hogan reds and yellows, and just as well built, Van Dux demonstrated his versatility less than a minute into the match. A Fallaway Slam sent Prosper outside of the ring before Van Dux delivered a slick dive over the top rope to daze his opponent more. A diving splash three-quarters across the mat soon followed, almost ending the bout early. Chants of “DVD” showed what the NXT crowd thought of its new European star.
Into the final minute, Prosper and Van Dux continued to trade big hits. Prosper’s Busaiku Knee and Van Dux’s Springboard Cutter led excitedly into the final stretch. Atop the turnbuckle, Van Dux almost scored a victory with a Shooting Star Press. But Prosper was wise to it. Rolling out of the way, Prosper then landed his own Moonsault to advance to the tournament final with just seven seconds left on the clock.
Who will EK Prosper face in the title match?
EK Prosper advanced to the final despite a valiant effort from the debuting Van Dux. But a chance to win his first WWE title is now just one win away.
Last month, Elio LeFleur was forced to vacate the WWE Speed Championship due to injury. This led to the current men’s tournament. Prosper and LeFleur forged an unlikely bond through their pursuit of the title in February. The recent NXT recruits participated in a triple threat for the WWE Speed title in February, with LeFleur ending the reign of Jasper Troy. Since his injury, Prosper has vowed to win the title for his friend. Regardless of whether he keeps that promise or not, a new WWE Speed Champion will be crowned.
Last week on NXT, Lexis King also outlasted an impressive debutant. WWE ID Men’s Champion Chazz “Starboy” Hall stepped up in the hopes of completing an upset – and the young cruiserweight very nearly did. King, now an NXT veteran, used his experience to scrape past Hall to the final. King will be hoping to win his second WWE title, following his NXT Heritage Cup triumph in 2024.
EK Prosper ADVANCES in the NXT Speed Title Tournament! ⚡️@EKProsperr pic.twitter.com/VPergy1D54
— WWE (@WWE) April 15, 2026
