NXT Crowns New Speed Champion After Injury Vacancy

Tony D'Angelo celebrates grand slam achievement as Hendry and Page vie for title shot

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:35am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the dynamic action of a WWE NXT match or competition, with sharp planes and overlapping perspectives conveying the intensity of the event.The chaotic energy of NXT's latest matchups is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, reflecting the high-stakes rivalries and title opportunities unfolding in the ring.Today in Orlando

The April 7, 2026 edition of WWE NXT featured a new Speed Championship tournament after the previous titleholder was forced to vacate the belt due to injury. In other action, NXT Champion Tony D'Angelo declared himself the first ever grand slam champion in NXT history, leading to a confrontation with Ethan Page and Joe Hendry. The show also saw singles matches between Sol Ruca and Izzi Dame, as well as a Triple Threat bout between Josh Briggs, Jasper Troy, and Keanu Carver.

Why it matters

The NXT Speed Championship tournament kicks off a new chapter for the title, with the winner set to challenge for the championship. Meanwhile, the ongoing power struggle between D'Angelo, Page, and Hendry sets the stage for a potential title match down the line. The women's division also continues to heat up with the Ruca-Dame rivalry.

The details

The April 7 NXT episode opened with NXT Champion Tony D'Angelo declaring himself the first ever grand slam champion in NXT history. This led to confrontations with Ethan Page and Joe Hendry, who both argued they deserved a title shot against D'Angelo. In women's action, Sol Ruca faced off against Izzi Dame, while a mixed tag team match saw Blake Monroe and Jackson Drake take on Tatum Paxley and Shiloh Hill. The show also featured the start of a new Speed Championship tournament, necessitated by the previous champion Elio LeFleur having to vacate the title due to injury. In a Triple Threat match, Josh Briggs returned to the ring to face Jasper Troy and Keanu Carver.

  • The April 7, 2026 episode of WWE NXT was broadcast from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
  • The event followed the fallout from the NXT Stand & Deliver premium live event held on April 5, 2026.

The players

Tony D'Angelo

The current NXT Champion who declared himself the first ever grand slam champion in NXT history.

Ethan Page

An NXT superstar who argued he deserved a one-on-one title match against D'Angelo instead of Joe Hendry.

Joe Hendry

An NXT superstar who challenged D'Angelo to a singles match for the NXT Championship.

Sol Ruca

An NXT superstar who faced off against Izzi Dame in a singles match.

Izzi Dame

An NXT superstar who faced off against Sol Ruca in a singles match.

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What they’re saying

“I'm the first ever grand slam champion in NXT history, and this title ain't going nowhere.”

— Tony D'Angelo, NXT Champion

“I deserve a one-on-one title shot against D'Angelo, not Hendry. My previous loss was because I was distracted by my best friend.”

— Ethan Page, NXT Superstar

What’s next

The winner of the new Speed Championship tournament will challenge for the vacant title, while the ongoing tension between D'Angelo, Page, and Hendry is expected to continue building towards a potential NXT Championship match.

The takeaway

NXT continues to deliver high-stakes action, with new title opportunities and rivalries emerging. The Speed Championship tournament provides a fresh start for that title, while the main event scene is heating up with D'Angelo's grand slam achievement and the battle for a shot at his NXT Championship.