Hikaru Shida’s AEW Absence Explained—Backstage Update on Contract & Visa Plans

Hikaru Shida isn’t going anywhere—at least not for the next few years. The former AEW Women’s World Champion has re-signed with All Elite Wrestling and renewed her work visa, ending months of uncertainty about her future in the company.

According to Fightful Select, Shida’s contract is a multi-year deal, keeping her locked in as a core part of AEW’s women’s division moving forward. While fans have been wondering why she hasn’t been seen on AEW TV in recent months, it turns out her absence had more to do with paperwork than booking.

Sources indicated that Shida remains incredibly well-respected within the promotion. The locker room apparently missed her during her time off, and several people praised her professionalism and dedication behind the scenes.

Her absence from AEW Worlds End 2024 reportedly came as a surprise, especially since the show took place in her home area. Still, with her visa issues now resolved and her contract locked in, there’s no reason to expect any further setbacks.

Despite being off AEW television since her loss to Kris Statlander in November 2024, Shida hasn’t been idle. She’s been keeping her skills sharp by wrestling in Japan throughout 2025, remaining an active force internationally until her AEW return is confirmed.

AEW has yet to reveal exactly when fans can expect to see Shida back on Dynamite or Collision, but the door is clearly wide open. With her contract secured and no legal or visa hurdles in her way, it’s just a matter of when—not if—Shida steps back into an AEW ring.