Speedball Mike Bailey has expressed that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) provides him with long-term storytelling opportunities that were previously unavailable during his independent wrestling career. Speaking in an interview with That Hashtag Show, Bailey emphasized how AEW gives him the chance to develop ongoing narratives, which he believes sets the promotion apart from others he has worked with.
Feeling at Home and Familiar Faces Enhance Bailey’s AEW Experience
Bailey explained that from his very first AEW appearance, the environment felt welcoming and aligned with his expectations. He highlighted his familiarity with many of the wrestlers on the roster, which contributed to his comfort and eagerness to compete. This history with other performers, including some he faced outside AEW, has been an important aspect of his journey.
Challenging Top Opponents Like Konosuke Takeshita and Will Ospreay
Bailey named notable competitors Konosuke Takeshita and Will Ospreay as some of his greatest opponents, with whom he has had excellent matches beyond AEW. Instead of focusing solely on finding the perfect in-ring partner, Bailey is interested in how these rivalries will evolve within AEW’s storytelling framework.
Excitement for Building Long-Term Storylines
He revealed that the element he values most in AEW is the possibility for sustained and detailed story arcs, a feature rarely accessible to him during his time in the independent wrestling scene. Bailey described how AEW’s ability to engage fans in following complex narratives is a key factor in his enthusiasm for the promotion.
“The thing that I’m the most excited about in AEW is really the long-term storytelling, because that’s something I’ve never really had access to as a professional wrestler, doing most of my career in the independence or other promotions that had stories, but nowhere to level that people follow the stories and pay attention to the details like they do in AEW.” — Speedball Mike Bailey
Developing On-Screen Rivalries Opens New Paths for Bailey
While Bailey is confident in his ability to deliver compelling matches against many wrestlers, he is particularly eager to cultivate long-lasting relationships with opponents on screen. He pointed to his evolving connection with Ricochet, describing it as a dynamic where Ricochet serves as his “pure Speedball Mike Bailey hater,” which adds layers to their storyline.
“I think I’m starting to develop that with Ricochet. I’m really enjoying the, the relationship that we have right now and that he is a pure Speedball Mike Bailey hater, just to the bone.” — Speedball Mike Bailey
Impact of AEW’s Approach on Bailey’s Career
Speedball Mike Bailey‘s experience in AEW signals a shift in how wrestlers can build their characters and narratives over time. The promotion’s focus on detailed, long-term storytelling not only enhances fan engagement but also offers wrestlers like Bailey the opportunity to deepen their craft beyond individual matches. As he continues to develop rivalries and relationships, Bailey’s role in AEW is likely to grow, showcasing the value of storytelling in professional wrestling.
