Add as a preferred source on Google Mercedes Moné is officially back in AEW after nearly six months away from the company’s programming.
Her return came on the June 3 edition of AEW Dynamite in Richmond, Virginia, where “The CEO” was revealed as the Wild Card in the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament. Moné defeated Alex Windsor, the reigning NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, to advance to the next round.
The win also kept alive Moné’s chance to capture the Owen Cup for the second year in a row, as she won the 2025 tournament and is now looking to repeat the feat to secure a spot at AEW All In: London.
In a new edition of Moné Mag, Mercedes commented on her long stretch away from the ring and made a point to shut down the biggest rumors that surfaced during her absence.
“I’m back and I feel better than ever. Almost six 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 could really relax and not worry about anything.”
Moné also said that during that time away, she realized how much she missed wrestling, especially AEW.
Mercedes Moné has provided her comments regarding her return to AEW.
— Covalent TV (@TheCovalentTV) June 10, 2026
“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… pic.twitter.com/WPgWj1Zg4M
The former TBS Champion also made it clear she was bothered by speculation involving pregnancy, contract issues, and a possible exit from Tony Khan’s company.
“While I was away, I saw all the rumors. ‘She’s pregnant.’ ‘Contract issues.’ ‘She’s leaving.’ None of that. Can I enjoy my vacation in peace? Can a woman menstruate and get bloated? Can I enjoy my time off without speculation and rumors?”
Now, Moné already has her next challenge set. On last Saturday’s AEW Collision, Hazuki defeated Persephone to advance and face her in the tournament semifinals.
After the match, Moné attacked Persephone and also tried to go after Hazuki, but she ended up getting the worst of it, with the Stardom representative standing tall to close the segment.
It remains to be seen whether the break truly renewed Mercedes Moné, or whether Hazuki will be able to stop her march toward a second straight Owen Cup win.