5 Ups And 2 Downs From WWE Mae Young Classic (Sept 5)

By Scott Carlson / September 6, 2018

3. Ripley Taps Into Something

Rhea Ripley’s first foray into the Mae Young Classic didn’t go so well, but it’s a safe prediction that she stands to do much better this year – and it’s not just because she’s signed to a WWE contract.

Ripley’s new persona as a leather-clad villainess suits her size and strength, as she played the heel against MJ Jenkins quite well. The Australian showed good intensity and busted out a delayed vertical suplex, clearly watching Bobby Lashley matches for devastating finisher ideas. Her actual finisher – a pumphandle powerbomb – looked pretty impressive.

With a little more seasoning, Ripley could do quite well in NXT and on the main roster, and she’s still pretty young.