AEW Star Red Velvet Reflects On Missed Opportunity During Match With Shaquille O’Neal

Red Velvet, a prominent competitor in All Elite Wrestling, has recently expressed regret over not having any direct in-ring interaction with Shaquille O’Neal during their tag team match in March 2021. The contest, which paired Velvet and Cody Rhodes against O’Neal and Jade Cargill, proved to be a pivotal moment for both wrestlers, but left Velvet wishing for a more personal exchange with the Basketball hall of Famer.

A Launching Pad For Rising Stars

The match itself gained significant attention, even garnering coverage from ESPN, and served as a springboard for Cargill and Velvet’s careers within AEW. Cargill has since become a dominant force,currently holding the TBS Championship as of January 2024,demonstrating the long-term impact of this early exposure. Velvet’s career trajectory also benefitted substantially, leading to a full-time contract with the promotion.

Despite the positive outcomes, velvet revealed on the “Close Up with Renee Paquette” podcast that a singular detail continues to bother her: the lack of physical contact with O’Neal during the bout. “I’m so mad I didn’t touch him,” Velvet stated, explaining that

Why did red Velvet want a touch with shaquille O’Neal during their AEW match?

Red Velvet Still Mad Over Missing a Touch With Shaquille O’Neal

Red Velvet’s career in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been marked by notable athleticism and captivating charisma. Though, one moment continues to sting for the rising star: the missed chance for a physical interaction with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal during their mixed tag team match in 2021. Recent reflections reveal the lingering frustration over not getting that coveted “touch” with Shaq.

The Match That Launched a Thousand Memes (and a bit of Disappointment)

The bout, pitting Red Velvet and Cody Rhodes against Jade Cargill and Shaquille O’Neal, was a spectacle. It wasn’t just a wrestling match; it was a crossover event that drew notable attention to AEW. While the match itself was a success, generating buzz and memorable moments, for Red Velvet, a key element was missing.

She’s spoken openly about wanting to experience Shaq’s sheer size and power firsthand. The plan, as she understood it, involved some level of physical interaction, a “touch” that would solidify the experience. Regrettably, that didn’t materialize as planned.

Why the “Touch” Mattered

It wasn’t about seeking dominance over the 7’1” basketball icon. red Velvet explained that it was about experiencing the scale of Shaq’s presence.

* A Unique Experience: Facing someone of O’Neal’s stature is unlike anything else in professional wrestling. Most opponents are within a similar size range,but Shaq presented a completely different challenge.

* Respect and Recognition: A physical interaction, even a simple touch, would have been a symbolic acknowledgement of her skills and a testament to her willingness to step into the ring with a legend.

* Storytelling Potential: The moment could have been woven into future storylines, creating a compelling narrative around Red Velvet’s resilience and determination.

Looking Back: Velvet’s Recent Comments

In a recent interview with 411MANIA, Red Velvet revisited the match, stating her continued disappointment. She didn’t dwell on negativity, but the wistful tone made it clear that the missed opportunity still resonates with her. She mentioned receiving advice after the match,wich,while appreciated,didn’t quite fill the void of experiencing Shaq’s presence during the contest itself.

The Cargill Factor: A Rising star’s Shadow

The match also served as a platform for Jade Cargill’s ascent in AEW. Cargill, already a formidable athlete, benefited immensely from the exposure and the association with Shaq. While red Velvet acknowledges Cargill’s success, it’s hard to ignore the feeling that she was somewhat overshadowed by the narrative surrounding Cargill and O’Neal.

This isn’t to diminish Cargill’s accomplishments, but rather to highlight how the focus shifted away from Red Velvet’s own contributions to the match.

The Impact on Red Velvet’s Career

Despite the lingering disappointment, the match with Shaq undeniably elevated Red Velvet’s profile. It showcased her ability to perform on a larger stage and introduced her to a wider audience.

* Increased Visibility: The crossover appeal of the match brought new viewers to AEW and, specifically, to Red Velvet’s matches.

* Enhanced Credibility: Facing a legend like Shaq, even without a direct physical exchange, added to her credibility as a competitor.

* Future Opportunities: The match opened doors to new opportunities and storylines within AEW.

Beyond the Missed Touch: Red Velvet’s Continued Growth

Red Velvet hasn’t let the missed opportunity define her.She’s continued to hone her skills, deliver captivating performances, and build a loyal fanbase. Her dedication to the craft is evident in every match, and she remains a vital part of the AEW roster. While she may still playfully lament the lack of a Shaq touch, she’s focused on creating new moments and leaving her own indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.

TikTok Faces Censorship Accusations After Pro-Palestine Advocate’s Account Suspended

A Prominent Pro-palestinian Advocate, Leena Owda, Recently Had Her tiktok Account Suspended, Sparking Outcry And Renewed Scrutiny Of The Platform’s Content Moderation Policies. The Suspension Follows A Series Of Allegations That TikTok Is Suppressing Content Supportive Of Palestine Amidst Intense Global Debate Surrounding The Conflict In Gaza. This Growth Occurs Just

What caused TikTok to ban Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda?

TikTok Censors Gaza Journalist Bisan owda After U.S. Takeover

The silencing of Palestinian voices online has taken a concerning turn with the recent ban of journalist Bisan Owda from TikTok.Owda, a Gaza-based reporter with a considerable following of over 1.4 million users, reported her account was suspended following the platform’s shift in ownership towards U.S.investors. This event has ignited a debate surrounding TikTok censorship, freedom of speech, and the potential for political bias on social media platforms.

The Timeline of Events

bisan Owda gained prominence for her on-the-ground reporting from Gaza,providing firsthand accounts of the ongoing conflict. Her TikTok videos offered a raw and unfiltered perspective, frequently enough contrasting with mainstream media coverage. The ban,as reported by MSN https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/palestinian-journalist-bisan-owda-banned-from-tiktok-after-us-takeover/ar-AA1Vhwyl, occurred shortly after changes in tiktok’s ownership structure, raising immediate suspicions of a connection.

Here’s a breakdown of the key developments:

1. Growing popularity: Bisan Owda’s TikTok account rapidly gained traction, becoming a vital source of data for many.
2. U.S. Investment: Increased U.S.investment in TikTok led to concerns about potential influence over content moderation.
3. account Suspension: Owda’s account was suspended,effectively silencing her voice on the platform.
4. Public Outcry: The ban sparked widespread criticism and accusations of censorship.

Understanding the Concerns: TikTok and U.S. Influence

The core issue revolves around the perceived vulnerability of TikTok to U.S. political pressure. While TikTok maintains it operates independently, the platform has faced intense scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers regarding data privacy and national security. This scrutiny has resulted in calls for stricter regulations, and even a potential ban, if TikTok doesn’t adequately address these concerns.

The fear is that these pressures could translate into content moderation policies that favor certain political narratives and suppress others. Specifically, observers are questioning whether the ban on Owda is a direct result of her reporting on the Gaza conflict and the palestinian perspective. This raises questions about social media bias and the duty of platforms to uphold journalistic integrity.

The Impact on Independent Journalism

Bisan Owda’s case highlights the challenges faced by independent journalists operating in conflict zones. Social media platforms have become crucial tools for disseminating information directly to the public, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. Though, this reliance also makes journalists vulnerable to censorship and platform manipulation.

* Reduced Reach: A ban effectively eliminates a journalist’s ability to reach a large audience.

* Silencing of Voices: It contributes to the silencing of marginalized voices and perspectives.

* Erosion of Trust: It undermines public trust in social media as a reliable source of information.

* Impact on Reporting: It can discourage other journalists from reporting on sensitive topics.

Navigating Censorship: Alternatives and Strategies

For journalists and activists facing potential censorship, exploring alternative platforms and strategies is crucial.

Here are some options:

1. Diversify Platforms: Utilize multiple social media platforms (Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.) to reduce reliance on any single platform.
2. Independent Websites/Blogs: Establish a personal website or blog to maintain control over content.
3. Encrypted Communication: Utilize secure messaging apps for communication and information sharing.
4. Support Independent Media: Promote and support independent media outlets that prioritize unbiased reporting.
5. Content Archiving: Regularly archive content to ensure it remains accessible even if removed from platforms.

The Broader Implications for Online Freedom

The censorship of Bisan Owda isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a larger trend of increasing online censorship and content moderation on social media platforms. This raises basic questions about the future of digital freedom and the role of tech companies in shaping public discourse. The case underscores the need for greater clarity and accountability from social media platforms regarding their content moderation policies and the influence of external pressures. It also highlights the importance of advocating for policies that protect freedom of expression online.