Hikaru Shida’s return to AEW is great. After a nearly six-month hiatus and losing to ROH Women’s Champion Athena on the Super Honors card, Shida resurfaced with renewed energy and strength. Announcing her entry into the 2024 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament via a compelling video package, Shida set the stage for her grand comeback.
Her match against Deonna Purrazzo on AEW Collision was the highlight of the evening, marking their first-ever in-ring encounter. The nine-minute battle was intense, filled with high stakes and powerful maneuvers. Shida’s signature move, the thunderous Katana, sealed Purrazzo’s fate, advancing Shida to the semifinals. Yet, the victory came with a price, as Shida appeared to suffer a shoulder injury during the match. Whether this injury was legitimate or a storyline twist remains shrouded in mystery.
The Path to Wembley: A Tale of History and Revenge
Women’s Cup winner Owen Hart receives the Women’s World Championship at the All-Star Game at Wembley Stadium. For Shida, this game is not just a championship; About rewriting history. Her second title reign ended at Wembley last year, courtesy of Saraya. As fate would have it, Shida might face Saraya once more, assuming Saraya overcomes her first-round opponent, Mariah May.
The stakes are even higher considering the reigning champion, “Timeless” Toni Storm, who might still hold the title come August 25. A potential Storm vs. Shida matchup would be historic. Storm ended Shida’s third title reign at Full Gear in November, making them the only women to have held the championship three times. Storm is also on the brink of breaking Shida’s record for combined days as champion, setting the stage for a potentially epic showdown at Wembley.
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A Rivalry Renewed
Adding fuel to the fire, the post-match events on AEW Collision intensified the existing rivalries. After her defeat, Purrazzo attacked Shida, aiming to strike her with her kendo stick. The timely intervention of Thunder Rosa saved Shida, continuing the heated rivalry between Rosa and Purrazzo. This unexpected twist not only highlighted the animosity between the competitors but also set up future confrontations that promise to be as electrifying as this one.
The Road Ahead: Semifinals and Beyond
To reach Wembley, Shida must first navigate through a series of formidable opponents. She faces either Saraya or Mariah May in the semifinals, with Saraya and May scheduled to clash on the Forbidden Door Zero Hour pre-show. The winner of this match will meet Shida, presenting a significant hurdle on her path to the final.
Simultaneously, the grudge match between Willow Nightingale and Kris Statlander, set to take place on AEW Dynamite: Beach Break, will determine the other semifinalist. Each of these competitors presents unique challenges, but Shida’s resolve and experience could prove decisive.
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The Emotions and Fire of a Champion
The True Journey is a sign of strength and determination. Her return not only saved her career but also ignited the hearts of wrestling fans around the world. Her emotions during the game, as well as the intensity of the competition and personal turmoil, make the story even deeper. Shida’s quest for recovery, her battle with injury, and her determination to regain her title and defend her streak have made her an interesting figure in the wrestling world.
As Shida continues her Owen Hart Women’s Cup run, each match brings her closer to Wembley and a shot at the prestigious title. The journey is full of emotion, drama, and great moments, ensuring that wrestling fans are treated to an exciting ride filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable moments.
