In 2017 and 2018, WWE held two editions of the Mae Young Classic. Named for the iconic Women's wrestler Mae Young, the tournament featured 32 female wrestlers competing for the win. Some of the biggest talents in the world participated, including Tessa Blanchard, Mercedes Martinez and Meiko Satomura. In fact, this tournament helped put Rhea Ripley on the map.
A 2019 edition was planned, but it never happened for unknown reasons. Hopefully, the Mae Young Classic can return in 2020, once it can be done safely and with a crowd in attendance. When that happens, there are more than a few wrestlers from outside of the company WWE should bring in - then of whom are listed here.
10 Meiko Satomura
The Joshi Legend known around the world competed in the 2018 edition of the Mae Young Classic, and turned in four matches that brought fans to their feet. She ultimately lost to Toni Storm in the semifinals but the match between Meiko Satomura and Mercedes Martinez was a highlight of the entire tournament.
The fact that she's already been in one tournament is irrelevant. Meiko's participation was an honor for everyone involved, and she would elevate the next tournament in the same way.
9 Taya Valkyrie
The longest reigning Impact Knockouts Champion has been at the center of the company's Women's Division for years. But fans and critics have been speculating about Taya Valkrie's departure since her husband, John Morrison, returned to WWE.
Many people believe that the First Lady of Slamtown will join the Mayor in WWE soon enough. If Taya does make the jump, the Mae Young Classic would be a hell of a way to introduce her.
8 Priscilla Kelly
The wife of AEW star Darby Allin has been on the scene for five years, and has drawn comparisons to Paige in a number of positive ways. She has made a couple of appearances for AEW and participated in the 2018 Mae Young Classic for WWE.
At some point, one of these companies has to get her under contract as she has the potential to be one of the best in the business. Bringing Priscilla back for the next Mae Young Classic would be a great way to announce she signed with WWE.
7 Ivelisse
One of the top female stars on the independent scene for the last eight years has been Ivelisse. She was with WWE briefly, participating in the 2011 Tough Enough competition. Ivelisse then joined FCW and continued with the brand when it became NXT.
She was one of the first wrestlers to lodge complaints against then trainer Bill DeMott, which she believes contributed to her release. If the proverbial hatchet has been buried, then Ivelisse definitely needs to be in the next Mae Young. Her talent is undeniable.
6 Rosemary
The rumor going around a few years ago was that WWE wanted to bring Rosemary in to play the part of Sister Abigail alongside Bray Wyatt. That obviously did not happen. As one of the best female wrestlers in the world, fans have long wondered if Rosemary will ever leave Impact for WWE.
But she is one of the pillars of the best Women's Division in wrestling; that's not something you walk away from without an amazing offer on the table. Rosemary may never sign with WWE but seeing her in the Mae Young Classic would be great if she does.
5 Mayu Iwatani
Mayu Iwatani is one of the best wrestlers in the world. Period. She's been in the business since 2011, primarily with World Wonder Ring Stardom. Iwatani has also worked for Ring of Honor and recently made her debut with NJPW, just prior to the pandemic shutting things down.
The simple reality is that she is an incredible talent, one that would bring a lot of eyes to the Mae Young Classic. There are a number of amazing potential match ups waiting for her there.
4 Cheerleader Melissa
This performer is one of the longest tenured female wrestlers in the business. Cheerleader Melissa debuted in 1999, working on the indies as well as for Shimmer, TNA and Lucha Underground. In TNA, she actually played Awesome Kong's masked manager, Raisha Saeed.
Cheerleader Melissa is one of the most underrated talents in wrestling with an in ring game that has only gotten tighter over the years. The Mae Young Classic could only benefit from having her involved.
3 Leyla Hirsch
Lelyla Hirsch is relatively new to pro wrestling, debuting in late 2017. She has spent her career working with Combat Zone Wrestling, though people are noticing her work.
Hirsch has proven to be talented in the ring with instincts you would normally see in a more tenured performer. Leyla Hirsch is the future of wrestling, and the exact type of wrestler who should be highlighted by the Mae Young Classic.
2 Laynie Luck
This is a name you see on a lot "talents to watch" lists and there's good reason for that. Laynie Luck started in wrestling in 2015, working with a variety of promotions. That includes Booker T's Reality of Wrestling, Impact and RISE Wrestling.
But Luck is still looking for that one opportunity that will jump her up to the next level. The Mae Young Classic could do that for her by getting her in the ring with wrestlers she doesn't normally get the chance to face off with.
1 Sumie Sakai
Japanese wrestling star Sumie Sakai is best known to North American audiences for her work with Ring of Honor. She was actually crowned the inaugural ROH Women of Honor World Champion in 2018, successfully defending it against the likes of Tenille Dashwood.
Sakai is widely recognized as one of the top women in wrestling and would be an incredible addition to the Mae Young classic.