Hikaru Shida has finally returned to AEW television. The former three-time AEW Women’s World Champion answered Willow Nightingale’s open challenge for the AEW TBS Championship at Wednesday night’s Collision taping in Winnipeg, marking her first AEW appearance since the November 20, 2024 edition of Dynamite where she lost to Kris Statlander.
Fan footage from the Canada Life Centre confirmed Shida’s return, with the crowd reacting strongly to her surprise appearance. Nightingale retained the TBS Championship, pinning Shida in the bout.
Hikaru Shida’s AEW Return Comes After Work Visa Issues Were Reportedly Resolved
Shida’s extended absence from AEW television had been attributed to work visa complications, though those issues were reportedly resolved some time ago. Despite being cleared, a recent Fightful Select report indicated that AEW had no immediate creative plans for her at that point — making her Winnipeg return all the more surprising. During her absence, Shida remained active in Japan, competing in multiple matches throughout 2025. Her return to AEW at a Dynasty build episode signals the company is ready to reintegrate one of its most celebrated women’s division performers back into meaningful programming.
