Mercedes provides some insight.
The first episode from the Mae Young Classic II tapings will air on the WWE Network this upcoming Wednesday. There was a bracketology special that aired on the WWE Network following last week's episode of NXT TV which unveiled the matchups that viewers will see in this year's tournament. One of the first round matches that was announced was the bout between Madison Rayne and Mercedes Martinez.
Martinez made it to the semi-finals of the first-ever Mae Young Classic last year until she was bested by former NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler. To discuss her second go-around in the M.Y.C., Mercedes spoke with TV Insider and among the many topics that were ran through, Martinez reflected on the vibe backstage during the tournament tapings.
“The girls are all supportive of each other,” she said. “We’re checking out each other’s gear. It’s very much a family atmosphere when it comes to the girls. We all want to support one another no matter how far anyone goes in this tournament. There is not cattiness, which is something different than when I first came up in this business. It’s nice to see that.”
The current wXw Women's Champion stated that with the Mae Young Classic being viewed by so many eyes, it has brought her fans who may not have known or discovered her if she was not a part of the tournament.
“I was able to win over new fans,” she said. “I’ve had people come up to me saying they like my style because it’s so hard-hitting. They became fans because of the Mae Young Classic. It’s a good feeling because then I know all this hard work on this main stage actually shows what Mercedes Martinez is all about." She continued, "It’s good because I know that my style of wrestling is something different that I can showcase to the world. It’s amazing. I love my fans, even the little girls who come out. I know there are a few who have come to me saying, ‘We love you so much. You’re Puerto Rican.’ That’s one thing that is important to me; representing my heritage and show that to the world. It’s something truly amazing.”
A coverage article of the first Mae Young Classic episode will go live on Wednesday and to read the spoilers for this year's tourney, click here.
