Tonight, WWE concluded their historic Mae Young Classic tournament.
The tournament that started off with 32 competitors representing 13 different countries turned to two in finalists in Shayna Baszler and Kairi Sane.
In the end, it was Kairi Sane who would be crowned the inaugural Champion of the Mae Young Classic.
It's all about WINNING the @WWE @MaeYoungClassic in this physical FINAL match between @QosBaszler and @KairiSaneWWE! #MaeYoungClassic pic.twitter.com/gwocHIEwDE
— WWE (@WWE) September 13, 2017
At the start of the match, Shayna brought Kairi to the ground with a takedown for some early pound and ground shots but Kairi reversed with multiple pin attmepts. After toying Kairi with a game of Test of Strength, Shayna switched gears and struck Kairi with a kick to the head, knocking her to the outside floor. Once back in the ring, Shayna began to target Kairi’s elbow, stomping over it and wrenching it through submissions.
If there's an opening to be found, @QoSBaszler will exploit it. pic.twitter.com/6BWFFvIYqz
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) September 13, 2017
Kairi began to mount began a comeback with chops to Shayna, following up with a spear and numerous sliding elbows. When Kairi went for her signature Elbow Drop, Shayna was able to avoid it and trap Kairi with Rear Naked Choke submission.
Kairi fought through the hold and took a second chance from the top rope for an Elbow Drop but was cut off by a returning Shayna. The two battled for control from the turnbuckle with Shayna looking to hit a superplex. Kairi was able to fight Shayna off and land a double stomp from the second rope but Shayna was able to reach the ropes before the three count.
Once again, nobody does it better than @KairiSaneWWE! #DivingElbow ?? pic.twitter.com/AfCByO5zeN
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) September 13, 2017
The third time around proved to be the charm as Kairi was finally able connect her Diving Elbow Drop for the win.
THIS is what the #MaeYoungClassic is all about!@KairiSaneWWE @QoSBaszler @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/c5HvZi90Ig
— Mae Young Classic (@MaeYoungClassic) September 13, 2017
"Women's Wrestling in @WWE has never been better, and it's only going to get stronger!" – @JRsBBQ during the #MaeYoungClassic
Very true. pic.twitter.com/dS6qC4PozW
— WWE (@WWE) September 13, 2017
Post match, both competitors embraced each other in honor of sportsmanship all ending with Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Sara Amato presenting Kairi with flowers and the Mae Young Classic trophy.
What did you think of the match?
