AEW star Anna Jay, who was last seen on the June 26 episode of AEW Dynamite, has recently competed in the prestigious Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix. Since her debut in AEW in July 2020, Jay has continued to make her mark in the wrestling world, and her participation in the Stardom tournament further solidifies her growth as a competitor.
In the 5STAR Grand Prix, Jay faced off against some of the top talent in Stardom. She began her tournament with a victory over Saori Anou on August 10, but subsequently suffered losses to Starlight Kid on August 12 and Syuri on August 15.
Following her match with Syuri, Jay opened up about her mental health struggles leading up to the bout, revealing the anxiety she faced before stepping into the ring.
“Syuri, I think I had the most anxiety leading up to this match,” Jay admitted. “You know, I got the first one out of the way – first win. Second match – Starlight Kid – I lost, but I still felt good. In this one, I was scared to death, to be honest, but I did it and I’m proving that I deserve to be here and that I deserve to keep working at this.”
Jay became emotional as she expressed her admiration for Syuri and her determination to continue pushing forward despite the challenges.
“Syuri is amazing and I hope to wrestle her again, even though my arm probably will be hurting for days. So, I’m loving it here. I’m tired, I’m sore but I want to keep going. Thank you.”
Despite the ups and downs in the tournament, Jay’s commitment to her craft and her candidness about her mental health resonate with fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Her journey in the Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix has been a testament to her resilience, and she continues to prove that she belongs on the global stage.
Anna Jay’s last appearance on AEW Dynamite saw her team with The Outcasts’ Harley Cameron and Saraya in a match against Mariah May, Mina Shirakawa, and Toni Storm. Although the trio came up short in that match, Jay’s journey is far from over as she continues to grow both in and out of the ring.
What are your thoughts on Anna Jay’s journey through the Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix and her candid discussion about her mental health challenges? How do you think experiences like these shape a wrestler’s career and connection with the fans? Share your views in the comments below!