Amazing Red says he wasn’t allowed to do his signature moves in 2005 WWE dark match with CM Punk

During an interview with Chris Van Vliet, TNA Hall of Famer Amazing Red commented on his attempts to be signed by WWE.

Red recalled his 2005 WWE dark match with CM Punk, though he admitted his memory is hazy from years of wrestling and concussions. Originally expecting a quick squash against Matt Morgan, Red was instead told he would face Punk, with Ricky Steamboat as the agent. His cousins and Jimmy Wang Yang told him a dark match meant WWE was considering signing him.

Red said he had heard the match was “CM Punk’s last-ditch effort to be signed,” which added pressure. Steamboat wanted Punk to succeed and asked Red to work heel. Red also wanted to showcase moves including his Code Red, flatliner and standing shooting star, but said they were repeatedly vetoed: “They’re kiboshing all your stuff, bro, purposely,” Jimmy Wang told him.

Red felt the match went poorly, with the two “messing up and botching.” Afterward, Johnny Ace questioned him about his experience in big rings. When Red mentioned All Japan, Ace was impressed, but ultimately told him, “Well, you look blown up, so we’ll give you a call.” He also said, “Get bigger.”

Red felt WWE never intended to sign him and was bitter because he believed the opportunity had slipped away. Years later, he encountered Punk backstage while Punk was a champion. Red decided not to confront him, realizing Punk had a job to do. “I was very bitter about that day,” Red admitted, but added, “I’m grown now to understand he had a job too. This was his thing, no hard feelings.”

Red emphasized that he doesn’t hate Punk: “No, no, I don’t hate him. I love that dude, honestly.”

Thanks to ChrisVanVliet.com for the quotes.