Hikaru Shida reveals the reason for her absence from AEW

AEW Women’s World Champion, Hikaru Shida revealed that she is currently in Japan producing matches for the upcoming Women’s World Championship Eliminator Tournament.

Sorry I didn't show up on #AEWDynamite for a while but….. I’m working a lot for this!!!!!
And it’ve reminded me of my producing shows?
Stay tuned for AEW ladies!!

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— HIKARU SHIDA ?? ? (@shidahikaru) January 28, 2021

On this week’s Beach Break, the promotion announced the participants for the tournament, which featured both U.S. and Japanese brackets.

This February the #AEW Women's World Championship eliminator tournament begins! Here are your participants in this competition. pic.twitter.com/v9fqx8Q2b7

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 4, 2021

The Japenese brackets will feature wrestlers Tokyo Joshi Pro, ChokoPro, Marvelous and SEAdLINNNG. Proresu Today reported that the Japanese matches will take place with no fans present. The winner travelling stateside to face the winner of the U.S. bracket.

Shida revealed on Twitter that she is helping produce the matches taking place in Japan. The matches will be available to view on FITE TV and AEW’s YouTube channel.

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I’m in Japan now!!!! Of course it’s for AEW women’s tournament! pic.twitter.com/cHwKg5DRHO

— HIKARU SHIDA ?? ? (@shidahikaru) February 4, 2021

Hikaru Shida hasn’t appeared on AEW programming since New Year’s Smash. On January 6th when she successfully retained her title against Abadon.

What do you make of Hikaru Shida producing the matches for the Women’s World Championship Eliminator Tournament? Sound off in the comments below.