7 Mae Young Classic 2018 Wrestlers WWE MUST Sign

4. Hiroyo Matsumoto

Meiko Satomura
WWE.com

With Kairi Sane, Io Shirai, and Asuka all among WWE's most exciting female wrestlers, Japan has proved a happy hunting ground when it comes to bolstering the company's women's roster. While we don't necessarily want to see the Joshi ranks pilfered, that scene remains one of the sport's most fertile, and WWE will likely keep plucking whatever talent they can from those branches.

A surprise entrant in this year's MYC, Sendai Girls/OZ Academy standout Hiroyo Matsumoto stole the first round with an awesome, hard-hitting clash against the more familiar Rachael Evers. A battle with tournament favourite Toni Storm awaited on the very next episode, and delivered on a similar level, with the Aussie painted as fortunate to survive the Japanese star, who absolutely battered her for the duration.

Versatility is one of Matsumoto's biggest strengths, as she's just as comfortable working a comedy opener as she is a 30-minute main event. Her Mae Young run was largely built around her stiffness, and she drew great heat against Storm in particular, making her a strong candidate to step into Shayna Baszler's role when 'The Queen Of Spades' inevitably departs for the main roster.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.