Darby Allin climbs Mount Everest after AEW hiatus, successfully reaching the peak on May 18, following weeks of preparation and an early start from Kathmandu in April. While Allin stepped away from All Elite Wrestling to pursue this personal milestone, his AEW colleague Sammy Guevara chose not to join him, citing family commitments and concerns for his daughter‘s well-being.
Guevara Reflects on Turning Down the Opportunity
Sammy Guevara was initially invited by Darby Allin to join the trek up Mount Everest, an adventure both had discussed for years. Guevara, however, declined the invitation due to the risks involved, especially now that he is a father.
“It’s something that him and I talked about years ago. He invited me to go do it with him, but I can’t leave my family. I can’t go and possibly risk dying up there. Maybe a younger Sammy would have took him up on that offer. I’m not so old. I just feel like I can’t climb that. It’s very selfish of me to go, ‘Hey, my little baby, I’m going to go risk my life to climb this mountain. I may never come back.’ I feel like if you have a kid, it’d be very selfish of you to go and do something to put your life at risk like that,”
—Sammy Guevara, AEW wrestler
Guevara, who is married to Tay Melo and shares a daughter with her, expressed that fatherhood has reshaped his outlook on extreme challenges. He emphasized the conflict between seeking adrenaline and the responsibilities that come with raising a child.
“Darby doesn’t have any kids yet, so I think more respect to him. He did it. What an accomplishment. It’s something he’s wanted to do for a long time. He wanted to do it last year, but he broke his leg and couldn’t do it. He was able to do it now. I’m super happy for him. I texted him whenever it was reported that he did it, and we were just chatting back and forth. There’s a little crazy part of me that’s like, oh man, that adrenaline of risking it all to go and make it on top of the mountain, it’s super exciting for an adrenaline junkie like me. But I also got to remember it’s not just about me anymore. So I will be doing none of that.”
—Sammy Guevara, AEW wrestler
Allin’s Everest Pursuit and Upcoming Return to AEW
Darby Allin’s Everest journey began in earnest when he departed AEW television in December 2024, specifically to embark on this adventure. His trek started on April 11, just after arriving in Kathmandu, marking over a month dedicated to climbing before successfully reaching the summit. The feat fulfilled a longstanding ambition for Allin, particularly after an injury delayed his attempt the previous year.
Allin is expected to make his return to All Elite Wrestling in the near future. His achievement has resonated within the AEW community, with many talents expressing happiness and admiration for his determination to reach the peak of Mount Everest. The climb is seen as a testament to Allin’s resilience and willingness to step away from wrestling to pursue personal goals.
Guevara’s Continued Activities in Wrestling
While Darby Allin pursued his dream, Sammy Guevara has remained highly active in both AEW and Ring of Honor. He currently holds the ROH World Tag Team Championship alongside Dustin Rhodes, competing as the Sons of Texas. Guevara’s decision to stay grounded and focus on his family highlights the sacrifices professional wrestlers often make when balancing personal desires with family life and public responsibilities.
The Impact of the Climbers’ Choices
Darby Allin’s successful Everest ascent marks a remarkable milestone in his life and career, illustrating his dedication both inside and outside the ring. Sammy Guevara’s decision to prioritize family offers insight into the complexities faced by athletes dealing with fame, aspiration, and personal responsibility. As Allin prepares to rejoin AEW following his triumph, the wrestling world watches with interest, reflecting on what it means to chase extraordinary dreams while remaining connected to those who matter most.
