Red Velvet was once primarily recognized for her appearance in Shaquille O’Neal’s memorable 2021 match on “AEW Dynamite.” However, following last weekend’s Ring of Honor Final Battle, she has earned a new distinction as one of only three women to defeat Mercedes Mone in the last two years. In a surprising turn, Velvet overcame a submission hold to pin Mone, reclaiming the ROH Women’s Television Championship and avenging her previous defeat to Mone on AEW Dynamite just weeks earlier.
During the post-match media scrum, Velvet shared her thoughts on the victory. She admitted that once the match began, she tuned out distractions and focused intensely. Her drive came not only from a desire to prove she could beat Mone after their earlier clash but also to silence those who doubted her chances.
“Many people thought, ‘Oh, she’s not going to do it,'” Velvet said. “I even said that in my kitchen two weeks ago before Boston. I thought, ‘Fine, I’ll be the underdog, the one who doesn’t believe she can win.’ But deep down, I knew I was going to fight hard, beat her, and reclaim what’s mine.”
Velvet expressed deep pride in holding the championship, noting that she is the second-ever Afro-Latinx woman to hold this title and has done so for 481 days across her reigns. “Carrying this title has taught me a lot about myself. I respect Ring of Honor immensely and look forward to helping grow the division, supporting women, and inspiring others. We welcome anyone who wants to join us. Losing the last match hurt, but I believe everything happens for a reason. You either stay down or get back up and keep moving forward.”
Fan Take: This victory is a major milestone for Red Velvet and a compelling storyline for AEW fans, showing resilience and determination in the women’s division. It also highlights the growing prominence of women in pro wrestling, promising exciting future rivalries and inspiring more diversity in the sport.
