The field for the Mae Young Classic was already stacked, and now PWInsider has confirmed that two more major names have been added to the tournament: Candice LeRae – who’s the real-life wife of NXT Superstar Johnny Gargano – and former TNA Knockouts Champion Jade, a.k.a. Mia Yim.
The Final 13 Girls i want to see announced for the #MaeYoungClassic Tournament
1. @CandiceLeRae pic.twitter.com/lCXStFVPjP
— Scott Woods (@moxleyministry) July 13, 2017
I survived because the fire inside of me burned brighter than the fire around me. Photo by Brett Hadley @SouthsideWE pic.twitter.com/U16HwK8eok
— Mia Yim (@MiaYim) July 4, 2017
Taping for the Mae Young Classic will begin Thursday, July 13th at the Full Sail Live arena. PWInsider has confirmed the following women are present for the taping:
- Tessa Blanchard, daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard
- Rachel Ellering, daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Paul Ellering
- Lei’d Tapa
- Deonna Purrazzo
- Santana Garrett
- Renee Michelle
- Former TNA Knockout Marti Bell
- Mercedez Martinez
- Kay Lee Ray
- Ayesha Raymond
- Rhea Ripley
- Sage Beckett
- Kairi Sane, a.k.a. Kairi Hojo
- Dakota Kai, a.k.a. Evie
- Bianca Belair, a.k.a. Biance Blair
- Vanessa Borne, who is currently signed to NXT as Danielle Kamela
- Abbey Laith, a.k.a. Kimber Lee
- Jazzy Gabert
- Taynara Conti
- Piper November
- Kavita Devi, a student of Great Khali from India
- Lacey Evans
- Sarah Logan, a.k.a. Crazy Mary Dobson
- Toni Storm
- Princesa Sugehit
- Reina Gonzalez, daughter of Rudy Boy Gonzales
- Zaeda
- Zhao Xia
- Barbi Hayden
- MMA fighter Shayna Baszler
- Nicole Savoy
Notably, including LeRae and Yim, that’s 33 women – but the Mae Young Classic is a 32-competitor tournament. So it remains unclear who’s actually competing and who might be on hand as an alternate in case of injury.
But you don’t have to wait long for answers: the WWE will reveal the entire field in a Parade of Champions on the WWE Network at 6:30 on July 13th. That’s TONIGHT!
Are you excited for the Mae Young Classic? Share your comments below!