Mercedes Mone has spoken about her return to AEW, along with the rumours surrounding her absence from the ring.
The CEO made her first appearance on AEW TV for the first time in over 5 months on the June 3 Dynamite. Revealed to be the wildcard entry in the Owen Hart Tournament, The CEO defeated Alex Windsor to advance to the next round, which will see Mone face Hazuki.
As is the case with many top stars, the rumour mill went into overdrive as Mone remained off TV. From alleged contract issues to a possible pregnancy, fans had their theories as to why they hadn’t seen Mone in a number of months. However, according to Mone, none of these was true.
Writing in her Moné Mag, Mone stated that she felt “better than ever” following her return. The former TBS Champion also added that, despite the rumours, she just wanted to enjoy her vacation:
“I’m back and I feel better than ever.
Almost 6 months away. I’ve never had a break that long that wasn’t due to injury and after 16 years it was the first time I got to truly relax and have no worries.
But one thing I realized during that time away?
I missed wrestling so much.
Especially that AEW.
While I was gone I saw all the rumors.
‘Oh she’s pregnant.’
‘Oh contract issues.’
‘Oh she’s leaving.’
‘Oh this.’
‘Oh that.’
Oh…
NOTHING.
Can I enjoy my vacation in peace?
Can a woman have a period and be bloated?
Can I enjoy my time off without speculation and rumors?
One thing I also learned is there’s nobody more impatient than wrestling fans.
Y’all are the type of people who look up the ending of a movie before finishing it. You love not being surprised. You love not being present and fully in the moment because you’re so caught up in the fantasy.
But now the wait is over.”
Mone also doubled down on previous claims, stating that she was simply waiting for the right opportunity.
“I wasn’t gone because of injuries.
I wasn’t gone because of contract issues.
I was simply waiting for the right time.”
Mercedes Mone Back Following Extended AEW Absence
Prior to her return, Mone last competed on the final Dynamite of 2025. Dropping the title to Willow Nightingale, Mone saw her record-breaking reign come to an end. While Mone had 14 championships at one point, the TBS Title loss was part of her downfall, which slowly saw her drop the championships in respective promotions.
With the 2026 Owen Hart Tournament now underway, Mone has no championships to her name. Mone won the 2025 Owen Hart Cup, but was unable to capitalise and capture the Women’s Championship at All In: Texas later in the year.
Featured image: AEW
