The Shining Samurai's Status: 5 Shocking Facts About Hikaru Shida's AEW Contract And Future

Hikaru Shida’s All Elite Wrestling (AEW) status has been a subject of intense speculation throughout 2025, fueled by a prolonged absence from US television and a surprising role in a Japanese stage play. As of mid-December 2025, the questions surrounding the three-time AEW Women's World Champion's future have been definitively answered, confirming that "The Shining Samurai" is not only staying with the company but is poised to reclaim her position at the top of the women's division.

The former champion's hiatus was due to a combination of international commitments and the crucial process of renewing her work visa, which culminated in her announcing a new multi-year deal with AEW. This fresh contract ensures that one of the promotion's most decorated and consistent performers will remain a cornerstone of the roster, setting the stage for an explosive return to the ring in the coming weeks.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Hikaru Shida

Before diving into the specifics of her current AEW status, it is essential to understand the multifaceted career of Hikaru Shida, a true veteran who brings a unique blend of martial arts discipline, acting prowess, and wrestling experience to the ring. Her background is unlike almost any other performer on the AEW roster.

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• Full Name: Hikaru Shida (志田 光)
• Date of Birth: June 11, 1988
• Hometown: Funabashi, Chiba, Japan
• Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
• Professional Debut: July 26, 2008
• Martial Arts Background: Shida trained extensively in both Judo and Kendo from a young age, disciplines that heavily influence her hard-hitting, striking-heavy wrestling style.
• Pre-Wrestling Career: She initially pursued an acting career, with her entry into professional wrestling actually being a way to further her acting work. Her first role was in the TV series *Muscle Venus*.
• Signature Moves: Katana (Running Knee Strike), Falcon Arrow, Three Count (Spinning Knee Strike), Soul Driver.
• AEW Accomplishments: Three-time AEW Women's World Champion. She holds the record for the longest single reign with the title (372 days) from 2020 to 2021.
• Other Major Championships: She is a former Oz Academy Openweight Champion, Ice Ribbon ICEx60 Champion, and a multiple-time tag team champion across various Japanese promotions.

The Truth Behind the "Retirement" Rumors and Contract Status

The biggest story surrounding Shida's status in 2025 was the widespread speculation that she was considering retirement, or at least leaving All Elite Wrestling. The reality, as confirmed in October 2025, is far more dramatic and unique, tying her acting career directly to her wrestling status.

The "Retirement" Stage Play Controversy

In September 2025, Hikaru Shida took on a lead role in a Japanese stage production titled "Retirement." The plot centered on a professional wrestler who announces her retirement, leading to a wave of online speculation that the play was a meta-announcement of Shida's actual departure from the sport.

This rumor gained traction because Shida had been largely absent from AEW programming since her last televised singles match—a loss to the current AEW Women's World Champion, Kris Statlander, on *AEW Dynamite* in November 2024. However, Shida quickly clarified that the play was purely an acting role and that she was not retiring.

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Multi-Year Deal and Visa Renewal Confirmed

The true reason for her prolonged hiatus was a necessary return to Japan to process her new US work visa and finalize a new contract. In a major update that ended all speculation, Shida announced in early October 2025 that she had officially renewed her work visa and signed a new multi-year contract with All Elite Wrestling.

This multi-year commitment signals Tony Khan's continued faith in Shida as a foundational pillar of the women's division. With the new deal secured, Shida returned to the United States, ready to immediately re-enter the competitive landscape of AEW.

What’s Next? Hikaru Shida’s Immediate Future in AEW

With her contract status stable and her visa issues resolved, Hikaru Shida's immediate future is centered on one goal: regaining the AEW Women's World Championship. Her return comes at a pivotal time, as the women's roster is arguably the deepest it has ever been, featuring a host of new and established stars.

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Targeting the Champions: Statlander and Mone

Shida's last major match was a loss to Kris Statlander, who currently holds the top prize. This history creates an immediate, compelling storyline for Shida's return. A feud with Statlander for the AEW Women's World Championship is a highly anticipated matchup that could headline a pay-per-view event.

Furthermore, the women's division now features the dominant Mercedes Mone, the current TBS Champion. A rivalry between the veteran "Shining Samurai" and "The CEO" would be a dream match for many fans, offering a fresh, high-profile program that could elevate the entire division. Shida is one of the few women on the roster with the credibility to stand opposite Mone immediately.

The Role of the Veteran Ace

Beyond the championship picture, Shida’s role is crucial for the overall development of All Elite Wrestling. She is widely regarded as an "Ace" or veteran leader, providing a top-tier opponent for rising stars and a reliable main event presence. Her presence will be essential in elevating newer talents like Skye Blue, Julia Hart, and Willow Nightingale through high-quality, competitive matches.

Her work in 2025, wrestling internationally in Japan, kept her sharp and allowed her to manage her personal and professional commitments while AEW's creative team plotted her impactful return. The multi-year deal is a statement that AEW views Shida not just as a former champion, but as a long-term investment and a permanent fixture in their global expansion strategy.

Key Takeaways on Shida’s Current Status

The saga of Hikaru Shida’s 2025 status has concluded with a major win for All Elite Wrestling and its fans. The key facts to know about her current position are:

• Contract: She signed a new, multi-year deal with AEW in October 2025.
• Hiatus Reason: Primarily due to a necessary US work visa renewal and international commitments, including a controversial Japanese stage play titled *Retirement*.
• Current Status: She is officially back in the United States and is expected to immediately re-enter the main event picture.
• Future Targets: An immediate challenge to the AEW Women's World Championship (held by Kris Statlander) or a high-profile feud with TBS Champion Mercedes Mone is highly likely.
• Legacy: As a three-time champion and the holder of the longest reign, she remains one of the most respected and established competitors in the entire company.

Hikaru Shida's journey through 2025 was a testament to her dedication, navigating visa complexities and even retirement rumors to secure her place in AEW. Her return to the ring promises to bring her signature blend of hard-hitting action and undeniable star power back to *AEW Dynamite*, *Rampage*, and *Collision* for years to come.