Rhea Ripley had participated in the inaugural Mae Young Classic losing to Tegan Nox's best friend Dakota Kai. That had to be extra motivation for her to defeat Nox and indirectly get some revenge. Ripley had transformed into a much different competitor since the previous tournament. She now had a no fucks given attitude, embracing brutality and showcasing a new look fitting her more aggressive persona. Ripley presented the biggest challenge yet for Tegan Nox. They would clash in a quarterfinal match of the 2018 Mae Young Classic.

August 9th 2018. Future AEW referee Aubrey Edwards officiated Nox versus Ripley. This was not just a quarterfinal match -- it was a bout between two of WWE's top young prospects. The future. In the opening moments, Nox dived through the ropes to the outside with a tope, crashing onto Ripley and the steel ramp. Her left knee was visibly hurting as she tried to fight through the legitimate pain to make her way back into the ring.

Edwards allowed the match to continue briefly as Nox fought on. It was momentarily stopped so a medic could check on Nox. She insisted she wanted to continue; this wouldn't be taken away from her again. Sadly, within moments she no longer could. The match was called and Ripley was announced the winner due to referee stoppage. Ripley attempted to remain "in character" but it was clear she -- like everyone in attendance -- was concerned for Steffanie Newell. It was a sad moment where the risks associated with pro-wrestling were visible to all.

Medics assisted the devastated, teary-eyed Newell to the backstage area where she could be tended to. WWE COO Paul Levesque (Triple H) and friend & co-worker Sarah Rowe (Sarah Logan) offered Steffanie comfort as seen in various WWE released clips. Later it would be revealed that Newell had tore her MCL, LCL, ACL and both menisci in her left knee. Once again it would be a road to recovery for Steffanie Newell.

Additional Information | Rhea Ripley defeated Tegan Nox (3:14) via referee stoppage after Nox was legitimately injured and unable to continue. This was a quarterfinal match in the 2018 Mae Young Classic held at Full Sail in Winter Park, Florida. It took place during Episode 7 released on WWE Network on October 17th 2018. The match had been taped on August 9th 2018.