Mercedes Moné is planning to create a renaissance when she returns to AEW in 2026.
During the January 10 episode of AEW Collision, the company played a vignette showing Mercedes Moné grieving the loss of her TBS Championship to Willow Nightingale. Moné noted that after spending over 500 days as champion, she intends to send a message following her loss and announced she would be taking a break from All Elite Wrestling.
Mercedes Moné exclaimed that when she returns, she’ll be collecting “more than just titles” and will be going after several stars, including Willow Nightingale. Now, she has doubled down on her plan in a recent Instagram post, where she participated in the “2026 is the new 2016” trend.
She noted that while everyone is looking back at 2016, she’s still remembering the impact she created in 2025 and announced she’s planning to create a renaissance when she returns to AEW this year.
“While everyone’s reminiscing about 2016, I’m still remembering the legacy I created in 2025. I’m already envisioning the renaissance I’ll create in 2026! #MonéMoves”
Mercedes Moné fired back at critics of her title collector storyline
In a recent issue of the MonéMag, Mercedes Moné fired back at critics of her belt-collector storyline in a unique way. She surpassed Ultimo Dragon’s record when she held 13 championships at one point. Moné wrote about breaking the record and delivered a very interesting response to the critics over what she did last year.
“Breaking Ultimo Dragon’s record and becoming 13 Belts Moné was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life—and it was not easy,” Mercedes Moné wrote. “I defended championships across multiple countries, against countless opponents, on every stage imaginable. I didn’t just break the record—I smashed it and made it global.
“Whether I was wrestling in front of 500 people or 5,000, I gave everything I had as a fighting champion and an even hungrier competitor. This body of work defines my legacy. Why would I acknowledge the critics? The goal is shown. It’s been shown. And for the people that can’t see it, it’s on them,” Mercedes Moné wrote
