Ex-AEW Women’s Champion Brushes Off Retirement Talk, Signs New Contract

A former AEW Champion is closing on a return to action.

After signing with AEW in 2019, Hikaru Shida played a key role in establishing the women’s division while becoming a three-time World Champion. However, the star hasn’t wrestled for the company in 2025, recently highlighting that she’s dealing with visa issues.

Away from the ring, Shida has been regularly performing in the theatre since 2014, but it was her most recent role that got fans talking. Shida has been playing the main role in a production of “Retirement,” which tells the story of a professional wrestler who announces the end of their career.

This sparked speculation that Shida was also on the brink of ending her own wrestling career, but it seems that isn’t the case. In a new YouTube video, Shida confirmed that instead of hanging up her boots, she’s recently signed a new AEW contract.

“Actually, after the show many fans asked me like ‘Are you retiring or is it just a play?’

Of course it’s just a play. I’m not retiring,” she clarified. “I just renewed my Visa and contract so I’m not retiring.”

Britt Baker’s AEW Absence Continues

Meanwhile, Britt Baker recently took to social media to thank fans for their support as her own absence continues. The star said that everyone is so quick to call out trolls on the platform, but she wanted to take a second to appreciate those who have stayed by her side.

The comments come after it was confirmed that Baker remains under contract with AEW, despite her lack of appearances. The former Women’s Champion is said to be open to a return, and she isn’t injured. If earlier injury time is added, Baker could stay All Elite into 2027.

Baker’s most recent appearance came on the November 13 edition of Dynamite, where she beat Penelope Ford.

After the match, she was confronted by Serena Deeb, but Baker controversially dismissed her, repeating the phrase “no one cares” into the camera after the star made her entrance.

H/t to WrestlingNews.Co