Mercedes Mone, a key figure in AEW's women's division, is expected to relinquish her title as she prepares for a potential return to the company. The announcement of the 2026 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament revealed a list of participants, but Mone, the previous year's winner, was notably absent from the lineup. This absence suggests that she will not defend her title, which she earned by defeating Jamie Hayter in the finals of the 2025 tournament. Mone has not been in action since losing her TBS Title to Willow Nightingale during the Dynamite: New Year's Smash event. Following an international tour where she aimed to defend her titles, Mone faced a series of setbacks, losing most of her championships. Despite these challenges, she has indicated that she plans to return to AEW soon after completing her tour, which has taken her across various countries including Mexico and Italy.