The wrestling landscape is always in flux, and sometimes, a return can feel like a seismic shift. Personally, I think the recent reappearance of Hikaru Shida on AEW Collision is a prime example of this. After a considerable absence from television, Shida stepping out to answer an open challenge for the TBS Championship isn't just a booking decision; it's a statement. It immediately signals that while she was away, she wasn't forgotten, and her return is poised to shake up the women's division.
What makes this particular return so intriguing to me is the timing and the immediate spotlight. Shida, a former three-time AEW Women's World Champion with an impressive 372-day reign under her belt, isn't someone who typically returns for a low-key appearance. Her stepping into a title contention situation right out of the gate suggests that AEW has big plans, or at least, they're hoping her star power will reignite interest. It’s easy to speculate about her time away, with reports of visa issues and a perceived lack of creative direction. However, from my perspective, this return erases those doubts and places her firmly back in the conversation, proving that sometimes, patience (or perhaps strategic planning) pays off.
It's easy to forget how dominant Shida was. Her extended championship reign wasn't just a placeholder; it was a period where she truly elevated the women's title and established herself as a cornerstone of the division. Her absence, while she remained active in Japan, left a noticeable void. The fact that she hadn't wrestled a match in 2026 before this appearance only adds to the surprise element. What this really suggests is that AEW might be looking to tap into that proven championship pedigree once again, injecting a much-needed dose of veteran presence and proven talent into a division that's constantly evolving.
From my perspective, the biggest question now isn't if Shida can still compete at a high level, but how AEW will utilize her unique strengths. Will this be a short-term boost to elevate another competitor, or are we looking at the beginning of another championship run? The commentary around her return has been minimal, which, in my opinion, allows the action to speak for itself. This is a wrestler who has earned her stripes, and her return to a championship scene feels earned, not given. It raises a deeper question about how wrestling promotions manage their talent during periods of absence – can they effectively reintroduce them to maintain momentum, or is it always a gamble? I'm eager to see how this plays out and if Shida can recapture the magic that made her such a dominant force in AEW.
