10 Things We Learned From WWE's Mae Young Classic First Round
2. Kairi Sane Is Already A Massive Star
Though Shayna Baszler emerged from the opening rounds look like the Mae Young Classic's most legitimate badass, Kairi Sane felt like the biggest star.
A much hyped signing from Japan's Stardom promotion, Sane lived up to her reputation, delivering a great bout with Tessa Blanchard in the fourth episode's main event. Both looked excellent, and the crowd were enraptured without, though they were more excited for Sane than here opponent. Kairi's entrance got a great pop, her spectacular elbow drop was over before she'd even hit it, and Full Sail came unglued when she finally executed the move, putting Blanchard away in just under nine minutes.
While Sane's quality was already well known prior to the tournament, this showing will have served as a massive wake up call to many. She's one of the best in the world, WWE are lucky to have her, and there's nothing stopping her from becoming NXT's next big babyface.
It's a shame Asuka's Women's Title reign ended the way it did, because Sane would've been the ideal candidate to topple her undefeated streak. We'll never get to see that moment, but regardless, Kairi is already a huge star, and the first round only solidified her position as the pre-tournament favourite.