What happened
On the September 16, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite, it was revealed that Mercedes Moné is not medically cleared to compete at AEW All Out, according to Fightful and Ringside News.
In her place, a singles match between Willow Nightingale and Thekla has been set for the pay-per-view, which takes place on September 26, per Fightful.
What we know
Fightful reported that Excalibur delivered the update on Dynamite, confirming Moné’s status and announcing the Willow Nightingale vs. Thekla match for All Out.
Fightful noted that the winner of the Willow Nightingale vs. Thekla match will factor into the direction of the women’s division moving forward, though full details of that plan were not specified in the available reporting.
Ringside News reported that AEW confirmed the news during the same broadcast and indicated there is a plan in place for Moné’s eventual return to the ring, though the outlet stated that AEW did not give additional details about what that return would look like.
What is not confirmed
Neither source provided a specific reason for why Moné is not medically cleared, and no timetable for her return has been disclosed.
It has also not been confirmed what stipulations, if any, will govern the Willow Nightingale vs. Thekla match beyond it being a singles contest with an outcome that affects the women’s division.
Why it matters
Moné has been a central figure in AEW’s women’s division, and her removal from All Out reshapes the card just over a week before the show.
The addition of Willow Nightingale vs. Thekla gives fans a new stake to watch heading into the pay-per-view, with the winner set to have an impact on where the division goes from here.
