Hikaru Shida has clarified why she had to missed the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament in AEW.
AEW announced that Shida, who was scheduled to wrestle Red Velvet in the tournament, was out due to an injury suffered in her street fight against Serena Deeb on April 27. Kris Statlander was announced as her replacement in the tournament.
Originally, Shida took to social media to say that she had wrestled four times in Japan since the street fight and apologized to fans.
She clarified her comments, saying she couldn't re-enter the country in time, but she feels healthy. You can view her full statement below.
“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 stop trying to improve.
Please cheer for Kris [Statlander] while I do my best in Japan!
Holy Shida will be back soon
#AEW pic.twitter.com/2Rf94KZk9t
— HIKARU SHIDA 志田 光 (@shidahikaru) May 14, 2022
Red Velvet and Kris Statlander's match is currently set for Friday, May 20. Click here to see the updated card for next Friday's show.
