Sareee is now explaining why her Owen Hart Cup match didn’t happen, and it came down to medical concerns over her neck.
While speaking to BBM Sports, Sareee said she knew she wasn’t 100% ready to compete in the Owen Hart Cup on the June 10 edition of Dynamite, but she didn’t want to let the AEW opportunity pass her by. She admitted she tried to get cleared until the very last minute because she wanted to step into an AEW ring and seize the moment: “I’m disappointed that I couldn’t compete, but I have no regrets. I believe there was meaning in the decision I made and the action I took at that time.”
Sareee explained that doctors in Japan had cleared her to wrestle, but AEW’s medical team was more cautious because the issue involved her neck. She admitted she was not in perfect condition, but said she believes wrestlers sometimes have to chase opportunities instead of waiting for them.
“Regarding the condition of my neck, I had received permission from Japanese doctors to compete. However, the American side was very cautious because it was my neck. To be honest, I wasn’t in perfect condition. But I believe that opportunities aren’t something you wait for, but something you go and seize yourself.”
She also said she traveled to America with a determined mindset, quoting two lines that helped push her forward despite the uncertainty: “Go without hesitation, you’ll understand once you get there. Is there any fool who thinks about losing before even going out?”
In the end, Sareee was disappointed that she couldn’t wrestle, but she made it clear she doesn’t regret making the trip or trying to get cleared. She felt there was still meaning in showing up and taking action.
“I headed to America with those words in my heart. In the end, I was disappointed that I couldn’t compete, but I have no regrets. I believe that there was meaning in the decision I made and the action I took at that time.”
Sareee also thanked Iroha Takumi for accompanying her as both support and a possible substitute. Although Takumi’s substitute appearance in the tournament was also canceled, Sareee recognized how competitive AEW is and pointed out that many wrestlers are fighting for opportunities every day.
“I am also incredibly grateful to Iroha Takumi, who accompanied me as a substitute and support. My substitute appearance in the tournament was cancelled, but AEW has many hungry wrestlers who want to seize opportunities, and the competition is fierce on a daily basis.”
Sareee then showed respect to Maya World, who ultimately replaced her in the tournament. She noted that Maya has gone through the painful experience of suddenly losing a family member but continues to face professional wrestling head-on.
“Maya, who appeared as a substitute this time, has also gone through the terrible experience of suddenly losing a family member, but she continues to face professional wrestling head-on.”
This clears up the confusion around Sareee’s AEW status. She wanted the match, Japanese doctors had cleared her, and she flew to America ready to compete. However, AEW’s doctors were not comfortable clearing her because of the neck issue, so Maya World stepped into the tournament instead.
Do you think AEW made the right call by being cautious with Sareee’s neck issue? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
