Hikaru Shida’s extended absence from AEW television has left fans wondering about her current position with the company. Although she has returned to the United States after visa complications, she has yet to make her way back onto AEW broadcasts.
Reports from October 2024 revealed that Shida, the former AEW Women’s World Champion, had been dealing with visa renewal delays while also managing shoulder injuries. Those immigration issues appear to have been resolved recently, and Shida was reportedly backstage at an AEW Dynamite event in Orlando, Florida, where she resides. Despite being physically present, she has remained off AEW TV.
Recent Wrestling Activity and Current Condition
Shida last appeared in an AEW match in November 2024, but has stayed active in Japan’s wrestling scene during her hiatus from AEW. Her most recent competition occurred on November 23, 2025, at Sonoko Kato’s retirement event for OZ Academy. There, Shida teamed with Aja Kong, Chikayo Nagashima, and Nagisa Nozaki to secure a victory over Hiroyo Matsumoto, Rina Yamashita, VENY, and Yuki Kamifuku in an eight-person tag team match. This indicates that she remains in good health and conditioned for wrestling.
Uncertainty Surrounding AEW’s Plans for Shida
No official explanation has surfaced regarding why Shida has not been reintegrated into AEW’s televised storylines. Extended periods away from TV can sometimes lead to wrestlers being removed from active creative plans, a situation often described as
“out of sight, out of mind”
. Whether AEW intends to feature her again remains an open question.
Given her status as a former Women’s World Champion and her recent clearance to work in the U.S., many fans and observers anticipate a potential return to AEW programming. Until any announcements are made, Shida’s future on AEW television remains unclear.
Potential Implications and What Lies Ahead
Hikaru Shida’s situation highlights some of the challenges wrestlers face with visa issues and injuries, which can stall momentum and affect career trajectories. Her continued activity in Japan suggests readiness to compete at a high level, but AEW’s creative direction will ultimately determine when or if she returns to American TV. Fans will be watching closely for updates as her status evolves.
Wrestling news outlets, including WrestlingHeadlines.com, are expected to provide ongoing coverage of any developments related to Shida’s AEW status.
