After being sidelined for around five months due to injury, Red Velvet made a triumphant return by defeating Mercedes Monet at ROH Final Battle 2025. This victory made her the first ROH Women’s World Television Champion to secure the title two years in a row, ending 2025 on a high note. Interestingly, Monet had initially taken the title from Velvet at “AEW Collision” on November 19, 2025, when she unified the interim championship with Velvet’s reign. However, Monet suffered two consecutive defeats following that match, and her title was subsequently passed on to Alex Windsor and Willow Nightingale. Recently, Velvet appeared on AEW Close-Up with Renee Paquette, where she reflected on wrestling Monet for the first time, describing it as a full-circle moment since Monet was the inspiration that got her into wrestling.
Velvet shared that she began watching wrestling at the age of nine and was inspired by Monet, who started her career at 90 pounds and was a role model for Velvet’s own aspirations. She recalled thinking, “She’s beautiful and she’s small, just like me,” which motivated her to pursue wrestling herself. Velvet called out Monet before their match at Final Battle, anticipating the confrontation and viewing it as a dream match and a valuable learning experience. She emphasized that she would never speak ill of Monet, given her influence and inspiration.
Velvet also spoke about how fans often said she resembled Monet and how this comparison fueled her determination to prove them wrong. Despite receiving private messages doubting her ability to defeat Monet, Velvet remained resilient, dismissing the negativity and ultimately achieving what she set out to do, proving her critics wrong.
Fan Take: This milestone for Red Velvet is significant for AEW fans because it highlights the rise of new talent inspired by their predecessors, symbolizing growth and continuity within the sport. It also sets the stage for exciting rivalries and storylines, showcasing the competitive spirit and passion that keep AEW wrestling engaging and dynamic.
