Serena Deeb vs. Vanessa Borne
Vanessa Borne’s video introduction follows her from her cheerleader days to making it to the WWE’s NXT. She aspires to be a the best and most dominant Superstar. Serena reflects back on her first WWE run when she debuted as a member of the Straight Edge Society in 2010. Unfortunately, Serena’s stint was cut short due to irresponsibly using alcohol. Serena sees the Mae Young Classic as a time of redemption.
The women start the match with a lock up and fight to the mat for control. Deeb takes Borne down with arm drag takedown and locks in an arm submission. She whips Borne to a corner and charges after her but gets tossed over the ropes. Deeb lands on her feet but gets taken down with a headbutt, from Borne
Borne takes control and keeps the aggressive attacks coming. A snapmare takes Deeb down and Borne follows up by running the ropes for a sliding headbutt that earns a two count. Deeb fights out of a headlock with a back suplex and begins to find her way back in the match. She strikes Borne with punches and hits a neck breaker for a two count.
After landing a gut buster, Deeb takes aim for a spear but misses when Borne dodges out the way. Borne takes advantage with a swinging neck breaker, mounted punches and Samoan Drop but Deeb stays alive. A frustrated Borne runs the ropes for a splash but Deeb rolls out and hits a spear for the win!
Post match, Deeb says her return to the ring after a two years hiatus was incredible and plans to face round two the same way she faced round one.
Thoughts: Serena Deeb looked damn well for someone who came out of retirement for this tournament! I’m glad that she is getting this second chance to compete in a WWE ring. This match was a safe one, given Vanessa Borne still growing as a competitor. For what has been her biggest match so far, Borne was decent and knows how to come across as the bigger cocky heel.
