Tony Khan announced that a second wrestler has been replaced in the Owen Hart Cup tournament. First it was Willow Nightingale pulling out due to injury. Now comes word that Sareee is not medically cleared to compete and a replacement was named for AEW Dynamite on Wednesday night (June 10, 2026).
Khan broke the news himself on social media. He explained in video that Sareee was cleared by doctors in Japan, however, the AEW medical team didn’t feel comfortable clearing her. Sareee is there live in the video from
Cincinnati, and Khan said that she is always welcome back to AEW.
This news isn’t a total shock. A few days before AEW announced the Owen Hart Cup bracket, Sareee said she was taking time off for, “neck maintenance.” Khan was optimistic that Sareee would be back in action for the quarterfinal matchup against Skye Blue.
Translated in English from Sareee’s social media post on May 13, 2026.
As announced, I will be taking approximately one month off for neck maintenance. Having to miss matches that were already scheduled, I am truly sorry for the inconvenience and worry this causes to all the fans and organizations involved. Honestly, it was a decision that took a lot of courage. But I was more afraid of not being able to step into the ring anymore. I made this decision so that I can continue fighting as a professional wrestler from here on out! Please give me just a little time!! #Sareee
In Sareee’s place will be Maya World as the replacement to wrestle Blue. World is going through life issues of her own. Her brother died on June 7 (GoFundMe for funeral arrangements). Khan explained that AEW offered time off to World, however, she still wanted to wrestle and be with the locker room during this tough time. Khan decided to give World the opportunity in the Owen Hart Cup.
In terms of forecasting predictions for the tournament, it’s possible that the general outline can move forward as planned. If Blue was going to win, then she can win anyway with a new opponent. If Sareee was the pick to advance, then World will still create a storyline matchup in the semifinal. World and Athena have had beef in ROH about young student trying to overcome the teacher. Athena is World’s wrestling mentor in real life.
Well wishes to Sareee and World in these tough times.
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