Throughout the month of February, Diva Dirt will spotlight one Black women’s wrestler a day. This won’t be a countdown, but just a way to shine light on the past and present Black women of the industry. With that said, these daily articles will not be in any particular order.
Representation matters to marginalized groups, and here at Diva Dirt we focus on giving those individuals the recognition they deserve.
February 16 we honor Red Velvet.
Red Velvet made her professional wrestling debut in 2016, building her reputation on the independent circuit with promotions such as Fighting Evolution Wrestling (FEW) and SHINE Wrestling before signing with All Elite Wrestling. During her time in FEW, she captured the FEW Women’s Championship by defeating Rebel and Jade (Michin/Mia Yim).
She debuted in AEW in 2020 and officially signed with the company in 2021. Red has named Mercedes Moné as a major influence, drawing stylistic inspiration from wrestlers such as Lita, Trish Stratus, Victoria, Ivory, and Jacqueline.
Since joining AEW, Red has taken part in several high-profile matches and tournaments, including the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and the TBS Championship tournament. She has challenged for multiple titles and secured her first major championship in 2024, winning the ROH Women’s World Television Championship in Ring of Honor. Primarily competing in ROH since then, she became the first woman to hold the ROH Women’s World Television Title twice, regaining the championship by defeating Mercedes Moné. She is currently in her second reign.
Once her reign as ROH Women’s World Television Champion concludes, Red Velvet could be poised for a renewed push as a prominent figure in AEW.