"It's Meiko Time!"

wrestling 016 & tv review 057

WWE

Mae Young Classic 2018

s02e01

[ WWE ]

[05th of September, 2018]

[53min 59sec, Pop culture, Sports Entertainment, Wrestling]

I have been looking forward to see the second edition of this all-female wrestling competition that brings in competitors from all over the world! Despite being the most corporate wrestling entity with its own negative traits and limitations, you can't argue that it is the most viable platform to showcase the up-and-coming talents and those who made their names in the independent scenes. Whether or not they might be signed on after the tournament, I cannot wait to see some of the best of the best in the industry leave it all out in the ring!

Okay, I'm not going to spoil myself of the winners and just follow the released episode and run through the first four matches of the first round. Since I am never familiar with the roster of MYC except maybe a couple of established names (with one of them main-eventing this episode so to speak), I will judge them based on their in-ring abilities alone. First up is the bout between Tegan Nox and Zatara, a throwback to Molly Holly and the first Chilean in WWE. With talent versus experience, we see how the latter used her grappling expertise to her advantage by playing against Lucha Libre stereotypes with wearing down specific body parts instead of high-flying moves while the former had to overcome the 'niggling injury' that was being the focus of the attacks with sheer skills and will alone. While the woman in the mask showcasing her sharp edges that make her rise above others and thrive in her field, she just couldn't keep the native Welsh down from making up for missing the inaugural show last year. It's a good start with a classic heel-slash-babyface dynamic ... how would the rest play out? 

-

Moving on to the second bout on the card, we see a returning player coming back with a vengeance against a homegrown newcomer, one with an edgier attitude against one with a bubbly personality. Different statures and body types play a lot into the in-ring dynamic with the bigger Rhea Ripley trying to impose her superior strength against the athletic MJ Jenkins, with quick jumpkick off the apron and the prolonged Suplex against springboard antics and flexible headkicks. The lanky Australian was in control for majority of the match and believably so and her heelish digs almost bit her in the butt as the African American dug in to gain back the momentum but it was all for naught in the end as she just couldn't kick out of a surprised Pump-Up Powerbomb. It is the same dynamic but with different outcome second time around. How would the remaining two matches turn out?

--

Well, I guess this might fit the David versus Goliath concept a little bit more as the height and size discrepancy can be clearly seen between Lacey Lane and Vanessa Kraven. The spellbinding (and 205-worthy despite the apparent botch at the ropes) athleticism of the former college basketball player was shown all around the ring as she work to make her hometown proud by trying to bring 'the Mountain' (quite a fitting name really) down with flurry of kicks and moves against and around the statuesque giant. This match moves at the fastest pace among the four matches of the day thanks to the disciple of D-Von and Buh Buh Ray Dudleys and despite her long braided hair almost getting in her way, Lacey definitely using the time in the limelight to the fullest potential. The opponent couldn't shine as much but Vanessa has her character locked down (I can see a little Nia Jax in her just from her looks alone ...) with her crazed attitudes and intimidating demeanour really help in establishing her as a dominant force inside the ropes.One has to be chosen to move on to the next round and having the more energetic performer would help to come up with a more interesting clash down the line.

---

Finally, they know how to end the first night with a bang by putting the arguably the most prominent performer out of the thirty two women, Meiko Satomura! I only know of her in passing but she has been at the forefront every time the conversation of the best female wrestlers in the Land of the Rising Sun, followed by Asuka, Kairi Sane and Io Shirai (another prospect I'm dying to see in action). I am surprised to learn she did perform for WCW twenty two years ago as a sixteen years old newbie and now back after creating a character of her own and leading her division by example, she was pumped to come back to perform at the top of her game and after watching the brawl (it is exactly a brawl in every sense of the word), I can safely say she lives up to her Final Boss monicker! Killer Kelly is a perfect opponent against the Japanese Strong Style with her martial arts skills and she makes her country proud as the first Portuguese wrestler under the WWE umbrella. They both got their time to lead the exchange as submissions and hard kicks with near falls aplenty, earning the match a very deserved "It is awesome" chant. Kelly showcased herself as an effective brawler capable to rise up to the legend's level but I love how well developed Meiko's arsenal are from the AA, the Cartwheel Double Knee Drop, Pele Kick and finally the Valley Driver! Ah, this is such an entertaining match and I hope there would be more in store for us in this round or the next!

----

A wonderful start to the tournament. I can't wait to see the remainders of the second Mae Young Classic!

Execution = above 90% with great matchups and entertaining bouts with enough varieties!

P.S. I enjoy the commentary of Michael Cole, Renee Young and Beth Phoenix! You'll never know until you give them a chance!

- x -