We now have full details on WWE’s 2018 Mae Young Classic tournament.
Earlier today WWE made the official announcement on several topics regarding the tournament. First, it was announced the tournament will premiere on September 5th on the WWE Network.
The single-elimination tournament continues each Wednesday until two competitors are left. The finals will be held at the all-female WWE Evolution pay-per-view (PPV) on October 28th on the WWE Network.
Commentators for the tournament will be Michael Cole, Renee Young and WWE Hall Of Famer Beth Phoenix. It’s the first time in WWE history that two women are in the announce booth. Cathy Kelley and Shadia Bseiso will also join the broadcast team as they will handle backstage interviewing responsibilities.
Kayla Braxton is serving as the ring announcer for the tournament. WWE has confirmed 31 of the 32 participants in the tournament thus far. The final slot will be announced on tonight’s episode of NXT (spoiler here).
Check out the list of confirmed competitors here below:
- Kaitlyn (U.S.)
- Io Shirai (Japan)
- Tegan Nox (Wales)
- Kacy Catanzaro (U.S.)
- Toni Storm (Australia)
- Jinny (England)
- Ashley Rayne (U.S.)
- Kavita Devi (India)
- Meiko Satomura (Japan)
- Rhea Ripley (Australia)
- Deonna Purrazzo (U.S.)
- Reina González (U.S.)
- Lacey Lane (U.S.)
- Jessica Elaban (U.S.)
- Nicole Matthews (Canada)
- MJ Jenkins (U.S.)
- Karen Q (U.S.)
- Zatara (Chile)
- Mia Yim (U.S.)
- Mercedes Martinez (U.S.)
- Allysin Kay (U.S.)
- Hiroyo Matsumoto (Japan)
- Xia Li (China)
- Zeuxis (Mexico)
- Isla Dawn (Scotland)
- Aerial Monroe (U.S.)
- Rachel Evers (U.S.)
- Priscilla Kelly (U.S.)
- Killer Kelly (Portugal)
- Vanessa Kraven (Canada)
- Xia Brookside (England)
History Of The Mae Young Classic
Last year during WrestleMania 33 weekend WWE announced its first ever Mae Young Classic. The tournament featured 32 female professional wrestlers from around the world. WWE Hall Of Famers Lita and Jim Ross served as commentators for the tournament.
When it was all said and done, Japanese star Kairi Sane emerged victorious by defeating Shayna Baszler in the finals. In the aftermath of the tournament, however, Baszler has emerged as the more successful of the pair thus far.
She is the current NXT Women’s Champion and could bee eying a main roster call up in the next several months.
