Hikaru Shida Returns to AEW Collision, Challenges Willow Nightingale
Hikaru Shida made a surprise return to All Elite Wrestling during the taping of the April 2, 2026, episode of Collision, answering Willow Nightingale’s open challenge for the TBS Championship. The appearance marked Shida’s first on AEW television in over a year, following a period of competition in Japan, Wrestling News Source reports. Shida’s return addresses lingering questions about her status with the company after resolving unspecified visa issues.
Match Results and Notable Moments
The April 2 episode of Collision, taped in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, featured several other matches. AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR defeated Mo Jabai and London Lightning, but were then attacked by Adam Copeland and Christian Cage, who engaged in a brawl with FTR and security. AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions Megan Bayne and Lena Kross were victorious over Ava Lawless and Kristara. Tommaso Ciampa defeated Juice Robinson in singles competition, and Mark Davis and Andrade El Idolo triumphed over The Rascalz.
Ospreay Attacks Moxley After Continental Championship Match
In a significant title bout, AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley defeated Anthony Bowens in a title eliminator match. However, the match wasn’t the end of the story. Immediately following the victory, Will Ospreay attacked Moxley, grabbing a chair as The Death Riders intervened to pull Moxley out of the ring, according to Ringside News. This sets the stage for a potential feud between the two top stars.
Eight-Man Tornado Tag Team Action
An eight-man tornado tag team match also took place, with Orange Cassidy, Mistico, Kevin Knight, and Roderick Strong emerging victorious against David Finlay, Clark Connors, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta. The fast-paced, multi-person bout added another layer of excitement to the taping, Cageside Seats noted.
Shida’s AEW History and Return Significance
Shida is a three-time AEW Women’s World Champion, having held the title for 372 days during her most prominent reign. Her absence from AEW programming was notable, as she continued to wrestle in Japan. The timing of her return is particularly interesting, given Toni Storm’s recent departure from the company, potentially creating an opening for Shida to re-establish herself as a major force in the women’s division. Her return provides immediate depth to AEW’s women’s roster, and presents an intriguing storyline opportunity.
Impact on the TBS Championship Picture
Willow Nightingale’s reign as TBS Champion has been marked by open challenges, and Shida’s acceptance of that challenge immediately elevates the stakes. While Nightingale ultimately retained her title, Shida’s presence signals a renewed focus on the women’s division and promises future compelling matchups. The result of the match, with Nightingale pinning Shida, demonstrates the TBS champion’s resilience and sets a clear direction for her ongoing title defense.
Looking Ahead for AEW Collision
The April 2 episode of Collision, set to air on TNT and Max, promises a dynamic follow-up to the April 1 episode of Dynamite. The return of Hikaru Shida and the escalating tensions between Moxley and Ospreay are key storylines to watch as AEW continues to build towards its upcoming events. For more on the world of professional wrestling, read more on Globally Pulse Entertainment.
According to Fightful, the show aired from the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, MB.
