WWE Speed concept debuts at SmackDown taping

WWE debuted a new concept at Friday’s SmackDown taping, WWE Speed. 

On WWE Speed, matches have five-minute time limits. The winner of the match receives one point, the loser of the bout is docked one point, and if the bout goes to a time limit draw, no points are awarded or deducted. A five-minute countdown clock appears on the video wall during the contest.

The Speed concept appears to be a TV show pilot or perhaps for a digital media property, as commentators Corey Graves & Kevin Patrick were calling the matches as if the show was being produced for broadcast. A WWE Speed logo was displayed on the video wall as well as the ring apron and ring posts during the taping. 

Axiom from NXT faced SmackDown’s Cedric Alexander in the concept debut at Friday’s taping in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Raw’s Bronson Reed vs. NXT’s Nathan Frazer was the other Speed match taped.