At NXT No Mercy 2025, Sol Ruca was set to defend her Women’s Speed Championship against Lainey Reid. However, just before the event, Reid was forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed reason, believed to be a medical issue. Shawn Michaels announced the change on social media, leaving organizers with little time to arrange a replacement for the high-speed title match.
Since this was a defense of the Speed Championship rather than the NXT Women’s North American title, the replacement competitor only needed to engage in a five-minute match. This last-minute adjustment led to a surprising development for fans.
Jaida Parker Enters as a Late Substitute
Twenty-six-year-old Jaida Parker stepped up unexpectedly to challenge Sol Ruca, drawing a warm reception from the crowd. Parker’s inclusion brought fresh excitement to the event as fans awaited how she would handle the rapid pace and limited time of the Speed title bout.
The match itself was a tightly contested showdown lasting just under five minutes, adhering to WWE’s Speed Rules where every contest must conclude within that timeframe. The champion retained a distinct advantage, as victory would only come if the challenger secured a pinfall or submission within the allotted time.
Intense Match Culminates in Clutch Victory for Sol Ruca
In the closing moments, the tension heightened when Lash Legend appeared to confront Parker, with Zaria also involved in the confrontation. Parker skillfully avoided both, leading to Zaria spearing Lash Legend outside the ring. With less than 20 seconds remaining, Parker entered the ring but was met by Sol Ruca’s finishing move, the Sol Snatcher, which sealed Ruca’s win.
This rapid and energetic confrontation underscored the thrill of the Speed Championship, as Sol Ruca maintained her title under pressure from a determined 26-year-old newcomer.
Implications for Sol Ruca’s Ongoing Championship Reign
Sol Ruca’s successful defense amidst last-minute changes and intense competition highlights her resilience and adaptability as champion. The match’s unexpected twists and brief duration created a sense of urgency and uncertainty throughout, reflecting the unique challenges of defending the Speed Championship. Fans will be watching closely to see who will challenge Ruca next and how the rivalries involving Parker, Lash Legend, and Zaria will evolve moving forward.
“Since it was a defense of the Speed Championship and not the NXT Women’s North American title, the replacement opponent only needed to compete for five minutes.” – Shawn Michaels, WWE Official
JAIDA PARKER ANSWERS THE CALL!
Parker vs. Sol Ruca for the WWE Speed Championship is ON!pic.twitter.com/evc9NDjwaw
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) September 27, 2025
