WWE reportedly debuted a new concept called WWE Speed during Friday’s SmackDown television tapings in Green Bay, Wisconsin, according to PWInsider.
Mike Johnson reported that this new match concept features a five-minute time limit for matches with one point awarded to the winner, one point deducted to the loser, and zero points neither awarded nor deduced for ties. The matches that were held on Friday reportedly also featured a five-minute countdown clock that was shown on the video wall.
Johnson reported that WWE had live commentary take place at ringside during these matches but it is currently not known what WWE’s broadcast plans are for this new concept.
WWE reportedly held two matches under this new concept involving NXT talent Axiom going up against Cedric Alexander and NXT talent Nathan Frazer going up against Bronson Reed.
WWE are running a new “Speed” concept of 5 minute matches ahead of #SmackDown tonight:
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) December 16, 2023
🎥: @UltWresTrivia
pic.twitter.com/pRB4WBGDIy
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