Mercedes Moné Remained Sidelined After Injury
The wrestling star missed a scheduled match at AEW All Out following a broken nose sustained at AEW All In.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Wrestling
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Mercedes Moné has been forced to withdraw from competition after suffering a broken nose during her AEW Women's World Championship victory at AEW All In. Doctors have not cleared the athlete for physical activity, preventing her scheduled appearance at AEW All Out.
Why it matters
The absence of a top-tier champion like Moné disrupts planned storylines and championship defenses during major pay-per-view events. Her recovery timeline dictates the immediate future of the women's division roster.
Moné suffered the injury during a championship match against Willow Nightingale at AEW All In in August 2026. Medical staff have officially withheld clearance for her participation in the September 2026 AEW All Out event.
The players
Mercedes Moné
She is a prominent professional wrestler who currently holds the AEW Women's World Championship.
Willow Nightingale
She is a professional wrestler who competed against Moné at AEW All In and is slated to face Thekla at AEW All Out.
Thekla
She is a professional wrestler scheduled to compete in a challenger match at AEW All Out.
The details
Mercedes Moné sustained the broken nose during her title-winning match against Willow Nightingale, necessitating an extended recovery period. To compensate for her absence, AEW organizers replaced her scheduled match with a bout between Willow Nightingale and Thekla to determine a future challenger.
Timeline
August 2026: Mercedes Moné won the AEW Women's World Championship at All In.
September 2026: AEW All Out event took place without Moné.
October 2026: Mercedes Moné is expected to return to in-ring action.
Season Trajectory
The forced absence of a marquee champion during a major pay-per-view cycle disrupts the immediate championship narrative and title picture. By implementing a challenger match, the organization maintains momentum in the women's division while the primary titleholder recovers.
With Moné sidelined, the upcoming match between Willow Nightingale and Thekla serves as the new focal point for determining the next potential title contender. Fans should expect the championship scene to remain in a holding pattern until Moné is cleared to defend her belt.
The takeaway
Sudden injuries to key talent often shift the creative direction of a wrestling organization's entire division. Athletes and management must balance the push for high-profile matches with the necessity of ensuring proper medical recovery time for performers.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of professional matches, visit the Wrestling section.
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