6 Potential storylines for AEW following last week's Dynamite (15th July 2020)

#3 Hikaru Shida Open Challenge

Hikaru Shida (left) being interviewed by Alex Marvez

Upon the promotion’s inception, AEW fans were promised a keen focus would be given to the women's division. Despite the early promise due to appearances by Aja Kong and a working agreement with Joshi promotions, the company has failed to deliver since the launch of Dynamite. The first champion of AEW's Women's division, Riho, was largely absent from TV until she dropped the title. Nyla Rose, meanwhile, proved to be a strong champion even though she lacked credible contenders.

The company has made some improvements to the division in recent weeks but there is still a long way to go. That being said, Hikaru Shida is a highly talented star and is primed for a successful run assuming she is given time to establish herself.

AEW will need to develop strong challengers for Shida or else her reign will face the same fate as that of Nyla Rose. On this week's episode of Dynamite, Shida delivered a promo many have interpreted as an open challenge. This could go a long way towards establishing her as a strong champion while adding depth to the women's division.

It would also create a focal point each week for the women's division as she looks to defend her title against a revolving door of challengers. Cody has already shown that this angle can work via his defense each week of the TNT title.

As discussed on the previous slide, Cody may soon end his open challenge. Which would open the door for Shida to take up the mantle for herself as AEW's resident fighting champion.