What's Happening?
Hikaru Shida, a former AEW Women's Champion, made a surprise return to AEW Collision, which aired on a special Thursday slot instead of its usual Saturday. Shida, who had not wrestled for AEW since November 2024, answered an open challenge for the TBS
Championship issued by Willow Nightingale. Shida's return is notable as she holds the record for the longest reign with the AEW Women's Championship, having held the title for 372 days between May 2020 and 2021. Her recent wrestling activities were limited to a few matches in Japan, and her appearance at Collision marks her first AEW match in 2026. It remains unclear whether Shida's return is a one-time event or if she plans to continue wrestling with AEW.
Why It's Important?
Shida's return to AEW is significant for the wrestling community, as she is a well-respected figure with a strong fan base. Her involvement could boost viewership and interest in AEW Collision, especially given her history with the company. For AEW, retaining or re-engaging popular wrestlers like Shida can enhance its competitive edge against other wrestling promotions. Additionally, her return could influence storylines and championship dynamics within AEW, potentially leading to new rivalries and matches that could attract more viewers and increase engagement with the brand.
What's Next?
The future of Shida's involvement with AEW remains uncertain, but her return could lead to further appearances and matches. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if AEW announces any new storylines or matches involving Shida. The company's decision on her role could impact its programming strategy and audience engagement. AEW may also use this opportunity to explore new marketing and promotional strategies to capitalize on Shida's popularity.
