Another familiar face will make a return to this year’s Mae Young Classic as the WWE have confirmed that NXT UK star Toni Storm is the latest entrant to the 32 women tournament. During’s last year’s Mae Young Classic, Storm defeated Ayesha Redmond in the first round, then Lacey Evans in the second round and Piper Niven in the quarter-finals, before losing to eventual winner Kairi Sane.
In an interview with The Mirror, Storm had this to say about her return to the Mae Young Classic:
It’s just strange because I feel like my brain still hasn’t let it sink in yet that I am associated with WWE. I have strived for it for so long and dreamt of getting into WWE from being a kid and I have never let it go. It’s completely surreal, a lot of the time I kind of don’t even think i have got there.
Storm also discusses the launch of WWE’s NXT UK Series:
It is so surreal and I am so nervous about it. I just forget how incredible it is and have to pinch myself. The UK has a division and I am one of the first to be a part of that. The pressure keeps on rising and there is a lot to push for.
Reflecting on her NXT Women’s Championship match against Shayna Baszler during WWE’s recent United Kingdom Championship Tournament:
It was so incredible, it is probably the most beautiful building I’ve ever been in. Then you take into account the amount of history it holds. Again it was very surreal. It was incredible to wrestle for the title because not so long ago I wrestled Shayna in Japan for Stardom. Fast forward a year and we are competing in a WWE ring for the NXT women’s title. So much can change in such a small amount of time and again, it’s something I thought I could never achieve. Although I didn’t win, I was proud to have a title shot in front of everyone including my family. It is something I will always look back on with a smile.
Storm also shared her thoughts on WWE’s upcoming Evolution PPV event:
I was just so happy because there has been so much hard work from girls across the world. We all wanted better opportunities and we have all worked so hard to get it. So many girls have put in so much effort. so it’s emotional to see these things going on now. It is going to give us more opportunity to shine and put even more eyes on us. As much as pro wrestling is a competitive industry, I am very proud of all the girls who have worked to get us to this point.
Toni Storm now joins the 18 following names already confirmed for the Mae Young Classic II:
- Kaitlyn
- Kacy Catanzaro
- Io Shirai
- Rhea Ripley
- Nicole Matthews
- Jinny
- Deonna Purrazzo
- Tegan Nox
- Jessica Elaban
- Reina González
- Kavita Devi
- Mia Yim
- Mercedes Martinez
- Killer Kelly
- Zeuxis
- Isla Dawn
- Lacey Lane
- Karen Q
Mae Young Classic II tapings will take place on Wednesday, August 8th and Thursday, August 9th from Full Sail Live in Orlando, Florida.
What are your thoughts on Toni Storm’s return to the MYC II? Who would you like to see her square off with? What other names do you think will be announced for the MYC II? Let us know in the comments below!
