Hikaru Shida has ended months of speculation about her future with All Elite Wrestling. The former AEW Women’s World Champion confirmed during a YouTube livestream that she has renewed her contract with the company.
Shida, who hasn’t appeared on AEW programming since November 2024, addressed rumors that she might be retiring from the ring after shifting focus to stage acting in Japan. She made it clear that her acting career does not mean she’s walking away from wrestling. She also confirmed she has successfully renewed her U.S. visa, clearing the way for her AEW return.
“Many fans have asked me ‘are you retiring, or just playing?’ Of course it’s just play, I’m not retiring. I just renewed my visa and contract,” Shida said. “I’m not retiring, but fans asked me, so that means my acting is too good.”
Her last AEW match aired on the November 20, 2024 episode of Dynamite, where she lost to Kris Statlander. While absent from AEW, she has stayed active in Japan, most recently wrestling for OZ Academy on September 7, 2025.
As Shida’s return path becomes clear, another AEW star faces uncertainty. ROH World Champion Bandido revealed on October 3 that he suffered a dislocated shoulder during a title defense against Hechicero at CMLL’s Viernes Espectacular. The injury happened in a grueling 23-minute match, their second clash after facing off at Death Before Dishonor in August.
Bandido retained the belt but required medical care afterward. He later posted a photo on Instagram with his arm in a sling, writing, “My shoulder popped out and popped back into place.” The setback puts his availability for upcoming AEW shows in doubt.
That includes a marquee tag team match already announced for Dynamite, where Bandido was set to team with Brody King as “Brodido” against Konosuke Takeshita and Kazuchika Okada. With his injury, the status of that match is now unclear.
What role do you see for Hikaru Shida when she finally steps back into AEW? Share your thoughts in the comments, and keep following Wrestling Noticias for updates as these stories develop.