Hikaru Shida has finally addressed her ongoing AEW absence.
Last seen in a loss against Kris Statlander on the 20th November 2024 episode of Dynamite, Shida has been off television since then. While not actively wrestling in the United States, the former women’s champion has instead maintained an extremely active career in the Japanese wrestling circuit since February 2025, with her most recent match being on 28th May 2025 for Gokigen Pro Hataage.
However, while her extended absence in the Jacksonville-based promotion continues, Shida found it better to leave behind an explanation. Speaking on her YouTube stream, she said,
“I really hope to. Visa, especially nowadays, it’s getting hard. AEW has so many wrestlers and the lawyer has to do so many things. I know it takes time. I hope I can go back to AEW soon. For now, I am enjoying my stay in Japan and getting more energy to wrestle in the US again. I’m looking forward to my comeback. Please wait and I’m so glad if you support me.”
H/t Fightful
While active in Japan, it is still unknown when Shida will be back on All Elite Wrestling TV programming.
Wrestling Veteran Konnan Had Once Brutally Slammed AEW Star Hikaru Shida
A few years ago, in 2022, during an episode of the Keepin’ It 100 podcast, wrestling veteran Konnan responded to a fan comparison between Bayley and Hikaru Shida. Dismissing the comparison, Konnan claimed that Shida had “no charisma”.
“Bro, comparing her to [Hikaru] Shida? Give me a break. I mean Shida is really, you know, really nothing happening there. No charisma,”
In other news: A major update has emerged on this former All Elite Wrestling tag-team champions’ future.