Mercedes Mone returned to AEW television on June 3, entering the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament as a Wild Card.

This appearance marked her first match in AEW since losing the TBS Title to Willow Nightingale at AEW New Year’s Smash, and her first TV appearance since January. Mone had been away for almost six months.

In her "Mone Mag," Mercedes explained her absence, stating she had never had a break that long that was not due to injury. She added that it was the first time in 16 years she got to truly relax and have no worries.

“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 one thing I realized during that time away? I missed wrestling so much. Especially that AEW. While I was gone I saw all the rumors. “Oh she’s pregnant.” “Oh contract issues.” “Oh she’s leaving.” “Oh this.” “Oh that.” Oh… NOTHING. Can I enjoy my vacation in peace? Can a woman have a period and be bloated? Can I enjoy my time off without speculation and rumors? One thing I also learned is there’s nobody more impatient than wrestling fans. Y’all are the type of people who look up the ending of a movie before finishing it. You love not being surprised. You love not being present and fully in the moment because you’re so caught up in the fantasy. But now the wait is over.”

During her time away, Mone realized she missed wrestling, especially AEW. She also addressed various rumors circulating during her absence, including speculation about pregnancy, contract issues, and leaving AEW.

In her first round match of the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament, Mercedes Mone was victorious over Alex Windsor. She is now scheduled to face Hazuki in the semifinals of the tournament.