Inaugural Speed Women’s Champion Candice LeRae left the latest episode of WWE’s social media series with the belt still around her waist.
While not emerging victorious in a match against Natalya, a time-limit draw result after five minutes meant that LeRae would hold onto her title and retain the belt for the first time.
Natalya came close to putting away LeRae late in the bout, attempting a Sharpshooter in the closing seconds of the match. However, LeRae was able to endure the hold until the match’s time limit was reached, keeping her title run alive.
The full match can be watched below:
TODAY on #WWESpeed!
It's @CandiceLeRae vs. @NatbyNature for the #WWESpeed Women's Championship! Will @candicelerae retain, or will we have a new #WWESpeed Champion? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eGQDgeouZ1
— WWE (@WWE) January 8, 2025
Natalya was given the title shot after winning an eight-woman bracket, getting past B-Fab and Michin in recent weeks.
LeRae became the first-ever women’s Speed champ back in October, beating IYO SKY to win a tournament grand final and capture her second title since signing with WWE.
WWE Speed will kick off a men’s tournament next, with the winner facing incumbent champ Dragon Lee.
Next Wednesday, NXT’s Charlie Dempsey will take on Chad Gable as part of the semi-final round. Chris Sabin and Grayson Waller are expected to meet on the other side of the tournament at a later date as well.
