This year’s Mae Young Classic is shaping up to be a fantastic tournament with stars from all across the globe. It was rumored for some time that former Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne would be joining the tournament this year, but all we were left with was pure speculation.
That is until today. The WWE and Madison Rayne revealed earlier today that she would be taking part in the MYC.
You guys! We’re going to the @MaeYoungClassic! Honored and thrilled are both huge understatements!! 🙏🏼 https://t.co/02Tx9i6TCv
— Madison Rayne (@MadisonRayne) July 30, 2018
Below is WWE’s official statement regarding the addition of Rayne, who will go by Ashley Rayne, Priscilla Kelly, and Xia Brookside.
Ashley Rayne
A 13-year ring veteran from Columbus, Ohio, Ashley Rayne will not be intimidated by the Classic’s world-class field. Fighting far and wide, with tours of Japan, the U.K., mainland Europe and the United Arab Emigrates under her belt, Rayne has crossed paths with the likes of former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James in the past. Her preferred finishing move, the Cross Rayne, is a vicious rolling cutter that threatens to twist opponents’ heads off their shoulders.
Priscilla Kelly
Making her pro debut a little over three years ago, 21-year-old Priscilla Kelly of Moon Creek, Ga., has already developed an ability to wage wicked mind games inside the ring. Though Kelly is equally capable of out-grappling her foes as staggering them with stomps and strikes, her physical prowess is trumped by her penchant for dominating the psychological struggle. Kelly is known to employ unorthodox tactics, including licking and biting her opponent to gain the edge.
Xia Brookside:
The youngest woman to be announced for the Mae Young Classic so far, 19-year-old Xia Brookside of Leicester, England, enters the competition an already-decorated champion, having battled all over the globe while capturing titles and winning tournaments. The spunky up-and-comer — the daughter of United Kingdom legend and WWE Performance Center coach Robbie Brookside — specializes in classic British grappling techniques, but also brings a hard-hitting influence from her experiences competing in Japan.
The talent in this year’s MYC is incredibly stacked, and bringing in a veteran like Rayne only helps elevate the tournament.
