Hikaru Shida has been absent from television since November 2024, although her work visa issues were reportedly resolved some time ago. She appeared to be ready for a return to the ring for AEW, but she has not made her comeback yet. In the latest Fightful Select Answers Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp addressed a fan's question about Shida's whereabouts.
According to Sapp, Shida’s situation has not changed; she is currently living at her home in Orlando, Florida. He also mentioned that AEW has "no creative plans" for her at this time. It remains unclear why AEW has not attempted to incorporate Shida into any storylines. Sapp had previously believed that once her visa issues were resolved and she was backstage at an AEW TV taping in Orlando, Shida would be reintroduced into AEW programming. Unfortunately, that has not happened.
Shida, a three-time former AEW Women's World Champion, last appeared on the November 20, 2024, episode of Dynamite, where she lost to Kris Statlander. She participated in several matches in Japan last year but has not wrestled in 2026.
