Hold onto your kendo sticks, folks, because we’ve got some electrifying news from the world of AEW! Hikaru Shida has made a triumphant return to AEW programming, and she’s done it in spectacular fashion. After a six-month hiatus from AEW and nearly three months since her last Ring of Honor match, Shida announced her entry into the 2024 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament just two weeks ago via a dramatic video package. On Saturday night’s “AEW Collision,” she emerged victorious, pinning Deonna Purrazzo to advance to the semifinals. What a comeback!
This was the first-ever in-ring clash between Shida and Purrazzo. The match lasted nine intense minutes before Purrazzo fell victim to Shida’s thunderous Katana, which eliminated her from the tournament in the first round. There was a moment of concern when Shida appeared to suffer a shoulder injury during the contest. The nature of the injury, whether legitimate or part of the storyline, remains unclear. But the drama didn’t stop there—post-match, Purrazzo attacked Shida and was poised to strike with Shida’s own kendo stick. Enter Thunder Rosa, who rushed down to make the save, continuing the heated rivalry between Rosa and Purrazzo. Talk about high stakes!
The winner of the Women’s Owen Hart Cup gets a shot at the women’s world title at All In at Wembley Stadium. This venue holds a special place in Shida’s heart, as it’s where her second title reign ended last year at the hands of Saraya. If reigning champion “Timeless” Toni Storm retains the title until August 25, a Storm vs. Shida matchup at Wembley would be a blockbuster. Storm ended Shida’s third title reign last November at Full Gear, making them the only women to have held the championship three times each. Storm is also closing in on Shida’s record for combined days as champion. If she makes it to All In with the belt, she’ll be just two weeks shy of breaking that record, making Wembley Shida’s potential last stand to defend her legacy and clinch a record fourth title reign. The stakes couldn’t be higher!
But Shida’s path to Wembley isn’t a cakewalk. She’ll face either Saraya or Storm’s disciple Mariah May in the semifinals. Saraya and May will clash this Sunday on the Forbidden Door Zero Hour pre-show. After that, Shida will have to conquer the winner of the grudge match between Willow Nightingale and Kris Statlander, set to go down next Wednesday on “AEW Dynamite: Beach Break.” It’s a tough road, but if anyone can do it, it’s Hikaru Shida!