WWE: What Will Be the Legacy of the Mae Young Classic?
The women get their chance to shine at the WWE Mae Young Classic.
On August 28, 2017, the WWE will venture into a territory they’ve never been. That is the debut date of the Mae Young Classic. This will be the first ever all female tournament under the WWE banner. Now for the independents, an all women’s tournament is nothing new. Thanks to promotions such as Shine and Shimmer, women on the independent scene have many opportunities. Though when it comes to the biggest wrestling company in the world, this is uncharted waters.
The tournament is named for legendary female wrestler Mae Young. Mae made her pro wrestling debut in 1941. Young, along with Mildred Burke and The Fabulous Moolah, are considered integral in the birth of women’s wrestling. During WWII, women’s wrestling saw a bit of a boom as many male wrestlers were away fighting in the war. Young came up short in a tournament to crown a new NWA Women’s Champion but would later become the first-ever NWA United States Women’s Champion.
To young fans who may not know Young’s history will be more familiar with her work in the WWE. Mae would make her debut with the company almost 60 years after he debut in the business. By this time she wasn’t wrestling as much anymore, though still competing in matches here and there. Mae loved the business and was always willing to give back. Whether it be in a ridiculous love story angle where she gave birth to a hand or acting like a wild woman in lust. Mae had a pure unadulterated love for professional wrestling. A love she more than proved on an episode of WWE Monday Night RAW, where she was powerbombed off the stage and through a table by Bubba Ray Dudley. Mae was 77 years old at the time of this event.
With a roster of talent riddled with star studded names, the WWE made sure to do this right. Generational wrestlers like Tessa Blanchard and Rachael Ellering are getting the chance to add a new chapter to their family legacies. MMA fighter turned wrestling powerhouse Shayna Baszler will step into the ring to prove herself in a new sport. Japanese star Kairi Sane looks to make her name on American Soil. And finally one of the most beloved independent wrestlers, and wife of current NXT star Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, is lacing up her boots to prove why she belongs on the big stage.
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The tournament will consist of some of the best women’s wrestling today. The WWE truly went as far as they could to pay their respects to the tournament’s namesake, Mae Young. Mae was a woman who trailblazed the division so that in 2017 we can see the main event between two women and not think twice about it. This tournament will leave a legacy for the future of women’s wrestling not only in the WWE but for all of professional wrestling. It’s safe to say that when the first ever Mae Young Classic winner is crowned on September 12, Mae will be looking down with a giant smile on her face.