Grading the 9/5/18 edition of the Mae Young Classic

During this week's edition of the Mae Young Classic, the first round began. Tegan Nox, Zatara, Rhea Ripley, MJ Jenkins, Lacey Lane, Vanessa Kraven, Killer Kelly, & Meiko Satomura all competed in the 2nd Mae Young Classic on this past Wednesday. All 4 matches ranged from okay to excellent and I can't wait until next week's episode.

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Tegan Nox vs Zatara

'The Girl with the Shiniest Wizard' Tegan Nox fought Zatara in the tournament's first matchup.

Result: Tegan Nox defeated Zatara via pinfall with the Shiniest Wizard.

Grade: C+

Analysis: This match was okay but it was a fairly basic match. I hope that this doesn't become normal for Tegan Nox in this tournament as she is a favorite to win the whole thing. I do believe that she will have better matches later on in the tournament as the likes of Toni Storm and Dakota Kai didn't have good first round matches last year but had excellent matches later on in the tournament.

This was a wise way to kick off the show as a fan favorite got the win and was the first wrestler to come out. This was a back and forth match up that made both Tegan Nox and Zatara look good. Zatara put up a good fight and showed that she is a pretty good heel. Tegan Nox will probably do a great job as the tournament's redemption story in future rounds.

Rhea Ripley vs MJ Jenkins

Rhea Ripley's new attitude was showcased throughout this matchup.

Result: Rhea Ripley defeated MJ Jenkins via pinfall with the Pumphandle Powerbomb.

Grade: B

Analysis: This match was basically an extended squash match. Rhea Ripley dominated this whole match with some impressive moves. Rhea Ripley's dropkick was perfectly timed and her new Pumphandle Powerbomb finisher looked very unique.

MJ Jenkins did show some fire at the end of the match. She was able to get the crowd behind her even though they were behind Rhea Ripley throughout the match. MJ Jenkins certainly has a lot of potential to do big things in the future due to how charismatic and to how talented she is in the ring. Rhea Ripley's new heel demeanor was showcased well throughout this match and she will certainly be one to watch throughout this tournament.

Lacey Lane vs Vanessa Kraven

This was a classic David vs Goliath match.

Result: Lacey Lane defeated Vanessa Kraven via pinfall with the Crucifix Bomb.

Grade: B+

Analysis: This was the best match of the Mae Young Classic so far. Lacey Lane showed that she had great talent and potential. A few botches from Lacey Lane stopped this matches from being given an A.

However, Lacey Lane did not let those botches slow her down and she continued to compete at a high-speed level. Vanessa Kraven played her part as the dominant monster in this match. She threw Lacey Lane around like a ragdoll and helped her be seen as an underdog by the WWE Universe.

Vanessa Kraven will hopefully be offered a WWE contract in the near future since she carried herself well in this matchup. Lacey Lane might end up being one of the breakout stars of this tournament and will certainly do great when she makes her NXT debut.

Meiko Satomura vs Killer Kelly

Killer Kelly took Meiko Satomura to the limit

Result: Meiko Satomura defeated Killer Kelly via pinfall with the Death Valley Driver.

Grade: A

Analysis: This match certainly deserved to be the main event. Meiko Satomura definitely lived up to the massive hype. She really showed off her strong style while excellently selling Killer Kelly's offense. How often do you see a German suplex countered into a Pele kick? Killer Kelly was also excellent a this.

There was no doubt that Meiko Satomura would win but there was a question of how much of a fight would Killer Kelly give her. Killer Kelly gave Meiko Satomura a huge fight. The turnbuckle dragon sleeper from Killer Kelly looked vicious and I was almost positive that she would get the victory with the fisherman's suplex.

Killer Kelly's power, striking ability (particularly her kicks), and submission expertise were all showcased well in this matchup. I am positive that Killer Kelly will thrive on NXT UK and I cannot wait to see Meiko Satomura fight in the second round (she will either face Ashley Rayne or Mercedes Martinez).