WWE Mae Young Classic 2018 Preview And Predictions Roundtable
By Harmony Cox
What match are you most hoping to see?
Ashley: Is Meiko Satomura vs Everyone a legit answer? Cause that’s honestly my answer. Just make it a gauntlet style match to see who can make Meiko even blink first.
In seriousness though, the Atlanta in me really wants to see Isla Dawn vs. Priscilla Kelly. They didn’t really go one on one in Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment when they were both regulars here last year and while I know it’s way too easy to make jokes about their very goth gimmicks, I *know* they can show out. Just as long as Priscilla doesn’t lick her or something. Please don’t lick her, Priscilla.
Chelsea: I would definitely hope to see a Meiko Satomura vs. Io Shirai match. Those two have a wonderful, extensive history working together in Japan, and to potentially see that in the MYC would be a gift.
Christopher: There a lot of really good first round matchups. Io Shirai vs. Xia Brookside, Mia Yim vs. Allysin Kay, Toni Storm vs. Jinny Meiko Satomura vs. Killer Kelly, and Rachel Evers vs. Hiroyo Matsumoto are all phenomenal matches, and that’s just in THE FIRST ROUND! A possible Storm/Shirai finals match would make me buy a ticket and walk to the Nassau Coliseum to see Evolution (and Baltimore to Long Island is a long drive, let alone a long walk). Satomura vs. Shirai in the finals could make my head explode. Both of those matches took place in Stardom and each was a shining example of what makes pro wrestling great. I would love to see either of those matches in the finals.
Harmony: All of the Meiko Satomura matches. Give them to me now. Otherwise, Io Shirai vs Xia Brookside will be really fun. They have similar styles and energies and are both willing to go to incredible lengths to win a match. I’m also looking forward to Zeuxis’s matches. She’s very intriguing as she’s wrestled in Japan and CMLL, and it would be neat to see a luchadora make it farther this year. I also hope Vanessa Kraven and Hiroyo Matsumoto face off at some point. They’re both fun powerhouse wrestlers and I think that match might break the ring. More lady hoss fights, please.
Joe: Deonna Purrazzo vs. Toni Storm would be tremendous. These two are great babyface characters who are revered by the vast majority of wrestling fans, but what would make this match so interesting is the fact that both of them have different offenses. Purrazzo would look to work the arm and go for the armbar quickly, whereas Toni would try to go for power moves, which require the full usage of her arms. This would be a LOT of fun and would feature some memorable selling.
Kristen: Hiroyo Matsumoto vs. Io Shirai. Matsumoto is a powerhouse, while Shirai is an aerobatic high flyer, so the two styles could provide a good show. Matsumoto, known as “Lady Godzilla”, debut in 2006, so she has the credibility and experience to fight against a top fighter. Matsumoto has her own award, being named Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s 25th best women’s wrestler in the world in 2017. Shirai might have the deadly ability to make anyone tap out, but I would watch for Matsumoto’s Rock Drop: a monsterous high-angle back suplex.