Mercedes Mone had been missing from AEW television for close to six months. The CEO saw her record-setting TBS title reign come to an end at the hands of Willow Nightingale on the final episode of Dynamite of 2025. A week later, she was left embarrassed by Nightingale and Kris Statlander, which eventually led her to announce her hiatus from the company in January 2026.
After taking a break, Mone chose to go on a global tour to defend multiple titles in her collection. However, her Mone Madness Tour culminated in March with The Ultimo Mone losing every belt, while also hinting at her return to All Elite Wrestling.
“I’m returning (to AEW) really really soon. But right now I am on my Moné Madness Tour all over Europe. First it started in Mexico, now here in Italy, next stop is Paris, then London, then Poland, then Winnipeg. After that Mama is gonna return home.”-H/T Ysavva on X
However, the wrestling fans had to wait another two months before they saw Mone on AEW television. Her much-awaited return took place on the June 3 episode of Dynamite when she was revealed as the Wild Card in the Owen Hart Foundation Cup tournament. She defeated NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Alex Windsor in a classic showdown and advanced to the semi-finals. Following her victory, Mone released a major defiant statement.
“I don’t return for opportunities. I return for what’s mine 🖤🤑
With the CEO back in her home field, here are five possible reasons Tony Khan decided that it was time for Mercedes Mone to return to AEW.
#5. Blockbuster match for AEW’s upcoming pay-per-view
Mercedes Mone’s first return match saw her compete and defeat Alex Windsor in the opening round of the Owen Hart Foundation Cup tournament. Similarly, the tournament saw Athena pick up the win over Mina Shirawaka at the AEW Double or Nothing 2026 pay-per-view. Both women are currently one match away from reaching the tournament finals, which are set to take place at AEW’s next pay-per-view, Forbidden Door, on June 28. The two former WWE superstars are no strangers in the ring, having competed against each other before. Interestingly, their last singles encounter was the semi-final match in the Owen Cup last year and was one of the most captivating AEW matches of all time. Witnessing the reception of the bout, Tony Khan might want to run it back, this time as the finals of the Owen Cup 2026 at a major PPV event like Forbidden Door.
#4. Lack of star power in the women’s division
It can be argued that AEW’s women’s division was missing major star power. While it has some rising stars like Thekla, Kris Statlander, and Hikaru Shida, they may not be on the same level as Mercedes Mone, a world-renowned name in professional wrestling and the entertainment world. So, it could have been a huge reason for Tony Khan to bring back one of his biggest women’s stars to build up new stars and get back eyeballs on the division moving forward.
#3. Mercedes Mone’s return might boost AEW’s low ticket sales for All In 2026
Amid Mercedes Mone’s absence from All Elite Wrestling, Tony Khan and his regime had already begun hyping and promoting All In 2026, their biggest show of the year. It is set to take place on August 30 at Wembley Stadium in London, England. However, unlike previous years, the Jacksonville-based promotion is currently struggling with low ticket sales as of now. This could have been a major reason for Khan to bring back one of his marquee stars, Mercedes Mone, who is known as a major draw, and her star power might lead to a significant boost in All In ticket sales this year.
#2. Replacement for Timeless Toni Storm
AEW’s women’s division suffered a major blow with the exit of Timeless Toni Storm from television. The Hollywood Starlet was found ambushed on the Dynamite after the Revolution 2026 pay-per-view in March. Moreover, follow-up reports hinted that she is expected to be out for the remainder of the year. This left a significant void in the women’s division, as Toni Storm is considered one of their biggest draws. Having suffered from the effects of Storm’s absence for months, Tony Khan brought the perfect replacement in Mercedes Mone to fill that spot in All Elite Wrestling.
#1. Build a compelling redemption storyline leading up to All In
Right before Mercedes Mone‘s hiatus from AEW, she began to experience a huge decline in her wrestling career. From her TBS title reign coming to an end to losing every single title in collection one after the other, the dominant Mone’s run as a top star suffered a major setback. Tony Khan bringing her back a few months before their premier event, All In 2026, could be seen as a masterstroke to build a highly captivating redemption storyline, which could end with Mone regaining her dominance and possibly becoming the new AEW Women’s World Champion.
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Edited by N.S Walia