Mercedes is returning at the Rumble as #30. She's already signed with WWE, but they told her to go out and have discussions with Tony and show interest but stall until the Rumble. They knew Tony would "leak" that Mercedes was going to sign with AEW to the dirtsheets, which would make her appearance at the Rumble even more humiliating.

The plan is for her to make it to the final 3 with Becky and Bayley, be eliminated by Becky, and Bayley win. The Kabuki Warriors will beat Chance and Carter, and the build to Mania will be Bayley/Sasha/Naomi vs Iyo/Asuka/Kairi leading to their respective title matches.

Source: Me, a WWE employee who was on screen this week.