Mercedes Moné, a prominent figure currently on a wrestling hiatus, recently clarified why she was not part of WWE’s 2026 Royal Rumble event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Formerly a WWE wrestler and now a leading star under Tony Khan’s AEW banner, Moné confirmed to a fan that her wrestling appearances are continuing exclusively with AEW during her break from WWE.
The fan had expressed disappointment on Instagram, hoping to see Moné compete in the Royal Rumble match. In response, Moné assured that she is still active in the sport but focusing on AEW engagements amid her announced pause from wrestling. This update comes after she shared her reasons for stepping away from the ring temporarily, citing frustrations with disrespect in the industry.
Career Highlights and Championship Success Across Promotions
Since debuting in AEW in 2024, Mercedes Moné rapidly established herself as a significant draw for the promotion. Her championship tenure is highlighted by a historic 584-day reign as TBS Champion. Throughout 2025, she fortified her status by winning titles not only in AEW but also in CMLL and other promotions, showcasing her versatility and competitive edge across multiple wrestling organizations.
Moné’s impressive campaign under CEO Tony Khan’s leadership elevated her to elite status, gaining widespread recognition among wrestling fans and peers.
Recognition as 2025 Woman of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated
Moné recently received a remarkable accolade when Pro Wrestling Illustrated named her 2025 Woman of the Year. She announced this milestone on the social media platform X, emphasizing her place in an exclusive club of five women to win the award multiple times. This group includes wrestling legends such as Trish Stratus, Mickie James, AJ Lee, and Becky Lynch, underscoring the significance of her achievement.
Despite her current break, Moné declared that her return will be marked by ambitions beyond just winning titles, signaling that she plans to continue making a major impact upon resuming her wrestling career.
Impact of Her Wrestling Hiatus and Future Outlook
Mercedes Moné’s decision to pause her wrestling career reflects broader challenges faced by top athletes in the industry regarding respect and personal well-being. Her absence from high-profile WWE events like the Royal Rumble marks a notable shift but does not diminish her standing among key competitors.
As she recuperates and recharges, fans and industry insiders alike anticipate her eventual comeback, which promises to be focused on achieving even greater success in AEW and beyond. Moné’s hiatus also highlights the complex dynamics in professional wrestling, where talent mobility and personal choices increasingly influence major events and storylines.
Mercedes telling these weird mfs to just change the channel >>>>>>>>>>>>> pic.twitter.com/Uv5Kg0SH36
— Self Made AO 💫 (@KXNGAO) February 1, 2026
