AEW Still Working On Riho's Return

Riho was the first-ever AEW Women’s World Champion, but she’s been off Dynamite since the pandemic started. She was in Japan when the borders closed, and that has not opened up enough for her to return. AEW is working on getting her back.

It was noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that AEW is “working on bringing Riho back.” There are some obvious issues when it comes to flying someone in from Japan.

Joe Biden’s new executive order will require quarantine time for anyone entering the United States. A negative COVID-19 test is also required. The test is not the issue for AEW, but a time in quarantine might be problematic.

The issue would be her moving from Japan to the U.S. most likely, although it’s not impossible for her to live in Japan, but it’s much tougher […] she could go back into society plus whatever ends up here. It makes sense her return would be for the women’s tournament

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Riho wrapped up her time in Stardom recently. AEW also wouldn’t let Riho lose any matches while working for that Japanese company.

AEW announced an upcoming Women’s Eliminator Tournament, but they did not reveal a start date. It is possible to have Riho back in the United States by February, but it will take some working around protocols in Japan and the United States.