Earlier, I posted the link to the Mae Young Classic Parade of Champions. Now that I've seen it, I've got some thoughts. Some overthoughts, really, considering each of the competitors only got a few seconds to post, and had a few things said about them. I'm predicting everyone's record in the tournament, which is silly, considering the bracket isn't out yet (and also that matches are happening as I write this, and I am dodging spoilers), but it's a start!
Deonna Purrazzo
All images taken from the youtube broadcast
She got her nickname, The Virtuosa, mentioned, and was properly hyped.
Overthought prediction: Second round loss
Aerial Monroe
Big Swole got some nice hype from Renee, and her nickname was mentioned. But... as I'll keep mentioning, this tournament is stacked.
Overthought prediction: First round loss.
Jinny
I put Jinny in the "Future Best" category. WWE says she "finds her passion through fashion," and are apparently saddling this incredibly talented and brutal worker with a model gimmick. Argh. Frankly, that was the moment I decided to write this post.
Overthought prediction: Inconceivably, a first round loss.
Rachel Evers
When you are described as "hopes to power her way to a surprise victory," that's not great. But the crowd reaction for her was super great.
Overthought prediction: First round loss.
Reina Gonzales
They took away last year's eyepatch and weird ass "she's spiritual" gimmick, and are letting this powerhouse be a heel, it seems. That's nice. But has she gotten any good?
Overthought prediction: First round loss.
Vanessa Kraven
The picture doesn't do justice to how big she is. She is a 6'2 powerhouse. And she's got quite a bit of experience. "Looking to dominate" sounds good.
Overthought prediction: First round loss.
Xia Brookside
She's 19, and she's tiny. Being Robbie Brookside's daughter means she's probably solidly trained. But... y'know. She's 19 and tiny.
Overthought prediction: First round loss.
Kaitlyn
The only MYC participant who's also a former champion in WWE, which has to count for something. She got a very nice response from the crowd, and is a sentimental favorite.
Overthought prediction: First round loss.
Mercedes Martinez
Last year, she lost in the semi finals to her protege - and current NXT Women's champ - Shayna Baszler. As great as she is - and she is super great - I can't see her getting that far this year.
Overthought prediction: Quarter finals loss
Zatara
They're hyping her nicely, but I can't stop thinking "why do you have Zatanna's dad's name?" Also, her pose seemed to be "my wrists hurt." Still, the hype of "dominating South American wrestling" will probably mean something.
Overthought prediction: Second round loss
Karen Q
Interesting that Renee noted her 12 years experience as a gymnast, but not her 4 years as a wrestler. This bodes ill for this talented worker, to my mind.
Overthought prediction: First round loss
Isla Dawn
With the words "her influences are feminism and witchcraft," Isla Dawn kinda became my favorite wrestler, not gonna lie. I think she's gonna do alright! And, yes, this is probably making me rank her too highly. Do not care.
Overthought prediction: Quarter finals loss
Lacey Lane
Cole's wild card pick. Which could mean a first round win. But... I don't think so.
Overthought prediction: First round loss
Hiroyo Matsumoto
The Lady Destroyer got a ton of respect, as well she should have. She's almost a contender, to my mind.
Overthought prediction: Quarter finals loss
Jessie Elaban
"She's cute" is not the kind of hype you want to go in with to your first televised match. I think Elaban's personality will help her make a career, but not quite yet.
Overthought prediction: First round loss
Toni Storm
Storm got some serious hype here, and it's well deserved. She got to the semis last year, and that's the lowest bar for her this year, to my mind.
Overthought prediction: Finals loss
Io Shirai
Io Shirai also got major hype, and a huge reaction. The crowd at Full Sail knows what' up. She's signed, I think that's gonna be meaningful. I think she wins this.
Overthought prediction: Winner
Nicole Matthews
Reasonable hype for Matthews, who I think will do well in the classic, but not... too well.
Overthought prediction: Quarter finals loss
Taynara Conti
Conti won her way into this on tonight's NXT show - broadcast after the Parade of Champions - and I think that's as far as she gets.
Overthought prediction: First round loss
Allysin Kay
The artist formerly known as Sienna got a strong reaction and medium hype. Still, I suspect she'll get at least one win.
Overthought prediction: Second round loss
Mia Yim
The finals getting mentioned is a positive. The goal being getting there, rather than winning? Less so. Still, I think Mia Yim is excellent, and that she'll do well.
Overthought prediction: Semi finals loss
MJ Jenkins
When your resume is the names of your trainers, that's not great.
Overthought prediction: First round loss
Killer Kelly
She got well hyped, called "incredible" and "intimidating." I like Killer Kelly. But I can't see her going far in this lineup.
Overthought prediction: Second round loss
Kacy Catanzaro
She's an amazing athlete, but she's got zero experience. She's here to learn, I think.
Overthought prediction: First round loss
Tegan Nox
Cole calling her his pick to win it shocked me. Redemption is nice, and Nox is good, but to me, it's probably supposed to make her first round loss more shocking.
Overthought prediction: First round loss
Xia Li
She apparently got good at martial arts since last year. I think she's here to fill the roster and attract Chinese viewers.
Overthought prediction: First round loss
Ashley Rayne
She was just in a title match at Impact's Slammiversary. But being linked to Impact isn't great at WWE, unless you were previously a star in WWE. Also, being an inspiration to your daughter is worth a win, maybe.
Overthought prediction: Second round loss
Rhea Ripley
Cole calling Ripley "possibly the most athletic" in the MYC is absolutely ridiculous. But she's got a great look, and she's a powerhouse, and still super young. I say all of that will be worth a win.
Overthought prediction: Second round loss
Zeuxis
Combining Lucha and Japanese strong style is great hype, but it'll be worth one win.
Overthought prediction: Second round loss
Kavita Davi
She's big. She's strong. She isn't very good at wrestling.
Overthought prediction: First round loss
Priscilla Kelly
Getting mentioned for both mind games and dominating in the ring? That's some great hype. Will be worth a win.
Overthought prediction: Second round loss
Meiko Satomura
She got the "best in the world" hype she deserves. But she isn't signed. Which is why I think she loses in the semi finals, probably to the eventual winner.
Overthought prediction: semi final loss
Related posts:
Mae Young Classic: Parade of Champions
Mae Young Classic: Ranking The Roster
