Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural Mae Young Classic, which featured 32-women from around the world, from some of the top indie promotions in the world, it was inevitable that it would become an annual event. The WWE announced Mae Young Classic II during this year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony and now Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive of Wrestling Observer Live have reported that the tapings will take place August 7 and 8 at Full Sail University once again, most likely with a late August airing on the WWE Network like last year. According to Casey Michael of Squared Circle Sirens, this year’s candidates are already being contacted and one would assume medicals are being set up at this point as well. Last year, the WWE began releasing names around mid-June.
Since its announcement, the internet has been rampant with rumors – some more wishful thinking than possible – about who the 32 competitors will be for this year’s tournament. Last year saw 37 women signed for the tournament (32 entrants, with five alternates in case of injury). With that in mind, the writers at Last Word on Pro Wrestling have been going through global promotions ourselves, combing for contract details, injuries and other factors, to see just who was eligible to be in this year’s Mae Young Classic II. And now we’ve compiled a list of 40 women who could be in this year’s tournament – either as entrant or alternate (NOTE: We have not included anyone under contract to Ring of Honor’s Women of Honor, Impact Wrestling or Lucha Underground, who would be contractually unavailable to work with the WWE). For the record, last year we got 14 out of 32 entrants/alternates correct (43.5%), but we still think they all would have been worthy entrants!
The LWOPW LIST OF POTENTIAL MAE YOUNG CLASSIC II COMPETITORS
EDIT: Since this article’s writing, news broke that Ring of Honor’s Deonna Purrazzo has signed with the WWE. At the time of writing, her contract with ROH for Women of Honor was unknown, but it appears it was only short term. Purrazzo is unquestionably going to be a part of this year’s Mae Young Classic II, but we’ve left the rest of the article as it was originally written.
Britt Baker, USA
“Move over Isaac Yankem, there is a new soon-to-be DDS in the world of professional wrestling and her name is Britt Baker. Relatively new to the industry, the 27-year-old Britt Baker didn’t turn pro until 2015. Still a college student at the time, Baker called up her local independent promotion, International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) in Pittsburgh, and asked to try out. Baker made the cut and began training for her debut, all the while still studying for her career as a healthcare professional. Currently a student by day at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Dental Medicine, Baker spends her nights inside the squared circle. She’s wrestled for Absolute Intense Wrestling, Ring of Honor, WSU, Queens of Combat, SHIMMER, WrestleCircus and Bar Wrestling to name a few. Most notably for some, Baker, the real life girlfriend of NXT North American Champion and leader of Undisputed Era, Adam Cole, made her WWE debut in 2016 as a local jobber to Nia Jax. She’s also All In this upcoming September. Baker is definitely a newer name to wrestling but she’s an up-and-comer who has been making waves. Baker’s accomplishments speak for themselves but that connection to Cole certainly doesn’t hurt as she is a name that WWE is definitely aware of and one who would make a great inclusion in this summer’s tournament.” Marilee Gallagher
Shotzi Blackheart, USA
“After only three years in the squared circle, Shotzi Blackheart has been a permanent fixture in RISE and SHIMMER at just 24 years old. Her name is inspired by Joan Jett And The Blackhearts, Shotzi’s look and personality is also inspired by her love of horror films, separating her from the pack. “The Ballsy Badass” is a former Heart Of SHIMMER champion and Pheonix Of RISE champion.” Dan Niles
Xia Brookside, England
“Engand’s Xia Brookside is only 18 years old, but she’s traveled the world in the past few years, working for IPW:UK, Defiant, RevPro, ICW, PCW and more in the UK, as well as North America with Bar Wrestling, Queens of Combat (QOC), DEFY and Freelance. She’s spent the last two years with Stardom in Japan and is poised to become a breakout star. An appearance in the Mae Young Classic II would go a long way. If the last name sounds familiar to UK fans, it’s because she’s the daughter of current WWE Performance Center trainer and UK wrestling legend Robbie Brookside. But don’t let that lead you to think it’s her family name getting her a spot – she’s earned it.” Jamie Greer
Shadia Bseiso, Jordan
“Shadia Bseiso may be the least familiar name on the list, but she’s someone the WWE has huge plans for. Last year, Bseiso became the first Arab born woman signed to the WWE after a successful tryout in Dubai and she’s been training at the WWE Performance Center since January. As the WWE continues to work on building a presence in the Middle East, introducing Bseiso, who is trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, at Mae Young Classic II would be a huge step for the company.” Jamie Greer
Kacy Catanzaro, USA
“From Glen Ridge, New Jersey, this former American Ninja Warrior contestant and NCAA Division I out of Towson University signed with World Wrestling Entertainment a year after her original tryout at the WWE Performance Center. The former Ninja Warrior has been performing in house shows and even showed in an Instagram post of Cantanzaro alongside Nixon Newell and Dakota Kai.” Brandon Gordon
Taynari Conti, Brazil
“Signed in 2016 thanks to her background in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu and her astonishing beauty, Taynara Conti is WWE’s project to penetrate the country of Brazil. Conti signed with the company in 2016 and was part of WWE MYC, when she was eliminated by Lacey Evans. She was paired with The Undisputed Era, but it seems that she is most comfortable with fellow Brazilians Cezar Bononi and Adrian Jaoude. Conti looks to top last year’s poor performance and win some accolades in this year’s MYC.” Emmanuel Rosado
Solo Darling, USA
“With nine years of experience under her belt, “The Sugar Fueled Seductress” is more than capable of taking on anyone anywhere. A former tag team partner with WWE’s Ruby Riott in The Buddy System, “The Platinum Bombshell” was trained in OVW. Darling is a very colorful character, billed from “The Enchanted Forest” and with a look that resembles Marvel comics Squirrel Girl. This thirty-one year old is “leaner than a pint of ice cream” with stints in Ring Of Honor Wrestling, CHIKARA and SHINE among others.” Dan Niles
Isla Dawn, Scotland
“The 24-year old Glasgow native is a product of the Scottish Wrestling Alliance (SWA), but she’s worked the world since her 2013 debut. She’s worked PROGRESS, ICW, Pro Wrestling: EVE and more in the UK, plus wXw in Germany and Stardom in Japan. She’s even worked North America as well, with the likes of SHINE, CZW and Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU). She was recently announced for a match at the WWE United Kingdom Championship event in London, so she’s definitely on WWE’s radar, and a spot on their UK brand would only be enhanced with a proper showcase at the Mae Young Classic II.” Jamie Greer
Kavita Devi, India
“WWE’s first Indian born woman signing made her debut at last year’s Mae Young Classic, and was signed shortly after the tournament wound up. She began at the Performance Center in January and made her WWE debut over WrestleMania weekend in the Women’s Battle Royal. She’s taken to the NXT Live Event circuit, working as the enforcer for Aliyah, and now that she’s getting ready to debut with NXT, another run in this year’s Mae Young Classic II would help jump start her NXT career.” Jamie Greer
Jessamyn Duke, USA
“Last year, current NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler, made her WWE debut in the Mae Young Classic, where she finished as the runner-up. Could it be possible that fellow MMA Horsewoman and current Performance Center recruit Jessamyn Duke follows in her footsteps? Less than a month ago it was reported that Duke along with the fourth horsewoman and wife of Roderick Strong, Marina Shafir, had officially reported for training. That might seem like a short turnaround for Duke to make her televised debut but the 31-year-old had actually been training for pro wrestling prior to coming to the PC and according to Triple H’s glowing comments in a January media call, “has kind of a gift for it.” Triple H went on to say, “A lot of people that I trust their opinions and have seen her train and have seen her step into the ring think highly of her.” With the Game’s stamp of approval, Duke, who is trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, seems like a sure thing to debut in the 2nd Annual Mae Young Classic.” Marilee Gallagher
Jessie Elaban, USA
“Jessie Elaban was signed by the WWE last year, and the former volleyball player took to her training so well that she made her NXT Live Event debut that October. Since then, she’s become a regular on the NXT Live Event circuit and become a fan favorite with her enthusiasm and energy. She could earn a spot in this year’s MYC as one of the non-TV NXT talents to get a showcase.” Jamie Greer
Jazzy Gabert, Germany
“One of the standouts from last year’s MYC, Germany’s “Alpha Female” was on the verge of signing a contract with the WWE when an injury was discovered that nixed the deal. She’s just recently returned to action after getting surgery to correct the issue and she would be a welcome return, as she was arguably the most over competitor last year.” Jamie Greer
Jordynne Grace, USA
“She squats 225, benches 190 lbs, dubbed at “Thick Momma Pump” or “The Last Pure Athlete,” Jordynne Grace is probably one of the most beloved women’s wrestlers in the Indies today. Age the age of 22, Grace is already has seven years of experience under her belt training at the age of 15. Grace wrestled in Mexico and many indie promotions like IWA Mid-South, Women Superstars Uncensored, Beyond and SHINE Wrestling competing in the Shine NOVA Championship tournament.” Brandon Gordon
Sammii Jayne, Scotland
“The former Pro Wrestling: EVE champion and current RCW, DW, MEW, 3CW and OTT Women’s champion from Glasgow, Scotland. Although she is out for a couple of months with a broken ankle, she could be healed in time for the start of tapings. Regardless, she is a prospect to watch out for in the rest of 2018. Her unique style combined with an aura that fills every arena makes her a possible future star in WWE.” Moritz Risch
Jinny, England
“Has there ever been a woman more custom made for the WWE? Jinny portrays such disdain for every member of the audience because in her eyes she is the Queen. The ProJo graduate has been one of the UK scene’s crown jewels and has so many accomplishments under her belt. One of the best prospects in women’s wrestling and someone who will thrive in WWE’s character-driven world.” Alex Richards
Taeler Hendrix, USA
“A few months ago, the 28-year-old Taeler Hendrix, who is perhaps best known for her time in Ring of Honor as well as being the first winner of TNA’s Gut Check, sent out an interesting series of tweets that led to speculation that the former House of Truth member was WWE-bound. While Hendrix never did show up at Wrestlemania to challenge Alexa Bliss for her Raw Women’s Championship, it’s hard to believe she wasn’t on the company’s radar when they were selecting the women for the 2nd Annual Mae Young Classic. Hendrix is a 10-year veteran of the industry, making her debut in 2008 for New England Championship Wrestling. Over the next eight years, Hendrix would wrestle for some of the top independent promotions as in addition to ROH and TNA, she spent time with AIW, QOC and SHIMMER to name a few. And while Hendrix never wrestled during her time there, she was briefly seen on WWE as one of Adam Rose’s Rosebuds. A three-time Ohio Valley Wrestling Women’s Champion and current QOC Tag Team Champion (with Laurel Van Ness), there is no denying Hendrix’ talent. She is certainly a name to watch and one who would make a great addition to the Mae Young talent pool.” Marilee Gallagher
MJ Jenkins, USA
“MJ Jenkins spent 2017 as part of Impact Wrestling‘s Knockouts Division following appearances with SHINE, EVOLVE and CZW, but was let go at the end of the year. She had a WWE tryout in February of this year, and could find her way into a spot in this year’s MYC.” Jamie Greer
Killer Kelly, Portugal
“The first ever wXw Women’s Champion. She performs internationally on a regular basis now, competing against the likes of Toni Storm, LuFisto, Millie Mckenzie, Viper, Veda Scott and more. She’s also wrestled for RevPro and Pro Wrestling: EVE. Her in-ring style has improved greatly, especially if you consider the short amount of time the 26-year-old has spent in the business. She is equipped with a captivating charisma that can put her on the map on a worldwide basis through the Women’s Fatal-4-way match at the WWE UK special, where Kelly will step in the ring with Toni Storm, Jinny and Isla Dawn.” Moritz Risch
Priscilla Kelly, USA
“Only twenty-one years old and already the first ever SHINE Nova champion with a compelling character to go with her growing experience. Kelly embraces the dark side and makes for an incredible manager in EVOLVE Wrestling for WWN Live champion Austin Theory when she isn’t competing. “Hell’s Favorite Harlot” has recently been on a tour of Japan for Tokyo Joshi Pro and uses a unique tilt-a-whirl Dragon Sleeper to finish opponents.” Dan Niles
Lacey Lane, USA
“”Pretty Reckless” is the current The Crash women’s champion in Tijuana since January. Lane is a fast, high-flying female and matches against Tessa Blanchard have opened lots of eyes. Lane reported to the WWE developmental centre last February but had a WWE contact turned down after finding arthritis in her knee. She has vowed to work on strengthening her knee for a WWE deal and this year it may be redemption time.” Dan Niles
Xia Li, China
“Xia Li was part of WWE’s hiring session of Chinese recruits and made her debut at last year’s Mae Young Classic, but she suffered an injury shortly after and has been out of action until this March. She’s back to work and training and an appearance in this year’s Mae Young Classic II could be a way to restore her confidence and get her back on track.” Jamie Greer
Zoe Lucas, England
“Another of the UK’s emerging women’s stars, Zoe Lucas started off in RevPro in 2015 and continues to work for other UK promotions like PROGRESS and Pro Wrestling: EVE. She’s spent the past two years with Stardom in Japan, as well as SHIMMER and RISE in the United States. Reports have stated that WWE was impressed with Lucas at SHIMMER 100 over WrestleMania weekend, so she could be approached for the Mae Young Classic II.” Jamie Greer
LuFisto, Canada
“One of pro wrestling’s icons, this 20+ year veteran has been redefining hardcore, not only for women’s wrestlers, but men as well. While her deathmatch days from CZW are behind her, she’s still one of indie wrestling’s best veterans, and she’s currently the reigning SHINE Champion and one half of the popular tag team Team PAWG with Jodynne Grace. She’s hinted on Twitter that her career is winding down, and it would be the icing on the cake for this beloved veteran to get a spot in the Mae Young Classic II and work at least once for the WWE before her career comes to an end.” Jamie Greer
Maria Manic, USA
“This 21-year old has exploded on the indie circuit since her 2015 debut and has become not only an emerging women’s wrestling star but an intergender specialist who has no fears taking on the men as well. Apart from women’s promotions like SHINE, QOC, Women’s Wrestling Revolution (WWR) and WSU, she’s also working for Beyond, CZW, and a host of others. She had a WWE tryout this past February, so she’s obviously on their radar.” Jamie Greer
Martina The Session Moth, Republic of Ireland
“Currently, on her first ever Stardom tour in Japan, Martina is a regular performer and fan favourite in OTT, wXw, etc. Her quite outgoing gimmick separates her from most other female wrestlers. While it appears she is not taking herself too seriously (her character that is, not the performer) she is also not afraid to go into thumbtacks or headline OTT’s first ever all-women’s event with a twisted ankle. The Moth is making waves.” Moritz Risch
Mercedes Martinez, USA
“SHINE Tag Team Champion (w\Ivellisse) and 2-times SHINE champion, Mercedez Martinez looks to top last year performance in the semifinals and win this year’s WWE Mae Young Classic. Martinez is a 17 -year veteran that has participated in every indie promotion in North America. The daughter of Puerto Ricans has been on a lot of radars, but never has on a stellar scene in a mayor wrestling promotion. She looks to change all that in this year’s edition.” Emmanuel Rosado
Nicole Matthews, Canada
“It’s hard to believe Nicole Matthews is only 31 years old given she is already a 12-year pro. Hailing from Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, Matthews debuted in 2006 and has been a mainstay in the industry ever since. One half of the Canadian NINJAs (National International Nation of Jalapeño Awesomeness), alongside Portia Perez, Matthews is a two-time SHIMMER Tag Team Champion as well as a one-time SHIMMER Champion, a belt she held for 357 days. She has also won singles titles in SuperGirls Wrestling, Pure Wrestling Association, All-Star Wrestling and Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling. Matthews made her WWE debut in 2016 when she faced Asuka as local enhancement talent and took part in a tryout with the company a year later. Matthews also featured in a dark match at last year’s Mae Young Classic TV tapings and received Becky Lynch’s endorsement as the best female wrestler in the indies a few years back. Pro Wrestling Illustrated agreed, naming Matthews’ the 16th best female wrestler in the world in both 2015 and 2016. Having missed out on the classic the first time around (as an alternate), there is almost no doubt Matthews will be involved in the second edition.” Marilee Gallagher
Shazza McKenzie, Australia
“One of Australia’s finest exports, the 29-year-old Shazza McKenzie began wrestling in 2008 for Australian Wrestling Federation. For the next four years, McKenzie wrestled solely in Australia, working for several promotions including Pro Wrestling Australia, Melbourne City Wrestling, Newcastle Pro Wrestling and Riot City Wrestling. It wasn’t until 2012 that McKenzie began working in the U.S., which is where she is perhaps best known for her time with SHIMMER (2012-present) and SHINE Wrestling (2012-16). The current Heart of SHIMMER Champion, McKenzie first made her WWE debut back in 2015, when she faced Emma on an episode of NXT. McKenzie would return to NXT, taking part in recent TV tapings to face Kairi Saine. Set to take part in CHIKARA’s upcoming King of Trios tournament as part of the SHIMMER Collective (McKenzie, Madison Eagles and Jessica Troy) at the end of August, McKenzie could still be involved in the Mae Young Classic this year as TV tapings are taking place earlier in the month. And there’s no doubt that as one of the top Australian wrestlers out there, that McKenzie’s involvement in the tournament would be a great addition.” Marilee Galligher
Ariel Monroe, USA
“A three year pro on the indie circuit, starting with QOC and now appearing regularly for both SHINE and SHIMMER, Monroe has already appeared with the WWE once, as an opponent to Nia Jax during the latter’s main roster debut. Her husband is the current WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Cedric Alexander, and this could help elevate her profile on a national level.” Jamie Greer
Charlie Morgan, England
“Charlie Morgan is the current Pro Wrestling: EVE champion. She defeated Sammii Jayne in a 20-minute battle in York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, during the match she climbed the balcony and did a somersault. She has competed against Toni Storm for the PROGRESS Women’s title at SSS16. She also stepped into the ring for OTT and RIPTIDE just to name a few.” Moritz Risch
Steffanie “Nixon” Newell, Wales
“Born Steffanie Newell out of Wales, this 23 year old was a mainstay in the British Indies as a whole. A former ATTACK! Pro Wrestling 24/7 Champion and ATTACK! Tag Team Champion alongside WWE UK standout Mark Andrews as a part of the tag team Bayside High. On top of that, Newell was the inaugural WCPW (now Defiant) Women’s Champion. Signed to World Wrestling Entertainment in April of 2017, Newell was originally part of the inaugural tournament, however an injury of the ACL would keep her away from action until her return to a house show on the 13th of April this year. Recently, Newell has appeared in the most recent set of NXT tapings at Full Sail Live.” Brandon Gordon
Piper Niven (Viper), Scotland
“Viper is a name that many wrestling fans will be familiar with. Over the past few years, she has quickly established herself as arguably the best women’s wrestler of her generation. Whether competing in Japan for Stardom (where she currently holds the SWA World Championship) or in her home of Scotland for ICW (where she is the current holder of the ICW Women’s Championship), her physical presence, Scottish aggression and Viper Driver combine to make her one of the deadliest competitors in the ring. Under the name Piper Niven, Viper would reach the third round of the inaugural Mae Young Classic before being bested by long-time rival, Toni Storm, in what was a clinic of a match. Anyone who knows of Viper will know that she will be out for revenge.” Niklas George
Bea Priestley, New Zealand
“The 22-year old has springboarded from the UK wrestling scene to Stardom in Japan quickly and just competed in the Stardom Cinderella tournament finals. Priestly has shown major improvements in the ring with lighting fast strikes to combat any style. Look no further than WCPW (now Defiant) for Priestley’s best matches, one match with NXT’s Nixon Newell featured a devastating curb stomp into a steel chair. Trained by the PROGRESS world champion Travis Banks, Priestley is a “buzzsaw” in the ring herself and a future women’s champion in any promotion.” Dan Niles
Kay Lee Ray, Scotland
“It is quite fitting that Kay Lee Ray is billed from Glasgow, because she is as tough as they come. A former two-time ICW Women’s Champion, the fiery Scot has built up a stellar reputation as one of the top female talents within wrestling today. A lethal Gory Bomb, well-rounded style complete with deadly submission holds and an arsenal of aerial manouveres make her a fierce opponent for anyone, as evidenced by her classic bouts with fellow Mae Young Classic competitor and Scot, Viper. She officially made her WWE debut for NXT in 2015 when she was defeated by Nia Jax and has since competed in the Mae Young Classic, where she was eliminated in the first round by Princesca Sugehit. There is no doubt that if offered the opportunity to compete in the tournament again, Kay Lee Ray will be out for redemption.” Niklas George
Meiko Satomura, Japan
“You cannot have a women’s tournament without considering one of the best women’s wrestlers in the world. Meiko Satomura, regardless of gender, is one of the world’s best, seeing her live she has such a special aura and comes across so well. When the bell rings she really shines, her unique array of knees and kicks are vicious and her technical abilities are second to none. Dream match after dream match could await in this tournament and many people’s eyes would be opened to what women’s wrestling can truly be.” Alex Richards
Nicole Savoy, USA
“Nicole Savoy cut a bad break last year when she suffered a blown knee preparing for the first WWE Mae Young Classic but still made it to the tournament. “The Queen Of Suplexes” wasn’t able to show her full potential and she deserves a second chance. The thirty-two year old has been wrestling for seven years in preparation for her current run as SHIMMER champion. Savoy has earned a reputation as being one of the more respected and hard working females in wrestling after being under the wing of fellow WWE Mae Young Classic competitor Mercedes Martinez. Nicole Savoy recently defended that championship against her mentor Martinez and retained.” Dan Niles
Io Shirai, Japan
“It’s all but confirmed that this Japanese treasure is headed to the Mae Young Classic this year, after Tokyo Sports confirmed on Sunday that she was departing Stardom for the WWE. Her final Stardom date is June 17, so the timing is perfect for the former 2x World of Stardom champion to finally make her WWE debut, after a neck injury nixed her deal last summer just before the inaugural Mae Young Classic began.” Jamie Greer
Toni Storm, Australia
“One of women’s wrestling’s belt collectors, Toni Storm has won gold everywhere she’s been including a near year-long reign a PROGRESS women’s champion. The young star oozes charisma and star power and is set to launch her WWE career with a strong performance in the MYC.” Alex Richards
Kris Wolf, USA
“Born in Chicago, IL, she was originally an English teacher in Japan for about 18 months until someone recommended her to train as a wrestler in Joshi. Once she saw a Stardom match on YouTube, she signed to train with the company. Despite only being a four year pro, Wolf already has a great cult following even after leaving Stardom, she has been competing in the indie circuits in the UK, North America and Mainland Europe. A former Stardom High Speed Champion, a title held by Mayu Iwatani (who Wolf defeated to win the title and hold it for 143 days) and also Io Shirai, Wolf is in elite company and would add great name value to this illustrious tournament.” Brandon Gordon
Mia Yim, South Korea
“Mia Yim started her career as a valet in 2009 and quickly transitioned to a full-time competitor in Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) wrestling men in hardcore matches. Yim has grown to be a complete package wrestling around the world for SHINE, SHIMMER, Jersey All-Pro and other top independent promotions. The former Knockout champion Jade from Impact Wrestling was in last years WWE Mae Young Classic tournament and made it past the first round against Raw‘s Sarah Logan but suffered a leg injury last fall. Yim is back in action and recently wrestled Keith Lee for Beyond Wrestling in a standout intergender match.” Dan Niles
Zeuxis, Puerto Rico
“After 10 years in Mexico’s CMLL, Zeuxis is set to finish her dates on June 4. The Puerto Rican is one of the best wrestlers in Mexico, having the first ever Lucha de Apuestas in a CMLL Anniversary show and beating Mae Young Classic participant Princesa Sugehit for her Mask. Zeuxis seems to be this year representative of Latin America in WWE’s MYC, with vast experience in the square circle as a Lucha Libre specialist.” Emmanuel Rosado
