Mercedes Mone was notably absent from the AEW Dynasty 2026 event. Known for redefining women’s wrestling during her time at WWE as ‘Sasha Banks,’ Mone, along with her Four Horsewomen colleagues, led a significant revolution in the industry. She left WWE in 2022 and joined All Elite Wrestling in 2024.
Since joining AEW, Mone, also known as Ultimo Mone, has reached new levels of fame. She became a global sensation, holding multiple titles simultaneously and setting the record as the longest reigning TBS Champion. Her reign ended in 2025, after which she took a break from wrestling as the new year began.
Upon her return, Mone embarked on a worldwide ‘Mone Madness Tour,’ where she lost all her titles. The conclusion of her tour in March 2026 fueled speculation about her potential comeback at the AEW Dynasty 2026 event.
Here are five potential reasons why Tony Khan and his creative team might have opted not to bring Mercedes Mone back at this major event.
Can happen at AEW Dynamite Spring Break Thru
The AEW Dynasty 2026 event featured one of the most packed line-ups, promising significant viewership and attendance, which it successfully achieved. However, AEW plans to air a special edition of Dynamite, called Spring Break Thru. This event could have been chosen as the more strategic moment for Mone’s return, potentially boosting its viewership.
Kamille’s return might have pushed Mercedes Mone’s comeback
Before the AEW Dynasty 2026 event, at the Zero Hour show, Kamille made a surprise comeback after more than 500 days away. As Mone’s former ally in the Jacksonville-based promotion, Kamille was seen as an emerging star. If both had returned at the same event, Mone’s presence might have overshadowed Kamille’s return, leading AEW to delay Mone’s comeback.
The AEW Dynasty card did not need her star power
The AEW Dynasty event featured a star-studded lineup, including names like MJF, Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, Will Ospreay, Adam Copeland, and Christian Cage. Given such a strong card, Mercedes Mone’s presence might not have been essential. The creative team might have decided to save her return for an even bigger event, where her impact wouldn’t be lost among other stars.
To let Thekla have her moment after her victory
During the AEW Dynasty 2026 pay-per-view, Thekla defended her AEW Women’s World Championship against Jamie Hayter in a thrilling match. As the contest neared its end, Thekla turned Hayter’s slam attempt into a victory using the ropes. Rumors suggested Mone might confront Thekla to start a new feud, but AEW possibly decided to let Thekla enjoy her victory moment without interruption from Mone.
Reunion with Kamille after her big title win
Kamille’s return at the AEW Dynasty event set her up to challenge Willow Nightingale for the TBS Championship on Dynamite: Spring Break Thru. A creative storyline could see Kamille win the title, followed by Mone’s return to reveal she orchestrated the title change. This twist could explain Mone’s absence from the Dynasty event.
Save it for Double or Nothing pay-per-view
Tony Khan and his team might have withheld Mercedes Mone’s return for the Double or Nothing pay-per-view, a significant event for AEW. The show was their inaugural event and holds great significance for Mone, who had her first AEW match and won the TBS Championship at the 2024 event. This context makes it a fitting stage for Mone’s return, explaining her absence from Dynasty.
Read all the hottest WWE news from Sportskeeda by choosing us as your preferred source. Click HERE.
Edited by N.S Walia
