NXT assistant head coach, Sara Amato, was recently interviewed by WWE.com to discuss the Mae Young Classic tournament. Amato goes over which competitors people should keep an eye out for, the meaning of this tournament, how will it change the landscape of the women’s division in WWE & tons more.
Here are a few of the highlights:
Has The Tournament Felt Like A Long Time Coming?:
“I don’t know if I’d say that, it feels like any other time before now. We and the viewing audience wouldn’t be ready. I think right now, all of the talent that we scoured the globe for and brought in have had years of independent training; whether it’s in Japan, America, Europe or Mexico and it’s just the right time right now for all these ladies. Everyone’s bringing something different, something interesting, but along with that is seasoning that they wouldn’t have had any time prior.”
How Important Is The Mae Young Classic:
“It’s difficult to explain. I think a lot of people are going to surprise you. I have girls at the PC who went through the tryout process and who come from all different backgrounds. What WWE has done now is really highlighted women as athletes, so we’re drawing much stronger, more competitive women, whereas before there was a stronger focus on sex appeal right? Speaking from my experience coaching at the PC, you have these super high-level athletes and now they’re going to be in the ring with other women who have tremendous experience. Like the girls who’ve wrestled in Japan, or Princesa Sugehit from Mexico, or Mercedes Martinez. It’s hard to put into words, but I think it’s going to be very compelling.”
Women In The Tournament Who Have Pro Backgrounds:
“It for sure makes it interesting. A lot of women in this tournament have amateur combat-sport backgrounds, like [judoka] Taynara Conti from Brazil or [wushu player] Xia Li from China. It’s going to be interesting to see what develops but it’s all the same at the end of the day. Regardless of their backgrounds, they all have the same fighting instincts as traditional wrestlers.”
Who Are The Eye-Catchers In The Tournament:
“Well, I have a very special place in my heart for Mercedes Martinez because she was my first rival in SHIMMER and I’m just so fond of her and her work. She’s been doing this for so long and so she’s come a long way to be in this environment. I know from training with Bianca Belair and Lacey Evans that they’re going to surprise a few people too. They’re probably my top three picks that I’m pulling for and watching for. I’m also curious to see Piper Niven, she just has great conditioning and is unique. She moves well and is very unpredictable, very agile for her size and strength.”
