Hikaru Shida Absent AEW Amid Visa Renewal, Kenny Omega Cares for Cats

Hikaru Shida, a three-time AEW Women's World Champion, has been absent from AEW television since November 20, 2024, due to visa renewal issues that require her to stay in Japan. Kenny Omega, AEW Executive Vice President and International Champion, revealed during a Twitch stream that Shida's visa process is taking longer than expected, which has delayed her return to the United States. During this period, Omega has been caring for Shida's cats, noting that they have separation anxiety and get along well with his cat, Dobby. Shida has remained active in Japan, competing for various wrestling promotions despite her AEW hiatus. It remains unclear when Shida will be able to resume wrestling on AEW programming. Omega expressed empathy for the situation and described taking care of the cats as a pleasant responsibility rather than a chore.