AEW’s top talent recently returned to the U.S. and was reportedly present backstage at “AEW Dynamite,” which was broadcast live from Orlando, Florida. According to Fightful Select, former AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida was also in attendance. Shida had been dealing with a visa issue that lasted until 2025, which kept her off AEW programming for the year. Although she occasionally wrestled in Japan, she was also managing shoulder problems. Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp noted that her absence at the 2024 World’s End event was quite noticeable.
It was reported that Shida signed a contract extension with AEW in October after renewing her visa earlier that same month. She confirmed her return to the U.S. by posting a cheerful selfie on her X (formerly Twitter) account. In July, she announced she had obtained a new Japanese passport, enabling international travel. Shida’s last AEW match was a defeat to Kris Statlander on Dynamite in November 2024, and she lost the TBS Championship to Mercedes Mone at AEW All Out the previous month. Her last wrestling appearance in Japan was in November 2025 during a 10-person tag match alongside Nagisa Nozaki, Aja Kong, and Chikayo Nagashima. A former three-time AEW Women’s Champion, Shida’s most recent title reign ended when Toni Storm defeated her at Full Gear in November 2023.
Fan Take: Hikaru Shida’s return to AEW is exciting news for fans who have missed her dynamic presence and skill in the ring. Her comeback could signal fresh storylines and competitive matchups that will strengthen AEW’s women’s division and keep the sport vibrant and engaging.
