The Mae Young Classic - Episode #1

The Mae Young Classic - Episode #1

Winter Park, FL - August 2017

COMMENTATORS: Jim Ross and Lita

The Mae Young Classic begins with Kay Lee Ray taking on Princesa Sugehit. Before the match, a quick video package introduces to both women (with plenty of video of Kay Lee Ray from the Shimmer promotion). The crowd does not seem too familiar with either young lady but it doesn't take them long to warm up, popping for the high spots and the stiff strikes exchanged. Sugehit takes home the first match with a submission after Kay Lee missed a big high-flying attempt from the top rope. Personally, I wouldn't have had this match as the tournament's opener just because these two didn't have great natural chemistry. (2/5)

Before their match, Vanessa Borne and Serena Deeb get video packages to give us some background on their character. Deeb was a part of the Straight Edge Society back in the late 00s (I think?) while Borne has been in NXT for the past year. This match also featured the work of the WWE's first female referee since the 1980s. This one was more of a straight-up fight with neither young lady taking to the air too much or dazzling the crowd with innovation. Deeb eventually lands a spear to take down Borne. The former Cardinals cheerleader has more work to do before she'll be ready for primetime, but there's certainly potential there when you have a natural athlete with undeniable charm and beauty. I don't expect Deeb to go too far in this tournament, but its a wise move to have a veteran like her working deep into the show as you'll know you have at least one good hand in the ring regardless of who her opponent is. (1.5/5)

Match #3 brings us a former MMA competitor, Shayna Baszler, who has a great, unique look and a legitimate combat sports background, taking on Zeda. Rhonda Rousey is in attendance for this match to cheer on her buddy Shayna, who has some good looking strikes but definitely room for improvement in her other areas. After just a few minutes (probably an intentional decision to protect both females from exposing their lack of polish), Baszler hits a suplex-into-a-sleeper combo that was a sight to behold. As long as you're going to push Baszler's legitimacy, I almost think this should've been even more one-sided. (1.5/5)

Alright - "main event" time if one wants to call it that - the German bruiser Jazzy Gabert taking on Seattle's positive-minded and former Chikara Champion Abbey Laith. The crowd was into this from the get-go with Abbey getting the lion's share of support against the clear heel. Abbey's fluidity in the ring was something that shouldn't (and won't) be overlooked by the WWE's scouts even if this match was designed to be a showcase for Gabert. When Gabert locked in the rear-naked choke, it looked like it took every molecule of air out of Laith and following it up with shoulders and strikes in the corner made it doubly effective. Moments later, Laith tried to escape Gabert's grasp, but the German knocked a tooth or two loose with a crowd-pleasing forearm to the mush. Laith was able to get some offense in as the match entered its second act, almost taking the W with a senton splash from the top. Gabert fought back, though, toppling the babyface with a clothesline and then attempting to put an end to things with what looked like it was going to be some sort of powerbomb. Gabert had been trying to apply the move throughout the contest, telegraphing it a bit and allowing Laith to counter it with a surprise Mae Young-inspired pinfall. The best match of the night, but not necessarily worth seeking out. (2.5/5)


Overall, a decent show with typically strong production from the WWE/NXT crew. Here's hoping the second episode features a bit better in-ring action, but I at least enjoyed the variety offered in episode 1.