Hikaru Shida became a two-time AEW women's champion earlier this month when she defeated Toni Storm on the 200th episode of Dynamite.
The moment was a far cry from her first title win, when she defeated Nyla Rose in front of no fans at Double or Nothing 2020.
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Shida described the unbelievable moment she captured AEW Women's Championship for the second time.
Related: AEW announces match based on iconic horror franchise
"It was like a dream," Shida said. "Next morning when I woke up I thought, 'Oh no, It was a dream'. But it's not. I'm really happy and it was the greatest moment in my life."
Looking back on her first title reign which took place during the pandemic, Shida said: "It was so hard.
"Of course I watched social media and I could see what fans said, but it was kind of scary because I couldn't hear anything and I really didn't know what fans thought about my reign.
"But the hard times made me stronger and much better."
Related: Willow Nightingale on differences between AEW shows and Ring of Honor
Comparing her first win to beating Storm at Dynamite 200, Shida added: "I actually heard the fans' reaction and it was crazy. I felt like I had been wrestling for this moment, it was so special."
Shida's title win means she now walks into AEW's biggest show ever, All In at Wembley Stadium, as the AEW women's champion where she'll defend her title in a four-way match against Toni Storm, Saraya, and Britt Baker.
Speaking about the event, Shida said: "I feel some pressure but not like before. I feel I'm so ready for the biggest moment."
Catch AEW Dynamite live every Thursday at 1am in the UK and Rampage every Saturday at 3am on FITE with an AEW Plus subscription. US customers can also watch Dynamite on TBS and Rampage on TNT, and in the UK, Dynamite repeats air on ITV4.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stephanie is a writer who specialises in pro wrestling, covering everything from AEW and WWE to NJPW.
After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she went on to study journalism at Birbeck University.
Outside of her journalism work Stephanie is also a YouTube content creator focusing on AEW and interviewing talent from AEW, WWE, and across the indie wrestling scene. She has also worked for Revolution Pro Wrestling as a backstage interviewer and commentator.
