Hikaru Shida Reveals Real Reason She Was Removed From Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
Hikaru Shida was removed from the Owen Hart tournament because of injury
May 16, 2022
During Friday's episode of AEW Rampage, it was announced that Hikaru Shida was out of the Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament through an injury sustained during the recent street fight with Serena Deeb.
As as result, Kris Statlander was announced as Shida's replacement in the tournament and will face Red Velvet on this Friday's Rampage.
However, it appears there has been some miscommunication between AEW and their former Women's World Champion, as Shida took to Twitter to claim she isn't injured.
"Well…. I already had 4 matches after the street fight and just finished the greatest fighting musical show. But I seem to have been injured… Japanese wrestling is nothing for them. I’m so sorry. And sorry couldn’t be in the tournament too," she tweeted.
Shida followed that up by noting she is glad Statlander is in the tournament and that she was going to enjoy "sudden holidays in Japan" because it's been a while since she had some.
Then, Shida once again claimed she isn't injured, suggesting the only reason she was removed from the tournament is because she wasn't in the country for a doctor's check up following the aforementioned street fight: "After my Philadelphia street fight a doctor check from AEW was required to participate in the Owen Hart Cup. And I couldn't re-enter the country in time. I'm so sorry to disappoint everyone. These difficulties sometimes happen with international talents. I feel healthy and never story trying to improve. Please cheer for Kris [Statlander] while I do my best in Japan. Holy Shida will be back soon."