Several Wrestlers Confirmed for 'Mae Young Classic'

For months we’ve been teased on the ‘Mae Young Classic,’ as it has seemingly been known for what seems like months that WWE intend on having some form of women’s tournament in light of the recent women’s revolution in wrestling. Wrestlers everywhere, fans everywhere…it is nearly time for the ‘Mae Young Classic!’

PWInsider is reporting that several names are set to be included in the ‘Mae Young Classic,’ also listing specifics on when the tournament is supposed to air.

Wrestlers that have been confirmed so far mainly consist of those who are already signed with the company and are yet to either debut or make an impact on TV. These include, as per PWInsider:

Zhao Xia– She is the first Chinese woman to sign a developmental deal with the company. She has trained in martial arts and finished first-place in multiple martial arts and fitness competitions which include the Second World Traditional Chinese Wushu Championship, the Nike Challenge Competition and the First China Throw Down: Battle on the Bund.
Mary-Kate-Formerly known as Rosie LottaLove in TNA, she originally trained at the Team 3D Academy and later remade herself from scratch on the independent scene, which included a tour in Japan.
Bianca Blair-Blair is a former crossfit and track star who signed with WWE back in April of 2016.
Danielle Kamela-Trained by Rikishi’s Knox Pro School in Arizona, Kamela has worked as an on-air personality for Fox Sports Arizona and was a former Arizona Cardinals cheerleader and member of the Phoenix Suns’ dance team. She was one of the top 30 finalists for the most recent iteration of WWE Tough Enough.
Julia Ho-Ho is a Canadian model and MMA fighter. She trained with Brian Kendrick before being signed.
Kimberly Frankele-The former Kimber Lee, now with WWE. Frankele is a former CHIKARA Grand Champion.
Lacey Evans-Evans recently debuted on NXT and is a former Marine.
Victoria Gonzales-Gonzales is the daughter of Rudy Boy Gonzales. She played basketball for two seasons at Texas A&M-Kingsville before transferring to Sam Houston State, redshirting for one year and being a player the other before she graduated in 2013. She signed a developmental contract with WWE last year.
Sarah Logan-The former Crazy Mary Dobson (Sarah Bridges) also recently debuted on NXT.
Taynara Melo-Brazilian, Melo has a black-belt in judo and signed last year with WWE.

Wrestlers will film the 32-woman tournament on the 13 and 14 of July at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida for the WWE Network. WWE has the intention to air a preview special for the tournament on 20 August, likely following Summerslam. The tournament would then begin the last week of August and have the first round air that week with the second airing the first week of September both as video-on-demand. The finals of the tournament are expected to air following ‘Smackdown Live’ on 12 October in Las Vegas.

Wrestling Rumors have previously reported a number of names that are expected to compete in the tournament that have not been included on this confirmed list. This includes ICW veteran Viper, number of former TNA Knockouts and Bea Priestley, the girlfriend of Will Ospreay.

Alundra Blayze on how the Mae Young Classic will change women's wrestling

Editor’s Note:

I seriously can’t wait for this tournament to begin. I want to see some stars shape before my eyes. I know of a few of these competitors, but not the majority. I’ve heard WWE or websites such as our own mention them before, but haven’t seen them training or competing. I know we will see new stars.

Do you have any early predictions? What are your expectations of this tournament? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page or Twitter account. Additionally, you can find me on Twitter at @SOSNH1995.