Mercedes Mone hasn’t wrestled for AEW a single time in 2026, but a new update indicates fans may not have to wait much longer for her return.
The former TBS Champion has been absent from AEW programming since dropping the title at New Year’s Smash, leading to months of speculation about her future with the company. While Mone remained active outside AEW and spent the first part of the year losing several championships she held elsewhere, she has yet to make an appearance back on AEW television.
According to a new Fightful Select update, Mone’s absence was always expected to last beyond AEW Dynasty. However, AEW officials still have plans for her, and those plans could have a major impact on the company’s top storylines.
It was said that Mone remains under contract with AEW and is still expected to return. While no exact timetable was provided, sources indicated that her eventual comeback is expected to carry significant implications near the top of the card.
The report also noted that a return could happen sooner rather than later. Fans should expect Mone back “relatively soon,” although there was no indication she had been spotted backstage at AEW programming as of June 3.
One interesting detail from the report involved training activity earlier in the day. Sources noted that someone was seen practicing moves commonly associated with Mone, leading to some speculation about a possible return. However, Fightful cautioned against reading too much into that observation.
As the report pointed out, plenty of wrestlers use running knees in today’s wrestling landscape, and other performers were also using stand-ins during rehearsals, including Alex Windsor working through material with a placeholder for Will Ospreay.
For now, the biggest takeaway is that Mercedes Mone is still part of AEW’s plans and her return appears to be on the horizon. After spending the entire year away from AEW television, her comeback could immediately shake up the championship picture whenever it happens.
What do you think AEW should do with Mercedes Mone when she returns? Should she be pushed right back into the title picture, or would you rather see her enter a major feud first? Let us know in the comments and share your thoughts.