Grading Mae Young Classic (9/26/18)

Last week on the Mae Young Classic the likes of Xia Brookside, Taynara Conti, Isla Dawn, Rachel Evers, Jessie Elaban, Nicole Matthews, Hiroyo Matsumoto, and Io Shirai were all in action.

Hiroyo Matsumoto faced Rachel Evers, Nicole Matthews faced off with Isla Dawn, Jessie Elaban fought Taynara Conti, & Io Shirai faced Xia Brookside.

---

#1 Hiroyo Matsumoto vs Rachel Evers

These two faced off in the night's opening matchup

Result: Hiroyo Matsumoto defeated Rachel Evers via pinfall with the Backdrop Driver.

Grade: A

Analysis: This was the best Mae Young Classic match since Killer Kelly vs Meiko Satomura during the first week. The two powerhouses traded back and forth moves and momentum throughout the matchup. It seemed like either superstar could get the win.

This was a less predictable result. It seemed that WWE would not want to send 3 Japanese women to the 2nd round as they wouldn't want comparisons to drawn (particularly with Io Shirai and Hiroyo Matsumoto).

However, they have different styles so they should be able to figure out how to distinguish the two women. Rachel Evers looked great as the fiery face who would not give up and should have no problem getting a WWE contract in the future if she wants it.

Jessie Elaban vs Taynara Conti

Taynara Conti returned after last year's tournament

Result: Taynara Conti defeated Jessie Elaban via pinfall with a Modified Judo Slam.

Grade: B

Analysis: This was a pretty good match. Jessie showed that even though she does not have a lot of experience, she has a lot of potential. Jessie Elaban showed that she has a fun style that will certainly be popular with the crowd. Taynara Conti is a future star - she has a lot of charisma and has shown a lot of potential in the ring.

It is good that Taynara Conti got the win because she was eliminated from last year's tournament so she deserved the opportunity to advance this year. Her next match against Lacey Lane should be pretty good.

Isla Dawn vs Nicole Matthews

Isla Dawn had a big opportunity against Nicole Matthews

Result: Nicole Matthews defeated Isla Dawn via submission with a modified Boston Crab (similar to Chris Jericho's Lion Tamer).

Grade: B-

Analysis: This was a good showing for Isla Dawn. She is still new to WWE so it is nice that WWE gave her the chance to shine against a veteran such as Nicole Matthews. She showed off her unique style when combining both power moves and striking offense (particularly kicks).

It will be interesting to see her as a face as she worked as a heel during the WWE UK Tournament. However, her unique style and gimmick will win over the fans.

Nicole Matthews also looked good as a heel. This was the right result as Tegan Nox will need a heel to go over in the next round. Unfortunately, Nicole Matthews won't be signed by WWE for at least 5 years due to her being temporarily banned from the United States.

Io Shirai vs Xia Brookside

Io Shirai & Xia Brookside both made their debuts

Result: Io Shirai defeated Xia Brookside via pinfall with a Diving Moonsault.

Grade: B-

Analysis: This match was a little too short. In fact, this match was pretty much a squash match. Xia Brookside did not get enough offense in and really looked to be inferior to Io Shirai. However, I have no doubt that Xia Brookside will not be able to move on from this tough. Io Shirai, on the other hand, looked great.

She really showcased her submission based and high flying offense and will certainly go far in this tournament. It was a shame that this match was too short because these two certainly have the potential to steal the show.