Hikaru Shida Says She Renewed Visa and New Deal, Not Retiring

AEW has not confirmed her contract or return plans.

Overview

On an Oct. 3 YouTube livestream, Shida told fans she renewed her visa and her contract and emphasized she is not retiring.
Her comments followed a MAKAI stage role in Japan titled “Retirement,” which some fans misread as a real announcement.
She has been off AEW television since her last match in November of last year, with visa issues cited during her absence.
On Oct. 2, she indicated at an airport that she was eager to return to the United States after time away.
Fightful and Cageside Seats reported her livestream remarks and suggested the new deal is likely with AEW, though the company has not announced details or booking plans.