AEW pulls Japanese wrestler Saree from Owen Hart Foundation tournament after medical review

All Elite Wrestling announced that Japanese wrestler Saree, originally slated to debut in the Owen Hart Foundation women's tournament, was withdrawn hours before the event. Although she had received medical clearance to compete in Japan, AEW’s own medical staff deemed her not fit to wrestle due to a neck injury. The promotion replaced her with Maya World, who defeated Skye Blue to advance to the semifinals. Reports indicated that the original plan called for Saree to win her opening match and face Athena, but the outcome remains undecided.

Saree traveled to the United States with fellow Japanese wrestler Takumi Iroha, who was prepared to serve as a substitute. After AEW’s decision, Iroha was granted a match at the upcoming ROH Global Wars: Cincinnati event. Maya World’s appearance also marked a return to competition following the recent death of a family member, a factor highlighted by the promotion in its storyline considerations.