More Backstage Details on Why Sareee Was Pulled From Her Match at AEW Dynamite: Summer Blockbuster

As previously reported, STARDOM wrestler Sareee was not medically cleared to compete for her Owen Hart Tournament matchup against Skye Blue at last night’s AEW Dynamite: Summer Blockbuster. As a result, Sareee was replaced by Maya World, who picked up a shocking upset win to advance to the semifinals of the tournament.

During today’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer offered more details regarding why Sareee was pulled from her match and the tournament. According to Meltzer, Sareee flew into the event in Cincinnati, Ohio, accompanied by Takumi Iroha, and she was in attendance at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center.

Although Bryan Alvarez pointed out that they knew Sareee likely wasn’t going to be cleared for the match as early as a month ago due to an existing injury, Dave Meltzer reported that Sareee was “cleared in Japan” ahead of last night’s show. Sareee also brought Iroha with her as a backup for the match if she wouldn’t be medically cleared after arriving in the U.S.

Meltzer explained, “She [was] cleared. She flew in, and their [AEW’s] doctor didn’t clear her. That’s what they said, and I mean, in Japan, she said that she’s going and bringing Takumi Iroha with her in case she couldn’t do it.” However, instead of using Takumi Iroha as a replacement for her, AEW opted to use Maya World instead.

Alvarez and Meltzer noted that AEW likely opted to use Maya World as a replacement for Sareee in light of the real-life tragedy she recently experienced with the loss of her brother earlier this month. Meltzer commented that using Maya World instead of Takumi Iroha made for “just a better story.”

If using any of the above quotes, please credit Wrestling Observer Radio, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.