Hikaru Shida Reportedly Backstage At This Week’s AEW Dynamite

Hikaru Shida hasn’t been seen in AEW for a little while, though a new report notes that she was backstage at this week’s AEW Dynamite. Shida has not competed in AEW since November of 2024, when she lost a singles match to Kris Statlander. According to Fightful Select, the former AEW Women’s World Champion was backstage at this week’s show. She was said to be visiting according to sources in the company.

Shida has noted that she was renewing her visa back in October, and the new report notes that Shida had been working on getting said visa issues dealt with through much of 2025. Shida has also been working through some shoulder issues. The report notes that her absence from AEW Worlds End 2024 “turned heads” as it took place in Orlando, where she lives. This week’s Dynamite emanated from Orlando as well.

While Shida has not competed for AEW and didn’t make any appearances on TV, she has worked a number of matches in Japan during her time away from the company. Her most recent match was at Sonoko Kato’s retirement show for OZ Academy on November 23rd of last year. She teamed with Aja Kong, Chikayo Nagashima, and Nagisa Nozaki in an eight-person tag team win over Hiroyo Matsumoto, Rina Yamashita, VENY, and Yuki Kamifuku.

There is no word as of now regarding when Shida may next appear on AEW TV.