Former AEW Women’s World Champion Hikaru Shida has been absent from AEW programming since November 2024, and now the Japanese star has provided a long-awaited update on her status.
In a new video uploaded to her YouTube channel, Shida confirmed that she is currently in Japan working through the visa renewal process, which has kept her sidelined in recent months.
“I really hope to [return soon]. 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,” Shida explained. “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.”
Shida, one of the most celebrated champions in AEW history, has continued to engage with fans via social media and YouTube during her time away. Earlier this year, she also shared that Kenny Omega has been taking care of her cats while she remains in Japan.
While there is no confirmed return date, Shida’s update offers hope that her comeback could be on the horizon once her visa is processed. Her absence has been felt in AEW’s women’s division, and fans are eager to see the return of one of its founding stars.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more updates on Hikaru Shida and all things AEW.
