On the 200th episode of AEW Dynamite, Hikaru Shida became a two-time AEW Women's World Champion after defeating Toni Storm in the main event. Shida found herself in the main event spot once again this week on Dynamite after she successfully defended her championship against Anna Jay, securing her spot in the upcoming four-way match for the AEW Women's Championship at AEW All In from London's Wembley Stadium.
Shida is now headed into what AEW is billing as "The Biggest Event in Wrestling History" as their Women's World Champion.
We talked recently about going into the massive event as champion, her emotions following her second title victory, working on her promos, and more.
The two-time champ
Shida believed her win over Storm "was the greatest moment in my life."
The first time Shida became champion was back in 2020 during the pandemic as she defeated Nyla Rose in a no DQ, no countout match at Double or Nothing. That year, the pay-per-view was held in Jacksonville, Florida's Daily's Place with no audience.
Shida explained that winning a second time was great because she was able to share that moment with the fans.
"I was so happy I could hear the cheer of the fans. That moment was the best, I felt like it was a dream," she explained.
The other major difference between her first title reign and the second is that the first time around, she wasn't able to do a lot of things due to her not being able to speak English fluently.
Therefore, her becoming champion once again came as a surprise to her and was one she didn't expect.
"Of course, I always wanted to. The first time I became champion, it had only been six months since I moved here. So there were a lot of things I couldn't do. For example, the interviews, I did not feel comfortable because I worried about my English. Now I am feeling much much better, I can relax and I can talk what I want to. So I always felt there were a lot of things I couldn't do as champion. I really didn't expect it happening, especially right before our biggest show. So I was so surprised, but I did it."
Shida shared that she does feel pressure holding the title and being the face of the division, but sees that as a positive attribute.
"Yeah, there are a lot of pressures. But I had the pressure before though in the last (title reign). But I know the pressure made me more stronger and better. I really think pressure is good, feeling pressure is good, and this pressure makes me more stronger and a much better wrestler so, yeah, I am ok with that."
In this reign, Shida has two goals. The first is she wants to do an in-ring promo in English and the second is she wants to wrestle many women in AEW and build more rivalries.
"What I want to do in this second reign is what I couldn't do before. The interviews is one of those and I really want to do a promo in the ring. That's what I couldn't before because I worried about my English. Now I feel I can do that. Of course, I want to wrestle many girls in AEW. I want to build more rivalries. In Japan, we have many matches before the title match and we build the storylines, I'd be happy if I can do that in this reign too."
Shida shared her thoughts on how she feels about the women's division.
"We're getting so good now. In the division, we have so many talented wrestlers and I did get to main event Dynamite for two weeks. I think it's a big change and it's gonna be better and better."
All In
Shida explained that the most difficult thing for her is imagining how big Wembley Stadium is going to be. She also added that all her time in AEW and all the experiences she has had in the company have mentally prepared her for wrestling in front of 80,000 fans.
"I think I am ready, I don't feel anxiety or uncomfortable things, I am just excited," she said.
While on the topic of the four-way title match, Shida made sure to mention that she hopes to see Britt Baker in the match if she qualifies Wednesday with a win over The Bunny.
"I really hope Britt Baker is going to be there. Because like I said, this is the biggest show in our history and me and Britt Baker were members from the very beginning, so we're original. We are not like friends (laughs). but I feel something special connecting with Britt Baker and I know how she would feel standing at Wembley Stadium. She wrestled from the very first pay-per-view and this is a big moment for us, for AEW. I know the feeling, so I hope she is there."
What would it mean to her to retain the AEW Women's Championship at All In?
"Always, since I was a child, I always wanted to do something and to do something in history. I wanted my name to be in history. I didn't know how, but I really want it and I really feel that moment is coming."
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