Amazing Red recalls 2005 dark match with CM Punk before WWE Velocity taping, discussing the bout and backstage interactions.
Amazing Red faced CM Punk in a dark match on May 10, 2005, before a WWE Velocity taping. Punk won the match, which lasted approximately six minutes. The bout remained unavailable to the public until WWE Vault uploaded it in December 2024.
Red recently discussed the match during an appearance on the Insight podcast with Chris Van Vliet. According to reports, Red stated that moves he attempted during the match were vetoed, and he was told by someone backstage this was intentional. Red also described the match negatively, saying it did not feel good. The dark match was originally scheduled differently before being changed to feature Red and Punk.
Red interacted with John Laurinaitis after the match. Red is preparing for induction into the TNA Hall of Fame and has discussed how his career path differed from Punk’s, who went on to secure WWE employment following this period.
What we know
- Dark match took place May 10, 2005, before WWE Velocity taping
- CM Punk defeated Amazing Red in approximately six minutes
- Match was uploaded to WWE Vault in December 2024
- Red discussed the bout on Insight podcast with Chris Van Vliet
- Red stated moves were vetoed during the match
- Red interacted with John Laurinaitis after the match
What is still unclear
- Specific details of what the original match stipulation was before the change
- Exact nature of Red's interaction with Laurinaitis
- Identity of the backstage person who told Red about the vetoed moves
Reporting timeline
Amazing Red Recalls Wrestling CM Punk In WWE Dark Match, Interacting With John Laurinaitis Afterwards
Amazing Red Talks TNA HOF Induction, John Cena Using Code Red, Story About CM Punk WWE Dark Match
Amazing Red recalls tension and pressure ahead of CM Punk WWE match in ‘last-ditch effort to be signed’
Amazing Red Says His Moves Were Vetoed In His 2005 WWE Dark Match With CM Punk
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