The best and worst of episode 2 of the Mae Young Classic

Last night's edition of the Mae Young Classic had better matches on the whole than the clunkier episode last week, but at the cost of nothing truly standing out in comparison to the first episode's Meiko Satomura vs. Killer Kelly contest.

One of the big free agent signings was in action this week, while the episode also showcased one of WWE's brightest home-grown prospects.

What action impressed in this week's episode and what was lacking? Let's take a look at the best and worst of the second episode of this year's Mae Young Classic.

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Worst: The Commentary

The team was clunky again.

Though it was better than last week's commentary, this week's still left a lot to be desired. Michael Cole was thankfully less obnoxious than he was a week ago, but he and Renee Young were both very shaky. Renee Young seemed out of her element. They actively detracted from the work happening in the ring. WWE's team of three commentary style very much felt like it had its weaknesses exposed here.

Beth Phoenix did the best job of the three. For someone with little experience, she has a knack for this. I would have much preferred to simply see her alongside Mauro Ranallo for this tournament.

Hopefully, the commentary will pick up after the first round, when the team won't feel as much of a need to fill the audience in with every detail of the performers' backgrounds.

Best: Deonna Purrazzo shines

In contrast to Tegan Nox's story being forced down the viewer's throat last week, Deonna Purrazzo's own path to the tournament felt far more organic. The commentary team was blissfully subtle about it and Purrazzo looked genuinely overwhelmed.

She also meshed well with her opponent, Priscilla Kelly, who looks like she has a lot of promise herself. The victor was never in doubt, but both women were evenly matched for the length of the contest. Kelly might well find herself on WWE's radar after this.

Worst: Aerial Monroe vs. Zeuxis

This was a sloppy contest almost from beginning to end. Aerial Monroe definitely has charisma, and seeing her husband, Cedric Alexander, and their child at ringside was a nice touch, especially at the end, but Monroe has a long way to go as an in-ring competitor.

Zeuxis didn't shine brightly here either, aside from her Spanish Fly finisher at the end of the contest. It was fun seeing her literally mess with her opponent's head, but these two didn't have any chemistry.

Best: Kacy Catanzaro delivers

Long before the tournament began, Kacy Catanzaro was on viewers' radars as someone to keep an eye on who could be a potential breakout star. Her house show matches received good reviews for months, but last night was her televised debut. She delivered.

Credit needs to be given to Reina Gonzalez for acting as a great foil for the former American Ninja Warrior.

Kacy Catanzaro still clearly has some rough edges to work out, but her potential is enormous. If she's not one of the big stars in the NXT women's division by this time next year, the yellow brand will have dropped the ball.

Worst: Mercedes, Rayne, underwhelm

While Kacy Catanzaro delivered, this match didn't.

That isn't to say that this was a bad contest. As far as pure wrestling goes, it was clearly the best of the night, but I was just expecting a lot more from these two veterans. The match was serviceable, but it never really got into third gear. It wasn't anything you would need to go out of your way to see, in contrast to last week's Meiko Satomura vs. Killer Kelly main event.

The good news, though, is that by virtue of her victory, Mercedes Martinez will now face Satomura in the second round. Expect good things there!