The longest-reigning AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida is of many talents. The 32-year-old athlete recently recalled her early days in martial arts and combat sports.

In her childhood, Shida practiced both Judo and Kendo. She even went to Third-Dan in Kendo, which requires at least 4 years of training. Following Martial Art, Shida tried her hand in acting.

She was part of an Idol Group in Japan. However, her life changed when she acted in “Three Count,” a film about professional wrestling featuring veteran wrestlers.

Shida was so intrigued that she started training under her co-star and fellow AEW wrestler Emi Sakura. She started her professional wrestling career in 2008 and has been wrestling all over the world ever since.

Recently she shared a throwback picture of her in a ‘judogi’ (traditional uniform used for Judo practice and competition) and looked back at her association with combat sports. “Long time since I wore Judo-gi last time..!! Judo – 9 years, Kendo – 7 years, Pro wrestling – 12 years,” she wrote.

Hikaru Shida is “living her dream” in AEW

After her debut in AEW in May 2019, Shida quickly rose to the top. She defeated Nyla Rose to win her title. In her latest title defense, Hikaru Shida defeated Ryo Mizunami at AEW Revolution.

While speaking to Sports Illustrated, Shida revealed what drives her to be the best. “We’re proving our division has the power to carry the show,” Shida said. “That drives me. And I always had a dream to work internationally since I was a child, so, I am living my dream right now.”

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She also spoke about how she got into the squared circle from the world of glitz and glamour. “I was supposed to quit wrestling after I finished filming a movie based on wrestling,” Shida says. “I had always been a sports player since I started judo when I was three years old but became sick of it as I grew older.”

“After watching my movie and seeing myself as a pro wrestler, I became inspired. After that, I began to wrestle seriously, not just as an actor,” Shida concluded.

Hikaru Shida will have her next title defense at AEW Double or Nothing in May. She won her title at last year’s event.

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