Update on Hikaru Shida AEW Status

Hikaru Shida remains absent from AEW programming even after resolving her visa issues, with a new update shedding light on her current status.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Shida is still not factored into any creative plans within AEW. The update came during a recent Fightful Select Answers Q&A session, where Sapp addressed fan questions about her whereabouts.

Hikaru Shida AEW Status

Despite being cleared to return and no longer dealing with visa complications, Shida has not been brought back to television. She is currently residing in Orlando, and there is no indication that she will be appearing on AEW programming in the immediate future.

The situation has raised questions, especially since many expected her visa resolution to be the final hurdle before her return. Sapp noted that the assumption internally and among fans was that once she could attend AEW tapings again—particularly with shows frequently held in Orlando—her reintegration into storylines would follow naturally. That has not happened.

Shida’s last appearance on AEW Dynamite came on November 20, 2024, where she was defeated by Kris Statlander. Since then, she has not appeared on AEW television. While she remained active in Japan throughout parts of 2025, she has yet to compete in a match at all in 2026.

Her absence is notable given her accomplishments within AEW. Shida is a three-time AEW Women’s World Champion, and her first reign lasted 372 days, making it one of the longest in the division’s history.

At this time, there is no clear explanation for why AEW has not reintroduced her into storylines. With no creative direction currently in place, Shida’s return timeline remains uncertain despite being available to compete.

Hikaru Shida re-signed with All Elite Wrestling in October 2025 on a new multi-year contract. Stay tuned for more.