WWE Mae Young Classic: Five potential British entrants examined

The second edition of the Mae Young Classic is fast approaching, with tapings expected to start at the beginning of August. 

The tournament, named after the WWE Hall of Famer and one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, will once again feature 32 of the top female competitors from 12 countries in a single-elimination tournament.

The 2017 competition saw three British fighters take part, however, in 2018, the strength of the British scene should see that number increase.

Tony Quant whittled down his list to five names that could fly the flag for Britain in the upcoming Mae Young Classic II...

Jinny

There is no denying that the "Yaas Queen" Jinny is one of the very best talents on the British shores. 2018 (injuries aside) has really been her coming-out party as she became the first person to win both the PROGRESS and RevPro women's titles.

It is incredible to think that she only made her in-ring debut in 2015 and has since put everything into her "fashionista" character, gaining her massive heel heat at every promotion she graces.

She is no secret to the tournament format having overcome three of Europe's elite in January to become the first RevPro women's champion and would make a perfect entrant to the upcoming Mae Young Classic tournament.

Millie McKenzie

It is refreshing to see such a young talent make such a splash on the British scene and 18-year-old Millie McKenzie is certainly someone who is only going to continue to improve.

Training under the guidance of PROGRESS world champion Travis Banks, McKenzie has taken to wrestling like a fish to water and is really honing her craft across the UK.

Whilst to the naked eye she may look like a small, nervous young woman, once the bell rings McKenzie transforms into an incredible athlete capable of mixing it up with any woman or man who steps in her way.

Kay Lee Ray

A participant in the first Mae Young Classic, Kay Lee Ray has continued to prove that she is capable of competing with the best in the world.

Scotland's Ray has had a marvellous 2018 which has seen her pick up victories over Japanese legend Meiko Satomura, Kris Wolf as well as WWE UK competitor Kenny Williams.

Whilst a major title win may have eluded her so far this year, you can guarantee that if offered a second chance, Ray will definitely vow to improve on her Mae Young Classic 2017 run.

Zoe Lucas

A product of the RevPro training school, Portsmouth's Zoe Lucas has been flying under the radar and it is only a matter of time until people start to pay her the attention she deserves.

It was rumoured WWE officials were impressed with her performances over WrestleMania weekend when she competed for the Shimmer promotion, which could be a good sign for her.

She is currently touring Japan with Stardom, which will test her both physically and mentally and also open up further exposure for the young Brit. A trial run at the Mae Young Classic would definitely top off a fantastic 2018 for her.

Nina Samuels

If you are looking for someone who carries themselves as a superstar then you need not look any further than Nina Samuels.

Trained by Greg Burridge, Samuels has exploded on to the UK scene in the last 18 months and debuted for PROGRESS, RevPro, Eve, wXw and most recently the WWE during the Download Festival.

Her imposing presence is underpinned by her solid in-ring ability which has seen Samuels quickly find herself involved in high-profile matches across a majority of the promotions she has worked for.