Mae Young Classic Episode 4 results: Kairi Sane edges past Tessa Blanchard in mesmerizing WWE debut
The long-awaited WWE debut of Japanese sensation Kairi Sane did not disappoint, despite Tessa Blanchard’s best attempt to ruin her coming-out party in the final match of the Mae Young Classic’s opening round.
High-risk aerialist Candice LeRae battles fellow American Renee Michelle in the opening round of the Mae Young Classic. Video courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Kicking off the final set of First-Round Matches was a battle between independent wrestling phenom Candice LeRae, the wife of NXT Superstar Johnny Gargano, and multidiscipline martial artist Renee Michelle.
Johnny Wrestling clapped alongside the WWE Universe as they threw their support behind LeRae. The petite risk-taker traded holds with Michelle, but Michelle wiped her out with spin kick. As those who have seen her go toe-to-toe with the world’s toughest women know, LeRae doesn’t quit easily. After Michelle’s moonsault attempt came up empty, LeRae dropkicked Michelle and then took her on Miss LeRae's Wild Ride, a swinging neckbreaker off the middle rope. After that, there was no coming back for Michelle.
The internationally acclaimed Kairi Sane of Japan makes her WWE debut against third-generation sensation Tessa Blanchard. Video courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.
The final match of the First Round featured two of the tournament’s most celebrated athletes: Widely hailed NXT signee Kairi Sane of Japan against third-generation Superstar Tessa Blanchard, from North Carolina.
Intent on making a name for herself at Sane’s expense, Blanchard tried to ruin the much-anticipated WWE debut of The Pirate Princess, blasting Sane with a high-impact arsenal that included fierce top-rope senton.
Sane showed exactly what all the hype was about, however, as she weathered the storm and fired back. The dynamic competitor brought a wicked kick down upon Blanchard’s back, nailed her with an Alabama slam and signaled for the move that the WWE Universe had been waiting for: her world-famous, high-elevation Diving Elbow Drop. The top-rope attack lived up its reputation: Its flight was graceful, its landing destructive and the result academic. Sane pinned Blanchard to claim the exciting match.
Though clearly disappointed by the loss, Blanchard congratulated Sane on her gutsy win. Will the internationally acclaimed Pirate Princess navigate to victory again when she takes on Bianca Belair in the Second Round? Find out Monday, Sept. 4, when the next four episodes of the Mae Young Classic come to WWE Network’s on-demand section.
