The Mae Young Classic has long been a stage where some of the best female wrestlers from around the world have had the opportunity to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves on a global stage. In 2018, the second round of the Mae Young Classic featured one of the most highly anticipated matches of the entire tournament: Mercedes Martinez vs. Meiko Satomura. Both of these superstars have rich legacies in the world of professional wrestling, and their match at the Mae Young Classic on October 3, 2018, was nothing short of spectacular.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the background of both Mercedes Martinez and Meiko Satomura, analyze their styles and strengths, and explore the significance of their Round 2 match in the Mae Young Classic. Who will dominate this thrilling contest, and how did it impact their careers going forward? Letâs explore the details of one of the most intense matchups in the history of the Mae Young Classic.
## **The Mae Young Classic: A Tournament of Rising Stars**
The Mae Young Classic, established by WWE in 2017, is a tournament that celebrates the world of womenâs wrestling by showcasing the most talented female wrestlers across the globe. This competition has played a key role in elevating womenâs wrestling to new heights, providing an opportunity for wrestlers to make their mark on a worldwide stage.
The 2018 edition of the Mae Young Classic was the second annual tournament, and the competition was fierce from the start. The field was stacked with incredible talent, from established legends to rising stars, and every match was an opportunity to prove that you belonged in the upper echelon of professional wrestling.
The Round 2 match between Mercedes Martinez and Meiko Satomura was one of the standout matches of the tournament. Both women brought their own unique styles to the ring, creating an exciting and dynamic clash that had fans buzzing long after the bell rang.
## **Mercedes Martinez: The Veteran Powerhouse**
Mercedes Martinez entered the Mae Young Classic 2018 with a wealth of experience in the wrestling world. Having been a professional wrestler for nearly two decades, Martinez had already built a reputation for herself as one of the most skilled and hard-hitting women in the industry. Known for her powerful strikes, submission holds, and technical wrestling ability, Martinez was one of the tournamentâs most dangerous competitors.
### **Mercedes Martinezâs Strengths**
Martinez’s experience in the ring is one of her greatest assets. She has competed in a variety of promotions, including _Shimmer_, _Ring of Honor_, and _Impact Wrestling_, where she earned a reputation as one of the most consistent and dominant female wrestlers of her generation. Her wrestling style is grounded in hard-hitting, no-nonsense combat, often using a combination of power moves, submission techniques, and aggressive strikes to wear down her opponents.
Her background as a seasoned competitor also gave her a mental edge, as she was accustomed to the pressure of big matches. Her versatility in the ring, whether it be in tag team matches, one-on-one bouts, or hardcore encounters, made her a well-rounded threat. Martinezâs ability to adapt to any situation and her strategic mindset allowed her to thrive in various match types and against opponents with different styles.
### **Martinezâs Journey to Round 2**
In the first round of the 2018 Mae Young Classic, Mercedes Martinez faced off against the rising star Xia Li, a competitor known for her agility and martial arts background. Martinezâs experience was on full display as she methodically controlled the match, using her brute strength and technical expertise to overpower Li. This victory propelled Martinez into Round 2, where she would face an even greater challenge: Meiko Satomura, one of the most respected and accomplished wrestlers in the world.
## **Meiko Satomura: The Japanese Wrestling Legend**
Meiko Satomura is widely regarded as one of the best female wrestlers of all time. With a career spanning over two decades, Satomura has made her mark in various wrestling promotions, including _All Japan Womenâs Pro Wrestling_, _World Wonder Ring Stardom_, and _Sendai Girls Pro Wrestling_, where she is the founder and leader. Her reputation as one of the best mat technicians, high-flyers, and all-around wrestlers has earned her the nickname âThe Final Bossâ of womenâs wrestling.
### **Meiko Satomuraâs Strengths**
What makes Satomura such a formidable opponent is her well-rounded style. She is renowned for her hard-hitting strikes, including her brutal kicks, which have earned her the nickname “The Queen of Kicks.” Her ability to execute precise and devastating kicks to every part of the body gives her an undeniable edge in a match. In addition to her striking prowess, Satomura is also an accomplished grappler, with a wide array of submission holds at her disposal. She combines technical wrestling with high-flying maneuvers, making her a versatile threat in the ring.
Satomuraâs extensive experience in Japan and worldwide has helped her become one of the most respected figures in womenâs wrestling. Her calm and calculated in-ring presence, coupled with her fierce determination, makes her a dangerous competitor in any match.
### **Satomuraâs Journey to Round 2**
In the first round of the 2018 Mae Young Classic, Meiko Satomura faced off against the promising young star, Killer Kelly. Despite Kellyâs strong showing, Satomura was able to dominate the match with her striking and submission skills, quickly eliminating her opponent from the tournament. Satomuraâs victory in the first round was expected, and her focus shifted toward the challenge of facing Mercedes Martinez in Round 2.
Having competed in some of the most intense matches of her career, Satomura was more than prepared to take on Martinez. The anticipation surrounding the match between these two legends was immense, as fans wondered how their distinct styles would clash inside the ring.
## **The Battle: Mercedes Martinez vs. Meiko Satomura â Round 2, Mae Young Classic 2018**
The second-round match between Mercedes Martinez and Meiko Satomura at the 2018 Mae Young Classic was one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the tournament. With both women being incredibly skilled and experienced, the match promised to deliver high-octane action, intense moments, and a battle of wills.
### **The Match Begins: Intensity From the Start**
From the moment the bell rang, both Martinez and Satomura brought their A-game. Martinez, relying on her raw power and aggressive tactics, immediately tried to overpower Satomura, using her strength to control the pace. She attempted to impose her will on the match early, targeting Satomuraâs legs and attempting to ground the high-flying competitor. However, Satomuraâs resilience and veteran instincts were evident as she quickly countered Martinezâs attacks with her striking arsenal.
The exchange of strikes and submissions was fast-paced and brutal, with both competitors hitting each other with powerful kicks, elbows, and throws. Satomuraâs kicks were particularly deadly, as she targeted Martinezâs body and head with precision. Meanwhile, Martinez used her power moves, like the spinebuster and the fishermanâs buster, to try to wear down Satomura.
### **The Turning Point: A Battle of Willpower**
As the match progressed, the intensity only increased. Both women endured punishing blows, but neither was willing to give an inch. Martinez went for her signature move, the Fishermanâs Buster, but Satomura countered with a hard strike to the head, knocking Martinez down and giving her a moment to recover. This turning point was crucial, as Satomura began to dominate the latter portion of the match with her striking prowess.
Satomuraâs experience and technique started to shine through as she showcased her ability to dictate the flow of the match. She caught Martinez in her signature Death Valley Driver, a move that nearly sealed the match in her favor. However, Martinez, ever resilient, kicked out just in time, showing that she wasnât going to give up easily.
### **The Final Moments: Meiko Satomura Claims Victory**
In the final moments of the match, both women were visibly exhausted, having given everything in the ring. After a series of near-falls and brutal exchanges, Satomuraâs experience and technical ability ultimately led her to victory. With a devastating kick to the head followed by another well-executed Death Valley Driver, Satomura was able to pin Martinez for the three-count, securing her place in the Mae Young Classic semifinals.
The match ended with Meiko Satomura standing tall, but both women showed incredible respect for each other. The crowd gave both competitors a standing ovation, recognizing the incredible display of skill, endurance, and heart that both wrestlers had shown in this brutal encounter.
## **The Aftermath: What Did This Match Mean for Both Superstars?**
### **Satomuraâs Path to Victory**
For Meiko Satomura, this victory was a huge step toward winning the 2018 Mae Young Classic. Her journey in the tournament showcased her incredible abilities as one of the top female wrestlers in the world. Although she did not go on to win the tournament, her performance in the second round against Mercedes Martinez earned her the respect of fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Satomuraâs continued success in the wrestling world, both in Japan and internationally, solidified her place as one of the best in the business. The Mae Young Classic provided an opportunity for her to introduce herself to a wider audience, and she did so with the same tenacity and skill that had made her a legend in Japan.
### **Martinezâs Career After the Mae Young Classic**
For Mercedes Martinez, her loss to Satomura in the second round didnât define her career. Instead, it further established her as a top contender and veteran of the business. Martinez continued to compete in various promotions, earning multiple championships and accolades. Her time in WWE would eventually come, as she joined the _NXT_ roster, where she became a key figure in the womenâs division.
The match at the Mae Young Classic allowed Martinez to showcase her hard-hitting style on a global stage, and it was just one chapter in what would become a decorated career in womenâs wrestling.
## **Conclusion: A Historic Battle in Womenâs Wrestling**
The Mercedes Martinez vs. Meiko Satomura match at the 2018 Mae Young Classic was more than just a wrestling match; it was a historic encounter between two of the best women wrestlers in the world. Their clash in Round 2 showcased the incredible talent, experience, and passion that both women brought to the ring. While Satomura ultimately emerged victorious, both competitors left an indelible mark on the tournament and the wrestling world.
This match highlighted the growth of womenâs wrestling and the importance of the Mae Young Classic in providing a platform for talented women from around the world to showcase their abilities. As the tournament continues to evolve, fans can look back at this match as one of the defining moments in its history.