The journey of a professional wrestler is rarely a straightforward one, and for Sareee, a 29-year-ancient joshi wrestler from Tokyo, Japan, her time with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) proved to be a particularly challenging chapter. Recently speaking with Tokyo Sports, Sareee opened up about her experience transitioning from the Japanese wrestling scene to the global stage, revealing a period marked by difficulty and a disconnect between her expectations and reality. Her story, a candid reflection on ambition, adaptation, and returning to her roots, offers a glimpse behind the curtain of professional wrestling’s demanding world.
Sareee signed with WWE in 2020, a significant move for a wrestler who had already established herself as a force in Japan, including becoming the inaugural Marigold World Champion. However, the transition wasn’t seamless. The sheer scale of WWE, with its vast roster, presented an immediate hurdle. “That was the most difficult period in my professional wrestling career,” Sareee told Tokyo Sports. “WWE has a huge number of members, so it was difficult to even receive selected for a match, and then the pandemic hit, so I couldn’t have matches as I wanted.” The COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global events, further complicated her ability to showcase her skills and gain momentum within the organization.
A Shift in Character and Expectations
Adding to the challenges, Sareee found herself assigned a character that differed significantly from the strong, independent wrestler she envisioned bringing to WWE. “And then I ended up playing a high school girl character,” she explained. This shift in persona, a departure from the powerful style she’d honed in Japan, proved to be a source of frustration. Sareee had intended to introduce the strength and unique style of Japanese women’s professional wrestling to a wider audience, but the creative direction she was given didn’t align with that goal. The experience highlighted a fundamental difference in expectations and the demands of the American wrestling landscape.
The stress of navigating these challenges took a personal toll. Sareee candidly shared how she turned to comfort food, indulging in large American desserts. “The stress made me love sweets, and there were times when I would eat an American-sized parfait after lunch, then devour a huge Häagen-Dazs ice cream, and my face would be covered in acne,” she recounted. Despite the difficulties, she emphasized her commitment to persevering. “But even so, I did my best. Looking back now, I realize that everything was an experience that has become a valuable lesson for me, so nothing was wasted.”
Returning to Japan and a Renewed Focus
After her contract with WWE expired in 2023, Sareee made the decision to return to Japan. The move wasn’t without its internal conflict. “To be honest, I wondered if it was okay to return to Japan without accomplishing anything in the United States,” she admitted. However, she ultimately realized that her passion lay in pursuing her vision of professional wrestling within the context of the Japanese scene. “But when I thought about what I really wanted to do, I realized that I should do the best I could in the limited time I had to do the kind of pro wrestling I believe in. I’ve been working towards becoming the strongest in the Japanese women’s pro wrestling world, which is where it all started.”
Sareee’s return to Japan has been marked by continued success. She recently participated in a tag team match with Miku Kanae at SSPW Vol. 38, commemorating the 45th anniversary of First Generation Tiger Mask, where they emerged victorious against Kaoru Ito and Uta Shima. According to her Wikipedia page, Sareee currently performs under the ring name Sareee Bomb for the American promotion Sukeban, although also working as a freelancer in Japan and producing her own shows through Sareee-ISM. Her career boasts a long list of championships, including the IWGP Women’s Championship, Beyond the Sea Single Championship, and WWWD World Champion.
A Reflection on Growth and Identity
Sareee’s willingness to openly discuss her experiences with WWE provides a rare and valuable insight into the complexities of the professional wrestling industry. Her story isn’t one of failure, but rather of self-discovery and a reaffirmation of her commitment to her own artistic vision. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always measured by achieving goals on a particular stage, but by staying true to one’s own values and pursuing one’s passion with unwavering dedication. The experience, while difficult, ultimately shaped her perspective and fueled her determination to excel in the Japanese wrestling world.
As Sareee continues to build her legacy in Japan, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers and a testament to the power of resilience. Her next steps will undoubtedly involve further solidifying her position as a leading figure in joshi wrestling, and fans can expect to notice her continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a champion. Keep up with Sareee’s career and upcoming matches through her various promotions and social media channels.
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