Hikaru Shida has been absent from AEW since this past November. Shida had announced this past April that she was returning to Japan to get her work visa renewed and wrestle a few matches in the country.
In a recent Twitch stream, Kenny Omega provided an update on Shida’s current abscense in AEW stating that she is still dealing with getting her visa renewed that is taking longer than expected. Omega also stated that he has been taking care of her cat while she has been away from her home in the United States.
“Shida, it’s unfortunate, every couple of years, everyone has to go back to their home country and re-up their visa. I would’ve hated for her cats to have been alone for who knows how long because you never really know how long the process is going to take. In this case, it’s taking quite a while. Her cats get separation anxiety and don’t like being alone. Dobby [Kenny’s cat] is generally very gentle. They do get along. It’s nice and it’s fun. I would do it anytime. It’s not a chore.”
It is currently not known when Shida will be returning to AEW television.
Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

AEW Dynamite Results – Jan. 28, 2026 – Davis & Doyle vs. FTR, Mark Briscoe vs. El Clon, Kris Statlander vs. Thekla
Elayna Black on Her Being Initially Hesitant To Sign with TNA Due To Their Partnership with WWE
Hangman Page on Him & JetSpeed’s Potential Trios Team Name & His Belief Kevin Knight & “Speedball” Mike Bailey Are Two of The Best Signings AEW Has Ever Made




