Four Wrestlers Confirmed For WWE Mae Young Classic 2

Japanese star joined by international trio.

Mae Young Shirai
WWE

The line-up for WWE's second, now seemingly annual, Mae Young Classic appears to be taking shape, after four more names were revealed for the summer tournament.

The company had previously announced former Divas Champion Kaitlyn and NXT's Australian starlet Rhea Ripley as the first two names in the draw. They are set to be joined by Io Shirai, as well as Nicole Matthews, Jinny, and Kacy Catanzaro.

Japanese superstar Shirai made an appearance at a WWE house show in Tokyo at the end of last month, confirming her impending NXT arrival. Her participation in Mae Young II was largely considered a foregone conclusion.

Advertisement

Current PROGRESS Women's Champion Jinny put pen to paper with WWE's new UK arm in early June. Alongside her various pro wrestling achievements, the Londonder can also boast an acting credit on ITV crime drama DCI Banks. Seriously.

"American Ninja Warrior" Kacy Catanzaro made her NXT bow at a house show in April. She's been on WWE's books since last year, so a tournament berth comes as no real surprise.

Advertisement

Finally, Canadian Nicole Matthews makes the cut this time around, having watched on as a potential substitute during last year's competition. Matthews is a 12-year veteran, plying her trade in SHIMMER, Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling, and Pure Wrestling Association.

The second Mae Young Classic is scheduled for filming at Full Sail University on 8 and 9 August. We'll keep you up to date on the remaining 26 competitors as they become known.

Advertisement
Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.