Few have navigated the world of All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor with the unique career trajectory of Red Velvet. From a memorable tag team match alongside Cody Rhodes against Shaquille O’Neal in 2021 to her recent, stunning upset victory over Mercedes Mone at ROH Final Battle 2025 – reclaiming the ROH Women’s TV Championship – Velvet’s journey has been marked by pivotal moments. But the AEW star admits she didn’t always feel prepared for the spotlight.
Velvet recently reflected on her early days with the promotion, acknowledging she initially felt overwhelmed when first breaking into AEW during the pandemic era. She credits veterans like Bryan Danielson, Cody Rhodes, Brandi Rhodes, and Dustin Rhodes for providing invaluable guidance and support during a period of significant growth. The experience, she says, highlighted just how much she had to learn.
“I was a baby,” Velvet confessed during an appearance on “Close Up with Renee Paquette.” “And a baby not necessarily in age, just in like wrestling for a big company on TV. I thought I had to figure it out. I don’t want to go on record and say I didn’t know what I was doing, but I didn’t know what I was doing. In a sense, I thought I knew.”
Despite those initial uncertainties, Velvet quickly found her footing, becoming a recognizable face to AEW fans. She recalls the experience as a period of rapid development, both professionally and personally. “But I just…I learned so much. The world got to notice me for the first time on big TV. People got to see who Red Velvet was. They saw a lot of my good moments, a lot of my bad moments. And I said bad, I’m just like, you know, growth and little injuries and botches and stuff. So I’ve grown with the AEW audience.”
From Enhancement Talent to Championship Contender
Velvet’s early role within AEW was as an enhancement talent, a common starting point for many aspiring wrestlers. However, her performance in a high-profile mixed tag team match in March 2021, alongside Cody Rhodes against Shaquille O’Neal and Jade Cargill, proved to be a turning point. The match garnered significant attention, even receiving coverage from ESPN, and served as a launching pad for both Cargill and Velvet’s careers within AEW. The match itself was a spectacle, culminating in Shaquille O’Neal being slammed through two tables.
That match ultimately led to a full-time contract with AEW for Velvet, a development she hadn’t fully anticipated at the time. As she explained, she was initially focused simply on the opportunity to wrestle on television, unaware of the long-term impact it would have on her career.
A Defining Victory at ROH Final Battle
Velvet’s recent triumph over Mercedes Mone at ROH Final Battle 2025, where she reclaimed the ROH Women’s TV Championship, represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The victory was a significant moment for Velvet, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in the professional wrestling world. She has also expressed a lingering regret about not having any physical interaction with Shaquille O’Neal during their 2021 match, stating she’s “so mad I didn’t touch him.”
Looking ahead, Red Velvet’s continued growth and success within AEW and ROH promise to deliver more exciting moments for fans. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and the transformative power of opportunity in professional wrestling. The veteran wrestler’s story is a testament to the impact of mentorship and the importance of embracing the learning process, even when feeling like a “baby” in a demanding industry.
What challenges will Red Velvet overcome next as she continues to evolve as a performer? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Close Up with Renee Paquette” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. For the transcription.
