Grading this week's edition of the Mae Young Classic (9/12/18)

While this week's episode of the Mae Young Classic episode wasn't as good as last week's episode, it still gave us some solid wrestling. Deonna Purrazzo faced off with Priscilla Kelly, Aerial Monroe faced off with Zeuxis, Kacy Catanzaro faced off with Reina Gonzales, & Mercedes Martinez faced off with Ashley Rayne.

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Deonna Purrazzo vs Priscilla Kelly

'The Virtuosa' Deonna Purrazzo faced off with Priscilla Kelly.

Result: Deonna Purrazzo defeated Priscilla Kelly via submission with the Fujiwara Armbar.

Grade: B-

Analysis: This match excellently showcased Deonna Purrazzo. Priscilla Kelly played her part well.

While she showed some promise in the ring, she still needs to make a fair amount of progress before she can wrestle like the likes of Nikki Cross or Kairi Sane (which is fine, given the fact that she is only 21 years old and has a lot of time to learn).

This match had the right result as Deonna Purrazzo is a favorite to win this entire tournament. She has certainly lived up to the hype (that Fujiwara Armbar transition at the end of the match was beautiful). Her match against Karen Q or Xia Li in the next round will hopefully be incredible.

Aerial Monroe vs Zeuxis

Cedric Alexander's wife Aerial Monroe faced off with Zeuxis.

Result: Zeuxis defeated Aerial Monroe via pinfall with an Avalanche Spanish Fly.

Grade: C+

Analysis: This was quite the upset. Given the fact that Aerial Monroe was so over with the crowd and that she is married to current Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander, it seemed likely that she would get the win.

Due to her performance, Aerial Monroe will probably be offered a WWE contract in the near future. She is really charismatic and if she is given the opportunity to train in the Performance Center, she can become a star.

These two superstars didn't seem to have that much chemistry throughout this matchup. Zeuxis did a good job of getting heat. While the match was solid, it certainly wasn't that good. The best spot of the match was easily the finish. The Avalanche Spanish Fly looked beautifully crisp.

Kacy Catanzaro vs Reina Gonzales

This was the tournament's second David vs Goliath story.

Result: Kacy Catanzaro defeated Reina Gonzales via pinfall with a roll-up.

Grade: B-

Analysis: This match seemed a little too similar to Lacey Lane vs Vanessa Kraven last week. Hopefully, there won't be any more matches like this.

They are extremely predictable, causing a decrease in quality. Reina Gonzales showed a lot of promise as a potential monster heel (which NXT can use once Shayna Baszler inevitably joins the main roster).

She played an excellent foil to the undersized underdog Kacy Catanzaro. Kacy Catanzaro showed a lot of potential during this match and will certainly do great once she is able to complete some more training.

Kacy Catanzaro's athleticism was well showcased throughout this match and she will be a critical part of WWE's women's division in the future.

Ashley Rayne vs Mercedes Martinez

This match between two major stars in the independent wrestling scene was the main event.

Result: Mercedes Martinez defeated Ashley Rayne via pinfall with the Bull Run.

Grade: B

Analysis: While this was the best match of the night, it certainly did not live up to the hype. WWE hyped this up as a dream match but it certainly wasn't as good as it could've been.

This match was a decent back and forth matchup. Ashley Rayne put up a decent fight before falling to Mercedes Martinez and at many times in this match, I was convinced that she would get the win.

Mercedes Martinez looked dominant throughout this match and because there is a chance that Martinez will sign with WWE, it is probably a good idea for her to get the win.

Hopefully, the dream match between Mercedes Martinez & Meiko Satomura in the second round will live up to the hype.