Sareee Discusses Not Being Cleared For AEW Dynamite, Maya World Taking Her Place

Sareee was scheduled to compete at AEW Dynamite Summer Blockbuster, but was not cleared due to a neck injury. The injury was known ahead of time as she’s been out of the ring since May and it was unclear if she would be cleared by AEW doctors to compete.

It was announced hours before the event that she was not cleared to face Skye Blue in her scheduled Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament match.

“Regarding the condition of my neck, I had received clearance from a doctor in Japan to compete. However, the American side was very cautious, given that the injury was to my neck.
To be honest, I can’t say I’m 100% ready. But I believe opportunities aren’t meant to be waited for—they’re meant to be seized,” she told BBM Japan. “While I feel frustrated that I ultimately couldn’t compete, I have no regrets. I believe there was meaning in the fact that I made my own decision and took action at that moment.”

Ahead of the event, Saree said that Takumi Iroha would take her place if she was unable to compete. Instead, Maya World was announced as her replacement.

“I am also truly grateful to Takumi Iroha, who accompanied me as a substitute and support. Although I didn’t end up competing in the tournament as a substitute, AEW is full of hungry wrestlers eager to seize their chances, and the competition is fierce on a daily basis. Maya, who competed as a substitute this time, has also faced a terrible tragedy—the sudden loss of a family member—yet she continues to dedicate herself to pro wrestling. I believe AEW also wanted to give opportunities to wrestlers who keep moving forward and giving their all, even in such difficult circumstances,” she said.

Maya had recently lost her brother in tragic fashion, but still decided to compete when asked.

Sareee noted that the door is still open for her to return to AEW in the future.