All Elite Wrestling saw a major shake-up on Dynamite New Year’s Smash when Mercedes Moné lost the TBS Championship to Willow Nightingale. It was a surprising result and a big moment for Willow, who regained the title she had lost last year.
For Mercedes, this defeat feels like a turning point. After a dominant run in the company, her momentum has slowed, and frustration is clearly building. The loss could push her character in a very different direction in the months ahead.
Here are three possible paths AEW could take with Mercedes Moné after her TBS Championship loss.
1. Mercedes Moné Slowly Loses Her Indie Championships
With no AEW singles title left, Mercedes may step away from weekly television for a short period. During that time, she could focus on defending her many championships from other promotions.
At the moment, Mercedes still holds several titles outside AEW. These include championships from promotions like CMLL, EWA, and others across the global indie scene. A slow series of title losses would tell a powerful story.
Watching Mercedes lose belt after belt would highlight her downfall and growing pressure. It would also make her eventual return to AEW even more dramatic, as fans would see a former champion desperate to rebuild her legacy.
2. Another Owen Hart Cup Run With Backup
Last year, Mercedes won the Owen Hart Cup and earned a shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship. However, she failed to win the title on the biggest stage.
Now that she has lost the TBS Championship, winning the Owen Hart Cup again could feel like her last clear path back to the top. This time, though, she may not do it alone.
AEW has teased the idea of Mercedes aligning with outside allies. With help from a faction, she could dominate the tournament and secure another world title opportunity. This would also add a darker edge to her character, showing that she is willing to bend the rules to get what she wants.
3. Winning the AEW Women’s World Title at All In 2026
For nearly two years, AEW has told a long story about Mercedes failing to win the company’s top women’s title. Despite holding gold everywhere else, the AEW Women’s World Championship has always slipped through her fingers.
That story could finally reach its peak at All In London 2026. If Mercedes overcomes setbacks, loses her indie gold, and fights her way back into contention, winning the world title would feel earned.
Beating a rival like Toni Storm, Kris Statlander, or even Willow Nightingale would be a powerful moment. A victory over Willow would be especially meaningful, given their recent history.
Also Read: WWE SmackDown 2026: 5 Massive Surprises For The 3-Hour Debut
