Mae Young Classic Report (Episode Seven): Quarterfinals coverage with Ronda Rousey and Johnny Gargano at ringside

By Zack Heydorn, PWTorch contributor


SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

WWE MAE YOUNG CLASSIC – EPISODE SEVEN (QUARTERFINALS)
TAPED JULY 13-14 IN WINTER PARK, FLA. AT FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
AIRED ON WWE NETWORK (RELEASED SEPT. 4)
REPORT BY ZACK HEYDORN, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Announcers: Jim Ross and Lita 

Guests at Ringside: RONDA ROUSEY, one member of the UFC HORSEWOMEN, and JOHNNY GARGANO


INTRO: WWE aired its typical pre-show video package only this time it highlighted the full tournament as a whole up until the quarterfinals. The second video showcased each of the women that made it to the quarterfinal round. There were no video packages before each match. Instead, WWE aired a Tale Of The Tape for each bout prior to it beginning.

(1) ABBEY LAITH vs. MERCEDES MARTINEZ

Abbey Laith entered the ring first and like all her other matches, the crowd loved her. She sported her ballerina gimmick again and her genuineness shined per usual. The minute Laith stepped foot through the ropes, JR and Lita both defined her as a massive underdog due to the experience of Mercedes Martinez. Martinez then hit the ring and she looked incredibly cool, calm, and collected. JR used that opportunity to highlight the fact that her veteran instincts give her a leg up in this match and will help tame the nerves. Both competitors shook hands and they began the match by really taking it slow. The first bit of contact was a strength test in which both Martinez and Laith established themselves to the other. From there, they both headed to the mat and had a nice exchange of pin attempts, counters, and submission moves. Neither established dominance until Martinez connected with a vicious uppercut and parlayed that into a headlock takedown.

Laith escaped the hold, but Martinez was able to continue her offensive momentum with stiff and powerful slaps to the face. Martinez continued that pressure with leg kicks until Laith countered a kick and rolled up Martinez unexpectedly for a two count. Laith was now in control of the match and capitalized with a nice offensive combination that included arm drags, punches, and heel kicks. The crowd was very into Laith and started an “Abbey” chant to help her keep the momentum going. Abbey obliged and connected with an array of hard chops until Martinez was finally able to counter by connecting with a roll-up for a two count followed by kicks, forearm shots, and more chops. Like in the previous Laith matches, she sold this offense very well. Laith really showed a keen sense in conveying her pain, especially off the chops. Eventually, Laith started to block the chops with a chorus of more “Abbey” chants in the background. From there, she connected with a long series of her own chops followed by a brogue kick. Laith then went for a cover but received just a two count. She kept the pressure on Martinez by pushing her into the corner and delivering stiff kicks that put Martinez on the mat. Martinez mustered the strength and countered the next attack from Laith by delivering three perfect boots to the face. Laith was in the corner and rolled to the outside apron during this to avoid additional damage.

Martinez followed and worked to setup her next attack. Abbey kicked Martinez off the apron, climbed to the top rope, and connected with a beautiful top rope cross body splash. In the immediate aftermath of the move, both competitors were motionless and lying on the outside of the ring. The crowd loved the big spot and got their “Abbey” chant up and running again. Both struggled to get to their feet, but each answered the referee’s count by rolling in the ring at eight seconds. Before the finish, Lita explained that because Abbey Laith is constantly in a position of being the underdog, she is able to go deeper within herself to find energy. Once both women were back on their feet inside the ring, Laith smashed Martinez with a German suplex. She covered Martinez for a two count. Laith then went for her Alligator Clutch finisher, but Martinez, using the veteran instincts that JR alluded to at the beginning of the show, countered the move into her own fisherman buster finish. She then covered Laith for the 1,2,3 win.

WINNER: Martinez at 8:59

Heydorn’s Analysis: This was a really cool match. Both women showed incredibly smooth athleticism and the story they told between the wily veteran and gritty underdog was well done. They sold it and the commentary team really brought it home as well. Laith looked great again with some really nice selling, crisp offense, and a wonderful cross body splash from the top rope. Martinez is just a master in there. In the first two rounds, I didn’t fully appreciate what she brought to the table, but her skills shined in this one and I finally was able to see the greatness in her work.

(2) SHAYNA BASZLER vs. CANDICE LERAE

Candice LeRae was out first to a wonderful pop. Much like the first match of the episode, JR and Lita immediately sold Candice as the ultimate underdog for this match. Baszler came to the ring next and had a walk that was both arrogant and confident at the same time. As Baszler approached the ring, she locked eyes with Ronda Rousey who was sitting ringside. Baszler kept the arrogance going and snubbed LeRae for their handshake to a big negative reaction from the audience. The match started with Baszler delivering a gigantic knee right to the face of LeRae. She tried to capitalize by going for a big kick but LeRae moved out of the way of the strike which sent Baszler flying through the ropes and hitting the mat on the outside of the ring. LeRae then executed the move of the tournament by sailing through the air for a suicide dive through the ropes which fluidly led to an immediate DDT out of mid-air on a dazed Baszler. This was an amazing spot that gave the crowd a sense that LeRae could be victorious.

They cheered loudly in support of LeRae as she tossed Baszler back in the ring and attempted a pin. Baszler kicked out at two. From there, LeRae locked in an octopus submission which she flawlessly transitioned into a crossface submission. Baszler’s selling was infinitely better in this match. After being in the hold for a significant amount of time, Baszler showcased her strength and countered it with a side slam. Tremendous damage had been done to Baszler’s arm because of the submission hold which she sold after landing the counter. Surprisingly, LeRae got to her feet first and gave Baszler some stomps to the stomach. From there, she climbed to the top rope, but was quickly followed by Baszler. Both women fought back and forth while on the turnbuckle until LeRae leapt off with Baszler for the Miss LeRae’s Wild Ride finisher. In mid-air, Baszler countered the move and locked in her rear naked sleeper submission which LeRae immediately tapped to.

WINNER: Baszler via submission at 3:10 – After the match, Baszler refused to release her hold prompting anger from the crowd and JR. As Baszler had her hand raised in victory, she taunted LeRae and her husband Johnny Gargano.

Heydorn’s Analysis: This was Shayna Baszler’s best match. LeRae was fantastic as the underdog and actually made herself look like a viable winner due to the big moves she hit during the match. Going in, I expected Baszler to dominate on offense for the majority of the match. The opposite ended up happening and it clicked. Baszler sold much better in this match and officially embraced her heel persona for the first time by illegally keeping her submission locked in after the bell and taunting LeRae after the match was over. She looked nice and comfortable in this role.

(3) PIPER NEVIN vs. TONI STORM

Nevin entered the ring first. Throughout the first two rounds she built up quite the following of fans who loudly showed their appreciation when she came out and smiled at the Mae Young Classic trophy. Toni Storm entered the ring next to a big pop. Both shook hands in the middle of the ring and the fight was on. As Nevin and Storm sized each other up the crowd loudly started a dueling chant for both women. They began with a collar elbow tie up that surprisingly led to Storm backing Nevin into the corner. Storm was proud of herself and jokingly did Nevin’s fake punch taunt to Piper. The crowd loved it and Nevin even grinned respectfully at her opponent. From there, Nevin requested a test of strength with Storm. Shockingly, Storm agreed and was obviously taken down by Nevin’s strength. Nevin quickly attempted a pin, but only secured a two count. Nevin repeated the pin fall attempts and on the third, Storm bridged out with Nevin’s full weight on her body. The crowd popped huge for this spot.

Storm then grabbed Nevin and monkey flipped her across the ring. She held on to Nevin’s hands and with both of their shoulders on the mat, the referee counted two. Storm flipped Nevin two more times with the ref counting a two count each time. After the third flip, both Storm and Nevin bridged out with their eyes staring at each other. From there, they shook hands while in the bridge to another massive pop from the crowd. The two rolled out of the bridge and smiled at each other as the crowd continued to rumble. Storm then took over on offense with a wristlock and an armbar before Nevin countered. Then the two engaged in a bit of chain wrestling that the crowd really loved. Nevin briefly took control before Storm smoothly countered out with another bridge. This time, Storm showed off a bit too much as Nevin took the opportunity to slam down on Storm with a splash. Throughout that three minute run, Piper Nevin really got to show her range as a wrestler. Sure, she had a size advantage, but she proved she could go on the mat as well. From there, it was all Nevin and the crowd continued to stay engaged with dueling chants for their pick to win.

Nevin then connected with a running cross body splash, followed by a submission chin lock. Nevin continued to pour on the offense with a second running splash and a senton bomb. Both yielded two counts from the referee. Nevin then pulled Storm to her feet to attempt her Piper Driver but Storm countered out of desperation into a back breaker. This bought Storm time to recover and she took full advantage. After the move, Storm got to her feet first and went for her running hip attack on Nevin who moved to the corner. Nevin dodged the move and attempted her running KO bomb which Storm dodged. Storm then went for her hip attack again and connected. From there, Storm picked Nevin up and tried a back suplex which Nevin countered into her Piper Driver. Storm kicked out at two, the crowd went crazy, and Nevin was stunned as she put away both her earlier round opponents with the move. The sell job that Storm executed was perfect and highlighted her pain as well as her will to win. As a follow-up, Nevin finally hit her KO roll and then made her way to the second turnbuckle. Storm met her there and landed a belly to back suplex of that rope. Once again, the crowd popped big. Instead of going for the immediate pin, Storm went to the top rope, leapt off, and nailed Nevin with a gigantic leg drop. She then pinned Piper to the mat for the 1,2,3.

WINNER: Storm at 7:36

Heydorn’s Analysis: This was my favorite match of the tournament thus far. Both Nevin and Storm had a nice chemistry together which led to unique spots like the double bridge handshake. Nevin looked amazing an really got to showcase her range as a performer. Storm was Storm. Her personality gets better and better with each round and in this match she found a way to balance being an underdog due to being undersized while being the best. She’s made an impact on this tournament from the beginning and its fitting that she is in the semifinals now. 

(4) KAIRI SANE vs. DAKOTA KAI

Kairi Sane made her entrance first to her typical massive response. She looked even more comfortable than she had in the previous rounds of this tournament. She oozed confidence once again and is definitely one of the stand out performers of this tournament. Kai came out next to a nice pop as well. Kai has been great in the tournament as too, but her prescense wasn’t quite as impressive as Sane’s. Both shook hands and tied up right out of the gate. Sane got the early edge with a wristlock that she quickly transitioned into a headlock takeover. Kai easily escaped and they both casually exchanged strikes. The beginning of the match was slow to develop as both Sane and Kai eased in to feel their opponent out. Kai then suggested a test of strength but faked Sane out and kicked her in the gut instead. It was strange to see Kai act this way as she had been a respectful sport throughout the tournament. This contradicted her personality a bit. It felt like the tide was turning toward Kai, but as she whipped Sane into the ropes, Sane clobbered her with a double arm Flair chop to the chest. Sane followed this offensive maneuver with a flying neck breaker to Kai while she was on her knees. The crowd loved that move and cheered Sane on.

Kai attempted to gain her momentum back but that effort was halted as Sane countered back with more stiff chops to the chest. The chops that Sane threw here were extremely stiff and the sound of skin on skin thudded throughout the arena. From there, Sane pulled Kai up to the top rope for a high risk move. Kai sensed what was coming and countered by throwing Sane off the turnbuckle. Kai tried to capitalize with a pin, but only received a two count. Kai kept the momentum from here by utilizing a running boot to the face with Sane in the corner. Kai covered again but still just received the two count. Kai continued her offense with punches and kicks as the crowd cheered Sane on. Sane countered the punches by hitting the ropes and connecting with a picture perfect spear on Kai. The crowd roared for this move. From there, it was all Sane with the crowd at her back. She connected with more chops, a flying dropkick, and a double foot stomp on her opponent. Sane then went for a cover, but Kai kicked out at two.

As Sane built up her offensive momentum, Kai countered with a drop toe hold that she combined with a second running boot to the face. Sane looked to be down and out which prompted Kai to go for the pin. She did, but just got a two count near fall. With Dakota Kai dominating, Sane worked to make a comeback by continuing the vicious chops that she’d been utilizing throughout the match. After back and forth action from both women, Sane backed Kai into the corner and lifted her onto the top turnbuckle once again. Sane then attempted a top rope suplex which Kai blocked. Then with Sane off balance, Kai attempted her double foot stomp off the top rope which Sane flawlessly dodged. Sane then lifted herself back to the top rope and clocked Kai with a flying forearm. The crowd began chanting for Sane again as she covered Kai for a near fall. In a fit of desperation, Dakota Kai went for a third running boot to the face. This time Sane moved which sent Kai crashing into the turnbuckle. Sane capitalized on that misstep and hit an Alabama Slam on Kai. To a massive positive reaction, Sane went to the top rope, signaled for her finishing elbow drop, and nailed it. Sane then made the cover for the 1,2,3.

WINNER: Sane at 7:43

Heydorn’s Analysis: This was a good match as expected. That said, it wasn’t a great match as I had hoped. Something seemed a bit off between Kai and Sane throughout the entire thing. The characters and personalities of Sane and Kai simply didn’t mesh. For one thing, Kairi Sane was much more over than Kai. Also, what makes Dakota Kai loveable is her grittiness and white meat babyface tendencies. She is most comfortable in that role and was not able to get there with a more dominant babyface across from her in the ring. Both women are so talented that it was impossible for this match to be bad. That said, they just didn’t click to get to the “great” level.

Final Thoughts: This was a fantastic episode and a great four match run in the tournament. I thought each woman was on their game and really tapped into the personalities they’ve been cultivating with the audience since round one. Shayna Baszler was especially good and is someone that took two giants steps forward in my eyes. Same with Mercedes Martinez. The match quality was especially good in this quarterfinal round as well. It will be tough not to see Piper Nevin in the next round, but watching Kairi Sane vs. Toni Storm will be a real treat.

What To Watch For In The Semifinals: Kairi Sane vs. Toni Storm, Mercedes Martinez vs. Shayna Baszler.


NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS REPORT: Mae Young Classic Report (Episode Six): Strom vs. Evans, Yim vs. Baszler, Kai vs. Ripley, Lerae vs. Savoy

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