WWE has uploaded the next four episodes in the Mae Young Classic, which include the second and third rounds of the historic tournament. The first batch of fights includes Abbey Laith vs. Rachel Evers, Piper Niven vs. Serena Deeb, Mercedes Martinez vs. Princesa Sugehit, and Kairi Sane vs. Bianca Belair.
Abbey Laith (USA) vs. Rachel Evers (USA)
After occasionally appearing on NXT over the past year or so, both Abbey Laith and Rachel Evers picked up their first notable victories in a WWE ring in the first round of the Mae Young Classic. Evers defeated Marti Belle in a match that didn’t live up to the hype, but it showed Evers’ potential. Laith competed in a great match where she played the underdog against Jazzy Gabert and she picked up the victory by using Mae Young’s signature pinning combination.
Somehow, Laith is able to kick out of a powerslam from the second rope and Evers takes too long to capitalize. Laith scoops her up for a powerbomb then goes for the Alligator Clutch pinning combination to pick up her second consecutive victory. Laith will either face Mercedes Martinez or Princesa Sugehit in the quarterfinals. Winner: Abbey Laith | Eliminated: Rachel Evers
Piper Niven (Scotland) vs. Serena Deeb (USA)
This match continues the redemption story of Serena Deeb. At only 31 years of age, Deeb is making her return to WWE to become the Superstar that she always wanted to become without alcohol issues getting in the way. She showed some potential to reach this goal in the opening round where she defeated newcomer Vanessa Borne, but she has an even bigger challenge in Piper Niven.
Niven wowed the WWE Universe in the first round where she got somewhat of an upset victory over Santana Garrett. Niven is by far the largest woman left in the Mae Young Classic, but her size and strength advantages are not hindered by a lack of quickness. In fact, this makes her even more dangerous than possibly anyone in the tournament with her frequent use of cross bodies.
Deeb tries to take advantage of a missed splash from the top rope by attempting a spear, but Niven is able to counter it. Niven scoops Deeb up to hit the Michinoku Driver to pick up the win and advance to the second round, where she will either face Toni Storm or Lacey Evans. Winner: Piper Niven | Eliminated: Serena Deeb
Mercedes Martinez (USA) vs. Princesa Sugehit (Mexico)
While the first round of the Mae Young Classic featured a lot of newcomers to the squared circle, this match is the exact opposite. Mercedes Martinez and Princesa Sugehit are the two most experienced wrestlers in the tournament. Sugehit has been competing since 1996, and Martinez has about 15 years of experience under her belt as well. To get to where they are now, Mercedes Martinez defeated Xia Li, while Princesa Sugehit picked up a win over Kay Lee Ray.
It seems like Sugehit is on the offensive for most of the match, but she can’t manage to put Martinez away. After failing to lock in an armbar, Martinez lands a Fisherman Buster on Sugehit to advance to the quarterfinals, where she will take on Abbey Laith. Martinez has a banged up shoulder from after this match, so Laith might have an advantage in her next bout. Winner: Mercedes Martinez | Eliminated: Princesa Sugehit
Kairi Sane (Japan) vs. Bianca Belair (USA)
Coming into the Mae Young Classic, all of the buzz was surrounding Kairi Sane, who lived up to the hype in her first round victory against Tessa Blanchard. She showed all of her skills, including the phenomenal elbow drop (not to be confused with the Phenomenal Forearm by AJ Styles). Bianca Belair, on the other hand, is only one year into the wrestling business and while she has incredible athletic ability in running and lifting, she has quite the challenge ahead of her. Belair defeated Sage Beckett to get to her match against Sane while using her hair as a weapon.
Even though she is less experienced, Bianca Belair manages to stay on top of Sane for most of the match. After Sane kicks out of a beautiful 450 Splash, the tide turns in her favor. Sane follows a wicked spinning backfist with her signature elbow drop to pick up the victory and advance in the tournament. Sane’s next opponent will either be Dakota Kai or Rhea Ripley. Winner: Kairi Sane | Eliminated: Bianca Belair
