The Mae Young Classic completes the 1st round tonight on the WWE Network. Matches 13-16 are scheduled to air following tonight’s episodes of NXT and 205 Live.
Mae Young Classic Preview 9/26
Io Shirai vs Xia Brookside
There is a lot of hype around both of these two. Shirai’s hype train was only derailed last year when WWE didn’t sign her following a medical. She was said to have been dealing with neck problems at the time. Shirai seems ready to go now, however, and WWE seems happy to have her.
At only 19, Brookside is likely the youngest person in WWE’s developmental system. Her step-father is NXT trainer and UK legend, Robbie Brookside, however, which likely means she’s been training long before her official debut as a wrestler in 2015 (when she was still only 15 years old).
Rachel Evers vs Hiroyo Matsumoto
Paul Ellering’s daughter, Rachel Evers, is a graduate of the Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary. While not signed to WWE, Evers has wrestled for the promotion frequently in the last few years. She has also competed professionally in power-lifting.
A 13-year pro, Matsumoto made a name for herself in Japan’s Stardom promotion. PWI ranked her 25th in the female single’s wrestlers in 2017.
Jessie Elaban vs Taynara Conti
23-year-old Taynara Conti is the first female Brazilian wrestler in WWE history. She is well-versed in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu and currently assigned to the WWE Performance Center. Conti has appeared several times on NXT, usually in a losing effort. She has also competed in artistic gymnastics.
Elaban is also signed to WWE developmental but hasn’t been as visible as Conti on WWE programming. She’s wrestled on the NXT live event schedule but tonight will be her first match on the WWE Network. Elaban is said to be a quirky Superstar who describes her style as a mix of clumsy and goofy.
Isla Dawn vs Nicole Matthews
The Scottish Isla Dawn (Stacy Coates above) also took part in the WWE UK tapings recently and will likely become a big part of that brand. She’s still competing elsewhere, however, so it doesn’t look as though WWE has locked her up yet.
Canadian Nicole Matthews is a veteran of the North American independent scene and was an alternate in the tournament last year. She is a veteran of promotions such as Shimmer, RISE, Defy, and PWA in British Columbia.
