Major changes are taking place in All Elite Wrestling, as Mercedes Mone has officially stepped away from the company, and new developments have emerged regarding Jon Moxley‘s AEW future. These shifts, impacting prominent talents, come during a period of heightened activity and tension within AEW’s roster.
Mercedes Mone Announces Time Away After Championship Defeat
Mercedes Mone, previously known for her high-profile presence in AEW, has declared a break from the organization following a challenging stretch, punctuated by her loss of the TBS Championship to Willow Nightingale at Dynamite: New Year’s Smash. This setback was amplified when, during the celebratory segment that followed on AEW’s flagship show, Mone was attacked and powerbombed by the new champion, leaving her character at a critical turning point.
Mone directly addressed her departure in a video segment on Collision, stating that her absence would be felt in the women’s division. Promising her hiatus is not the final chapter of her AEW journey, she shared hints of a larger purpose driving her potential return, extending beyond just reclaiming championship status. While stepping away from AEW programming, indications from sources suggest Mone will continue defending her remaining independent circuit titles during this period.
Zayda Steel Debuts in AEW, Sparks Immediate Tensions
During the latest episode of Collision, AEW introduced Zayda Steel, a 22-year-old who previously competed in WWE’s developmental ranks before exploring new opportunities. After leaving WWE as a free agent, Steel participated in matches for Ring of Honor before making her presence known with AEW.
Aligning herself with the SkyFlight faction—comprised of Scorpio Sky and Top Flight—Steel was quickly thrust into the action during a match against the Death Riders. Following a SkyFlight defeat, Steel found herself in a heated confrontation with Marina Shafir, which escalated until Megan Bayne appeared and executed a punishing powerbomb on Steel. This introduction marks Steel as a notable new force within AEW’s women’s division, immediately placing her at the center of on-screen conflict.
Lady Frost Makes Her Return After Extended Hiatus
Lady Frost, absent from AEW for over seven months, reemerged at AEW’s Arlington, Texas, residency at the Esports Stadium. Her return after 220 days was marked by a singles match against Mina Shirakawa. Early in the contest, Shirakawa was momentarily distracted by a mysterious delivery of flowers at ringside, allowing Frost to land a decisive kick before the match even officially started.
Despite the early advantage, Frost was ultimately overcome as Shirakawa regained focus and clinched victory by submitting Frost with a Figure Four Leg Lock. Frost’s return and immediate challenge highlight AEW’s deepening talent pool and its ability to develop fresh storylines even as established competitors step away or return.
Jon Moxley’s AEW Future Includes Commentary and Ongoing Title Defenses
In a notable shift, Jon Moxley—recently crowned Continental Champion at Worlds End—has taken on a new role in addition to his in-ring responsibilities. After securing the championship by winning the Continental Classic tournament and successfully defending his title against Josh Alexander and Shelton Benjamin in eliminator matches, Moxley joined Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness on the commentary team for Collision.
While at the announcers’ desk, Moxley provided insight during a trios contest featuring fellow Death Riders stablemates PAC, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta as they squared off against SkyFlight. Moxley, once impacted by the loss of the AEW World Championship, has since revitalized his status with sustained fan support as a fighting champion. This dual role suggests AEW may be poised to further utilize his on-screen presence, both in matches and as a commentator, hinting at evolving narratives within Tony Khan’s promotion.
These recent changes underline AEW’s dynamic atmosphere, where evolving storylines and role changes for stars like Mercedes Mone and Jon Moxley keep the wrestling landscape in flux. As established competitors take time off, debut, or expand their influence within the company, fans can expect ongoing surprises and continued transformation in All Elite Wrestling’s near future.
.@RealLadyFrost crashes into @MinaShirakawa with a cannonball!
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/OxJKnXAxRi
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 11, 2026
