WWE Mae Young Classic 2018
Episode 5
#WWEMYC
Original Air Date: October 3, 2018
Event Date: August 9, 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 welcomes everyone to the second round and introduces tonight’s matches.
Intro Video
“Vicious” by Halestorm
Video
A look at Toni Storm and Hiroyo Matsumoto’s journeys to the second round.
Match 1
Mae Young Classic 2018 Second Round Match
Toni Storm vs Hiroyo Matsumoto
(referee: Jessika Carr)
Result: Toni Storm wins via pinfall with a roll-up into a bridging cover
Time: 9:18
Match Thoughts
Great match! Storm and Matsumoto began the match with a handshake, but Matsumoto had no problem hitting Storm as hard as she could. The first segment of the match was a nice sequence of holds and reversals, but after a while Matsumoto began to use her size and power to dominate Storm. Storm had to persevere and fight back, but Matsumoto had an answer for most of Storm’s fight. In the end, this was a great match that really showed the strengths of both women.
Video
How Kacy Catanzaro and Rhea Ripley got into the second round.
Match 2
Mae Young Classic 2018 Second Round Match
Kacy Catanzaro vs Rhea Ripley
(referee: Aubrey Edwards)
Result: Rhea Ripley wins via pinfall after Riptide
Time: 7:04
Match Thoughts
Once again, Catanzaro displayed an uncanny ability to do some very entertaining agile moves. She seems fearless, and even though not everything went exactly like she wanted it to, she is fun to watch. Hopefully she can get some good wrestling experience to support her flashy move set. Ripley had a tough tie dealing with Catanzaro in this, but it felt almost inevitable that Catanzaro’s high risk moves would cost her. A lot of the tension of this match was built around waiting for that moment that Ripley finally caught Catanzaro and put her down. I enjoyed this match.
Video
Lacey Lane and Taynara Conti both think they have what it takes to move on to the next round.
Match 3
Mae Young Classic 2018 Second Round Match
Taynara Conti vs Lacey Lane
(referee: Eddie Orengo)
Result: Lacey Lane wins via pinfall with a pinning crucifix bomb
Time: 2:39
Match Thoughts
This was very short, and both women seemed a bit hesitant at times. The finish was smart, but there isn’t a lot more to say about this match. I really wanted Conti to move on though.
Video
Meiko Satomura and Mercedes Martinez are ready for a fight.
Match 4
Mae Young Classic 2018 Second Round Match
Mercedes Martinez vs Meiko Satomura
(referee: Darryl Sharma)
Result: Meiko Satomura wins via pinfall after Scorpion Rising
Time: 11:32
Match Thoughts
Fantastic match! This was a display of experience, skill, and a bunch of great wrestling. Both women showed why they are two of the best in the industry. It’s too bad this match wasn’t later in the tournament, because I can’t imagine the next round being better for the winner here. Martinez looked strong and gave Satomura a fight she did not get in the first round. Satomura was in danger a few times, but she always seemed to be able to pull out a few devastating moves to regain control. I think this might be the best match of the tournament so far.
Video
A recap of tonight’s winners.
Show Impressions
This was probably the best overall show of the tournament so far. The first and last matches were both great, and they were both going to be heartbreakers for me regardless of who won.
Match of the Night
Mercedes Martinez vs Meiko Satomura
This is the match to beat in the tournament now.
Official Results: https://www.wwe.com/shows/maeyoungclassic/2018-10-03