WWE Mae Young Classic 2018
Episode 4
#WWEMYC
Original Air Date: September 26, 2018
Event Date: August 8, 2018
(available on the WWE Network)
City: Winter Park, FL
Venue: Full Sail University
Commentary: Michael Cole, Beth Phoenix, Renee Young
Ring Announcer: Kayla Braxton
Video
Mauro Ranallo narrates as he introduces the final four matches in the first round of this year’s tournament.
Intro Video
“Vicious” by Halestorm
Video
A look at Rachel Evers and Hiroyo Matsumoto.
Ring Area
Kassius Ohno is in the crowd.
Match 1
Mae Young Classic 2018 First Round Match
Rachel Evers vs Hiroyo Matsumoto
(referee: Jessika Carr)
Result: Hiroyo Matsumoto wins via pinfall after the Rock Drop (Saito suplex)
Time: 9:47
Match Thoughts
Very good match. Ever certainly seemed to be the favorite here, but Matsumoto showed why she is the Lady Destroyer. Matsumoto hit some heavy strikes and powerful moves throughout the match. Evers sustained a lot of damage and always seemed like she was on the cusp of a comeback, but Mastumoto’s powerful style shut Evers down often. Even with how the match progressed, I was still a little surprised with the finish. I was happy about it though.
Video
Profiles of Taynara Conti and Jessie Elaban.
Ring Area
Dana Brooke is in the crowd.
Match 2
Mae Young Classic 2018 First Round Match
Jessie Elaban vs Taynara Conti
(referee: Tom Castor)
Result: Taynara Conti wins via pinfall after Taya Goshi (swinging side slam)
Time: 4:44
Match Thoughts
Pretty good match. This wasn’t too difficult for Conti. Elaban felt very new to this wrestling thing, so Conti pretty much did whatever she wanted to. I did like Conti’s mean streak. She tortured Elaban for no good reason for a good portion of this match. It will be interesting to see how Conti develops and how she’ll use her judo skills going forward.
Video
Introducing Isla Dawn and Nicole Matthews.
Match 3
Mae Young Classic 2018 First Round Match
Nicole Matthews vs Isla Dawn
(referee: Aubrey Edwards)
Result: Nicole Matthews wins via submission with a high angle Boston crab
Time: 7:20
Match Thoughts
This was pretty good. It was fairly even to start, but Matthews started taking control as the match went along. The crowd didn’t seem to be into the action very much, but I think it was fine.
Video
Io Shirai intends to be number one in WWE, and Xia Brookside is honored to be here.
Ring Area
Robbie Brookside is in the crowd. Kairi Sane is also at ringside.
Match 4
Mae Young Classic 2018 First Round Match
Xia Brookside vs Io Shirai
(referee: Eddie Orengo)
Result: Io Shirai wins via pinfall after a diving moonsault
Time: 3:16
Match Thoughts
Good match, though it was quite short. Brookside started quickly, but Shirai hit a few big moves to practically coast her way into the next round. I’d love to see Brookside in NXT at some point.
Show Impressions
This was a good show to end the first round of competition. Io Shirai’s WWE debut was short, but it was a fine showcase for some of what she can do. I think the biggest surprise for me was in the first match. I expected Evers vs Matsumoto to be good, but the slightly surprising finish made it memorable for me.
Match of the Night
Rachel Evers vs Hiroyo Matsumoto
This was the most hard-hitting match of the night, and the most entertaining overall.
Official results: https://www.wwe.com/shows/maeyoungclassic/2018-09-26