Speedball Mike Bailey Reflects on Global Wrestling Journey and Love Story on AEW's “Close Up with Renee Paquette”

On the latest episode of AEW's "Close Up," Renee Paquette sat down with the ever-dynamic Speedball Mike Bailey, exploring their journey through international wrestling, their surprising tag team synergy with Kevin Knight, and a heartwarming personal tale of love and resilience. Known for their unique in-ring style and authenticity, Bailey's appearance provided AEW fans an insightful look into their career and personal life.

Watch the full episode of "Close Up" with Speedball Mike Bailey here:

International Wrestling and Adapting to Crowds

Bailey kicked things off by discussing their successful tag team with Kevin Knight, emphasizing their chemistry which emerged naturally:

"It started in a four-on-four match, but then we just became a tag team off the vibes," Bailey remarked.

The veteran wrestler credited their own extensive international experience and Knight’s training with New Japan as integral to their success:

"That international style…is really what makes the team work."

Speedball further explained the nuances of wrestling in different cultures, pointing out that professional wrestling spans a broad spectrum between the respectful, detail-oriented audiences of Japan and the lively, festive atmosphere of Mexico:

"Professional wrestling always exists on a spectrum somewhere between Japan and Mexico," they explained, "Audiences in Japan take fandom extremely seriously, while in Mexico, Lucha Libre is cultural; people go out to enjoy the show and have fun."

Joining AEW and Facing Promos

Upon joining AEW, Bailey faced the immediate challenge of episodic storytelling and delivering promos, notably against heavyweight talent like Kenny Omega:

"English is my second language…I am not known to be a promo guy," Bailey shared candidly. Still, they found inspiration in wrestlers like Omega and Will Ospreay, appreciating their natural, genuine speaking styles.

Career Setbacks and Resilience

Reflecting on their significant career hurdle in 2016 when they were turned away at the U.S. border and banned from entering the States for five years, Bailey described the initial shock and uncertainty they felt during the drive home from the border. They shared how, despite this devastating setback, their passion for wrestling quickly rekindled their determination:

"It took me one match to be like, 'Yeah, screw it. I'm just going to keep doing this and see what happens."

Bailey highlighted the inspiration they drew from wrestlers like Kenny Omega who succeeded internationally:

"Looking at someone like Kenny Omega, making a career without having to be in America, was absolutely huge."

The Romance Behind the Ring

Bailey also shared a touching story about maintaining their relationship with fellow wrestler Veda Scott during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite spending nine months apart due to closed borders, they managed to keep their love alive through determination and mutual support. Bailey vividly recalled the extensive travels they undertook early in their relationship, underscoring a particularly intense travel schedule involving multiple countries and back-to-back wrestling bookings:

"There were several delays…haven't slept in three days…and just sitting in the bus holding hands, like, 'This is nice.'"

A Foodie’s Passion and the Great Poutine Debate

Known as a food enthusiast, Bailey shared their passion for global cuisine, notably calling Tantanmen spicy ramen from Japan their favorite travel food. The interview took a humorous turn when Bailey confronted Renee Paquette over her poutine recipe in her cookbook:

"You don't want to melt the cheese. The cheese needs to be cold. … An important part of a poutine is the contrast in temperatures."

Bailey emphasized the simplicity and authenticity required for a proper poutine: "Fresh cheese curds…fresh fries…brown gravy."

Bailey's engaging appearance on Close Up showcased their deep passion for wrestling, resilience in the face of adversity, and heartwarming dedication to their personal relationships, solidifying their standing as a beloved figure in AEW.

Watch the full episode of "Close Up" with Speedball Mike Bailey here.