AEW Fyter Fest 2020: Staff Predictions Roundtable Discussion
By Bryan Heaton
Hikaru Shida (c) vs. Penelope Ford, AEW Women’s World Championship
Bryan Heaton: At this time last month, I said that Nyla Rose hadn’t really been able to get her championship reign going, so it was likely that she’d retain the title at Double or Nothing. Whoops!
As such, I’m hesitant to say Hikaru Shida is still in the beginning stages of a lengthy run with the AEW Women’s World Championship. But the difference with a month ago was Shida being in a solid position to win the title — I think Penelope Ford still needs some time to grow a bit more. The injuries in the women’s division may have Ford in the title picture a bit too soon, so Shida should walk away with her title reign intact.
Chris Jeter: This is a big spot for the talented-but-green Ford, so I’m interested to see how she looks in this one. We’ll probably see plenty of interference from Kip Sabian to create some believable false finishes for the number one contender — though not so much that it bogs down the match — but, ultimately, Shida will overcome those shenanigans and pick up the win.
Jesse Velasquez: Hikaru Shida has been riding a hot streak in 2020, she now sits atop the throne of the AEW women’s division. Penelope Ford positioned herself for a title shot after pinning Shida in a tag team match on Dynamite. It’s far too early to take the championship off of Shida at this stage. In a highly competitive bout, the champ will retain.
Samantha Schipman: “The Bad Girl” has really stepped up as of late. She has improved a lot, but Shida is on a whole other level. I really enjoyed her beatdown of Ford on Dynamite as well Sabian getting decked. Shida retains, hopefully not in a squash. Also, Sabian will want revenge for his glasses and will get involved, but to no avail.