Mercedes Mone Reveals Bold Plans For AEW Return
Mercedes Mone is currently on a self-imposed hiatus from AEW TV.
Mone lost the TBS Championship to Willow Nightingale on the January 7, 2026, episode of Dynamite: New Year’s Smash. After dropping the title, she interrupted Nightingale’s celebration, but she got beaten up instead.
Upset over the defeat and perceived disrespect, she announced via a vignette on the January 10, 2026, Collision that she’s taking a break to “teach the women’s division a lesson,” vowing to return stronger and collect “more than titles.”
On January 23, 2026, Mercedes Moné posted an Instagram montage of her 2025 highlights, teasing a return to AEW TV. She claimed that she’ll “create a renaissance” when she returns in 2026. There is no set return date yet, but she is expected back soon.
“While everyone’s reminiscing about 2016, I’m still remembering the legacy I created in 2025. I’m already envisioning the renaissance I’ll create in 2026! #MonéMoves”
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Tony Khan Defends Mercedes Mone Against Major Accusations
Mercedes Mone continues to hold nine championships amassed during her 2025 “belt collector” spree. While her undeniable talent shines through, the rapid title acquisitions drew sharp backlash from fans and critics alike.
Many claimed that her swift hauls diminished the belts’ prestige, lacking substantial defenses to build their value. Some accused her of hogging opportunities from other talents, but Tony Khan firmly rejected those claims and defended her during a recent interview.
Mercedes is tremendous to work with, and I had been adamant about building Mercedes up and having Mercedes continue to win and win and win. Then finally, you have this match… Mercedes versus Toni Storm – the TBS champion versus the world champion for the world title… and Timeless Toni Storm picked up that great win.
They have incredible chemistry… I would expect to see them involved again down the line because they’re two of our greatest stars… there’s so much meat on that bone.
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