There is one last pre-taped episode of the Mae Young Classic before the live finale next week (September 12). The last bunch of episodes covered the second round, the quarterfinals, and now we are down to the final four women in the semifinals. 16-year veteran Mercedes Martinez takes on former UFC competitor Shayna Baszler, while Kairi Sane faces Toni Storm.
Just to put the semifinals into perspective, here is a list of all of the women that have been eliminated from the tournament so far: Jazzy Gabert, Abbey Laith, Rachel Evers, Marti Belle, Princesa Sugehit, Kay Lee Ray, Xia Li, Nicole Savoy, Reina Gonzalez, Renee Michelle, Candice LeRae Sarah Logan, Mia Yim, Zeda, Tessa Blanchard, Sage Beckett, Bianca Belair, Dakota Kai, Kavita Devi, Rhea Ripley, Miranda Salinas, Vanessa Borne, Serena Deeb, Santana Garrett, Piper Niven, Taynara Conti, Lacey Evans, and Ayesha Raymond
Mercedes Martinez (USA) vs. Shayna Baszler (USA)
Throughout the Mae Young Classic, Shayna Baszler has gained some character on top of just being a former MMA fighter. After defeating Zeda and Mia Yim in the first two rounds, the Queen of Spades forced Candice LeRae to tap out to the Rear Naked Choke, which she held onto way after the match ended. Her opponent, Mercedes Martinez, defeated the debuting Xia Li, the 20+ year luchadora Princesa Sugehit, and independent wrestling veteran Abbey Laith.
Both these women are known for their hard-hitting brawler styles, but they have an even closer connection than most fans watching the tournament realize. Back in Shimmer and throughout Baszler’s journey in pro wrestling, Martinez has acted as her mentor. Martinez knows everything Baszler can do in a wrestling ring, but Baszler’s unique background could still give her an edge.
Martinez tries to win the match with the Fisherman Buster that has gotten her so far in this tournament, but Baszler counters into a Falcon Arrow. While seated after hitting the Falcon Arrow, Baszler immediately transitions to the Rear Naked Choke, picking up her fourth consecutive submission victory to advance to the live finale. If Baszler can beat Kairi Sane or Toni Storm, she will become the winner of the first-ever Mae Young Classic. Winner: Shayna Baszler | Eliminated: Mercedes Martinez
Kairi Sane (Japan) vs. Toni Storm (Australia)
Based on fan popularity, this is probably the biggest possible match the Mae Young Classic could put on. Even before the historic tournament began, Kairi Sane and Toni Storm gained huge followings through promotions like World Wonder Ring Stardom among others. In the previous three rounds, Toni Storm defeated Ayesha Raymond, Lacey Evans, and Piper Niven, while Kairi Sane toppled Tessa Blanchard, Bianca Belair, and Dakota Kai.
While they both may be fan favorites, they are two very different personalities. Toni Storm, just 21 years of age, is a “balls to the wall” rock star whose personality infects her work inside the ring. Kairi Sane is a former yachtsman who is now a pirate, searching for her next treasure (in this case, the Mae Young Classic trophy). Sane is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in the world and she has to go the extra mile in her matches to make up for her 5’1″ frame.
Storm and Sane go back and forth throughout the whole match including a huge dive outside the ring and several other big spots and it just comes down to whose body gives out first, because their wills sure won’t. Storm’s strategy is sound by focusing on Sane’s right elbow, which the pirate has used to win all of her matches thus far. To counter the wounded arm, Sane targets Storm’s lower back. While Storm is lying face-down on the canvas, Sane hits her with the signature elbow drop and thanks to Storm’s injured back, it is able to keep her down for the three count. Sane advances to the live finale next week where she will take on the ever so dominant Shayna Baszler. Winner: Kairi Sane | Eliminated: Toni Storm
