It is finally here. After months of rumor and anticipation, the Mae Young Classic, named after one of the most trailblazing women in the industry, was finally confirmed and tapings were done in the middle of July. Today (August 28), WWE has uploaded the first four episodes of the historic tournament, which will feature all 32 women compete in the first round. The first episode features Kay Lee Ray vs. Princesa Sugehit, Vanessa Borne vs. Serena Deeb, Zeda vs. Shayna Baszler, and Abbey Laith vs. Jazzy Gabert.
Kay Lee Ray (Scotland) vs. Princesa Sugehit (Mexico)
This match features two very different veterans. Princesa Sugehit calls herself the “Queen of Stars” and the luchadora has been competing in the squared circle since 1996, making her the most experienced woman in this tournament by far. Her opponent, Kay Lee Ray, represents Scotland with eight years of experience behind her. While Princesa Sugehit is more of a traditional luchadora, Kay Lee Ray is admittedly more of a hardcore and high-risk taking competitor.
Kay Lee Ray goes to the top rope to attempt a Swanton Bomb, but Princesa Sugehit rolls out of the way. Sugehit immediately locks in an armbar in the center of the ring, forcing Raw to tap out. Sugehit will either face Xia Li or Mercedes Martinez in the second round. Winner (via submission): Princesa Sugehit | Eliminated: Kay Lee Ray
Vanessa Borne (USA) vs. Serena Deeb (USA)
While the last bout featured two veterans, this features a returning Superstar looking for redemption against a woman who is fairly inexperienced. Vanessa Borne is a former Arizona Cardinals cheerleader so she is comfortable in front of the spotlight and she has been successful on NXT recently, winning a qualifying match to get her in the tournament. Serena Deeb was a former WWE Superstar whose main roster career was part of CM Punk’s Straight Edge Society, but she had to leave WWE after battling personal issues. Now, she is back for her redemption story, a la The Brian Kendrick in the Cruiserweight Classic.
Vanessa Borne’s frustration gets the best of her and she fails an attempt at a running splash. After Serena Deeb rolls out of the way, she nails a groggy Borne with a spear to advance to Round Two. Winner: Serena Deeb | Eliminated: Vanessa Borne
Zeda (China) vs. Shayna Baszler (USA)
This part of the tournament features two competitors with MMA backgrounds. Zeda, one of the two women in the Mae Young Classic representing China, has a background primarily in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Her opponent, Shayna Baszler, is a former UFC competitor who is known for her part in bringing women’s MMA to the forefront alongside UFC’s version of the Four Horsewomen, with the most successful member being Ronda Rousey.
Zeda and Shayna Baszler put on a great match, but it is a bit of a sprint. There is some good ground game and smart counters throughout, but after countering a guillotine choke into a Falcon Arrow, Baszler immediately locks in the Rear Naked Choke to advance in the tournament. Winner (via submission): Shayna Baszler | Eliminated: Zeda
Jazzy Gabert (Germany) vs. Abbey Laith (USA)
Jazzy Gabert continues the MMA style of the first episode. Gabert is the only woman in the tournament representing Germany and is perhaps the best definition of a “powerhouse” in the field of 32 women. Gabert takes on Abbey Laith (representing the USA) who has a historic independent career, being the first woman ever to win the top championship in a male-dominated promotion when she won the Chikara Grand Championship.
Gabert connects with a wicked lariat but instead of going for the pinfall, she goes for the ground and pound punches. Gabert then sets up for the Widow’s Peak or the Gory Bomb, but Laith counters with a Sunset Flip into the Alligator Clutch. The Alligator Clutch was Mae Young’s signature pinning combination and appropriately, it works to get Laith into the second round. Winner: Abbey Laith | Eliminated: Jazzy Gabert
