And so, we arrive at the stage I've been dreading all tournament long. This night had some incredible action, but also genuine heartbreak. Let's talk about it in Women's Wrestling Thursday.
Following the tapings of the MYC, I knew one thing: Tegan Nox was badly injured at some point. Later, I also found out that Rhea Ripley was her opponent. I've talked about my uneasy feeling about that last week, and now, here it came. But it was the third match of the night, and I'm going in order.
Quarterfinals
Meiko Satomura vs. Lacey Lane
This match made me revise my estimation of Lacey Lane's potential. I really dug her vibe, but for her to be a true partner in a match this good against one of the very best in the world at this early stage of her career is incredible. She was, of course, the junior partner. Because her opponent was Meiko freakin Satomura, who is amazing.
Io Shirai vs. Deonna Purrazzo
I knew this one was going to be really good, and it really was. Deonna Purrazzo is really great. Io Shirai is amazing, though she did miss pretty badly on the moonsault. Still, I'd like to see them go at it again, and considering that both are signed, I think I'll have the chance. After being a pure babyface in previous rounds, Io showed a bit of heel in this one, and it was a very intriguing look.
Tegan Nox vs. Rhea Ripley
Oh, wow. I knew Nox got injured in this one. And it was very obvious when it happened. But then she just... kept going. Until she could no longer stand. So much heart in the woman from Wales. When someone gets injured so soon after getting back from an injury, that can really dampen WWE's faith in their ability to rely on that worker. But these were two separate accidents. Following the injury, there were rumors that Nox was booked to win the MYC. Frankly, I don't believe it, but it makes for a great and tragic story. I do hope she comes back, and that WWE still believes in her. She's special, and she really won me over during this tournament. Rhea Ripley is either very good at staying in character or one of the worst people. I choose to believe the former.
Toni Storm vs. Mia Yim
As good as the first two matches were, this was the match of the night. The story continues to be "Toni is overwhelmed, but survives." Which, considering her next match is against Meiko, and that I think she goes to the finals, is a great build up. Mia Yim is awesome, and in her prime, and I hope she gets a really nice WWE run. She absolutely deserves it.
Semi-finals outlook
Io Shirai vs. Rhea Ripley
This was probably supposed to be Io vs. Tegan, which would have been amazing. This can still be very good. Power vs. Speed, youth vs. experience. The storylines write themselves. But it will not be the highlight of the semis.
Toni Storm vs. Meiko Satomura
Toni and Meiko had a very good match in Japan earlier this year. It was considered a disappointment, partially because it was a time limit draw. This match will not be a draw. There will be a winner, and they should get plenty of time to work. My expectations of this match are stratospherically high. It will be brutal.
Previous MYC coverage
Women's Wrestling Thursday: Mae Young Classic, Round 2, Night 2
Women's Wrestling Thursday: Mae Young Classic, Round 2, Night 1
The Lost Women's Wrestling Thursday Post: Mae Young Classic Night 4
Women's Wrestling Thusday: Mae Young Classic Night 3
Women's Wrestling Thursday: Mae Young Classic, Night 2
Mae Young Classic: First Round, Part 1
Rethinking the Mae Young Bracket
Overthinking the Mae Young Classic Parade of Champions