There was significant buzz surrounding Sareee’s signing with WWE in 2020, but the high expectations from fans ultimately fell flat. Unlike the powerful persona she portrayed in Japan—known as The Sun God of Professional Wrestling—her career in WWE saw limited impact before her departure in 2023.
In a recent interview with Mera Wrestling, Sareee reflected on her time in WWE, where she performed as a character named Salei. When asked about the disconnect during her tenure, she noted that her ambitions didn’t align with WWE’s vision.
“When I arrived in WWE in America, I didn’t want to portray a weak wrestler. I aimed to be seen as ‘cool’ and ‘strong,’ but instead, I was cast as an animated character in a sailor outfit.”
This character debuted in January 2022, as Sareee discussed how her experience in 2021 led to this new direction. Dressed as a high school girl, her character faced challenges linked to her grandmother’s medallion.
Her decision to leave WWE stemmed from creative differences, after which she found success competing for Sukeban’s world champion title. Sareee plans to continue her career in Stardom and Marigold, the latter of which has ties to WWE.
While WWE’s creative direction may not have suited her, Sareee’s potential to excel outside of the promotion is evident. The days of her magical transformation character are now in the past.
**Fan Take:** This news is significant for NXT fans as it highlights the struggles of talented wrestlers in mainstream promotions like WWE. Sareee’s success outside of WWE could signal a shift in how the industry values creativity and individuality, which could inspire rising stars in NXT to push for their own unique presentations.
