Red Velvet Is Proof That The AEW Dark Formula Works

AEW's developmental show, Dark, serves many purposes. The show is an excellent way for the company to scout talent. Dark acts as an honest and effective way to pad stats for a company that adheres to a real ranking system. But perhaps the most helpful element of the Dark formula is the growth of AEW's future. A perfect example of this is the talented and charismatic Red Velvet.

Since her June 2020 debut on AEW Dark, Red Velvet has improved on her already impressive skill set, defined her character, and earned her way onto some of AEW's most important cards to date.

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Red Velvet Showcased Her Talent And Won Over Fans Early

Dark allows AEW to see what wrestlers are connecting with their fan base. The show streams on YouTube weekly, enabling the company to see live feedback from viewers. Red Velvet made a strong impression instantly.

Velvet's speed, tenacity, flexibility, and unique offensive style were more than enough to leave fans wanting more. She embodies athleticism and moves like a bullet being shot from a gun. Her work was impressive enough to earn her a match on Dynamite a mere two weeks after her Dark debut. Not just any match, mind you, but a bout with then-AEW Women's Champion Hikaru Shida. Later in the year, she earned herself a shot at the NWA Women's Championship against the technically sound Serena Deeb. Even though they were losing efforts, Velvet held her own against these seasoned champions and came out of the efforts a better competitor.

Since her debut, she's appeared on Dynamite and Rampage multiple times and has been featured in several marquee storylines and tournaments. But, Velvet has maintained a strong presence on Dark, which allows her to hone her skills even further.

Beyond that, Red Velvet is now a legitimate reason to tune in to Dark. Her matches are always entertaining. Velvet's wicked and snappy offensive and defensive maneuvers are jaw-dropping. Her selling ability is superb. And her confident ring entrance oozes with charisma. In short, Red Velvet is the total package.

A Star Is Born: Red Velvet In A Massive AEW Slot

Red Velvet has already proved to be ready for the big stage in her young career. In one of AEW's biggest matches to date, Velvet found herself paired up with Cody Rhodes to take on NBA legend Shaquille O'Neill and the debuting Jade Cargill. Shaq was a major acquisition for the company, and this match had millions of eyes on it, many of them outside the standard wrestling fan base. Velvet strived under pressure and didn't miss a beat.

The match was wildly entertaining. While many fans came for Shaq and Cody, they stayed for Velvet and Cargill, who took control of the contest, putting on two incredible, star-making performances. Red Velvet and Jade Cargill had amazing chemistry. Their size difference was breathtaking and provided instant David vs. Goliath vibes. Those who weren't regular Dark viewers got a look at the impressive talent of Red Velvet. Although she ate the pinfall, Velvet proved herself in front of what was AEW's most-watched match of the year.

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Red Velvet Headlines The Debut Episode of Rampage

The company's confidence in Velvet didn't end there. The debut episode of AEW Rampage was a stacked card that featured Kenny Omega, Christian Cage, Miro, and three title defenses. The main event of this landmark episode was Red Velvet challenging Britt Baker for the AEW Women's Championship. The two wrestlers had a dramatic affair, and once again, Velvet earned herself some new fans. It was clear that her confidence was building (which was needed as she was going up against the most confident women's wrestler in AEW).

Velvet displayed her high-flying ability and added a much more aggressive skillset to her arsenal. She even got to play the heel for a night, as the show was held in Baker's hometown of Pittsburgh. Her ring entrance was met with a chorus of jeers, but Velvet took the heat in stride and capped off an excellent show with a great match.

Red Velvet has already given fans great matches and memorable moments. It's safe to say that the best is yet to come for the upcoming star. Red Velvet is proof that with patience and talent, the AEW Dark formula can provide the company and its wrestlers with a bright future.