The field for this year’s edition of the Mae Young Classic is quickly taking shape, as five more names were announced for the 2nd MYC.
WWE has announced that Mercedes Martinez, Kavita Devi, Mia Yim, Killer Kelly and Crystal will be competing in the now-annual tournament, joining their previously-announced ten competitors. While last year’s tournament was excellent, this one is truly shaping up to be outstanding.
Let’s take a look at the latest batch of announcements.
Mercedes Martinez
The biggest name coming out of today’s announcement is a semifinalist from last year’s MYC, Mercedes Martinez. The 18-year veteran is one of the top female performers in the world today; she’s a multi time champion across a variety of different promotions, including part of the current SHINE Tag Team Champions. Not only is she a skilled technical wrestler, but she hits to hurt - there’s a reason she look poised to win last year’s competition prior to her loss to protege Shayna Baszler. Martinez has a wide range of skills in-ring, and certainly should be considered as one of the favourites to win it all.
Mia Yim
Another second-time competitor in this year’s Mae Young Classic is Mia Yim. Oddly enough, she’s also a competitor who lost to Shayna Baszler in last year’s tournament; however, much like the previously mentioned Mercedes Martinez, she’s someone who has to be a heavy favourite in this year’s tournament. Previously known as Jade, Yim is a former TNA Knockouts Champion. She’s additionally held titles in various other promotions including Ring of Honor, Shine, and Shimmer. Unfortunately, she’s only recently returned to the ring after an injury late in 2017, but I don’t see that slowing down the 9-year veteran. She’s a dangerous striker, and is more than capable of getting the job done in-ring.
Kavita Devi
Devi is another returning name to the MYC after an impressive debut last year. While she was eliminated in the first round by current NXT Superstar Dakota Kai, Devi made history in becoming the first woman from India to compete in WWE. She’s a former protege of the Great Khali, and it’s evidenced by her impressive strength. She also made a bit of personal history this year, appearing in the WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal in April of this year. After nearly 12 months in the Performance Centre, I’m sure she’ll impress even more this time around.
Killer Kelly
Making her first appearance in the Mae Young Classic this year is Portuguese-born Killer Kelly. The 26-year-old may be the name I’m most anxious to watch; debuting for WWE only last month, she was a force to be reckoned with, effortlessly delivering suplex after suplex. While no giant in the ring, she’s an imposing presence; there’s a reason she’s the first-ever Westside Xtreme Wrestling Women’s Champion. While a first-time competitor in the MYC, she seems poised to make an immediate impact.
Crystal
Another debuting name in this year’s MYC is “the Queen of Philippine Wrestling”, Crystal. Currently competing for Philippine Wrestling Revolution, she’s currently one-half of the promotions tag team champions. She’s a high flyer in the ring, and someone that I’m incredibly excited to watch for the first time.
Currently, here’s your roster for the 2018 Mae Young Classic:
- Kaitlyn
- Rhea Ripley
- Io Shirai
- Kacy Catanzaro
- Nicole Matthews
- Jinny
- Deonna Purrazzo
- Tegan Knox
- Jessica Elaban
- Reina González
- Mercedes Martinez
- Kavita Devi
- Crystal
- Killer Kelly
- Mia Yim
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- SPOILER: Major Title Change at Tonight’s NXT Tapings
- BREAKING: Four More Named for MYC
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