Beloved TNA star “Speedball” Mike Bailey has left the promotion and is now a free agent, which has fans all over the world wondering if Bailey will head to WWE, AEW, or elsewhere.
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Bailey’s contract with the promotion expired on November 1, 2023, after he signed with TNA back in 2021 (per Fightful Select). His profile has been removed from the company’s website, a solid signal that he and the company have parted ways.
Although Bailey still appears on some promotional flyers, he was notably absent from TNA’s most recent tapings, which wrapped up in Detroit. He was also seen filing for trademarks related to his name earlier this month, which suggests that the Canadian wrestler (born Émile Charles Baillargeon-Laberge) intends to retain the “Speedball” name and persona elsewhere.
Mike Bailey enters the ring during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling – Best Of The Super Jr. Final at Ota-City General Gymnasium on May 28, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. Mike Bailey enters the ring during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling – Best Of The Super Jr. Final at Ota-City General Gymnasium on May 28, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
Bailey’s exit from TNA opens up the possibility for him to explore opportunities with other promotions. The high-flyer, who has already drawn interest from top companies, was backstage at AEW this summer, and years ago, he was reportedly in talks for a potential WWE deal.
Though his name continues to appear on some TNA marketing materials, no plans have been announced for his future involvement with the company. Those who were present at the Detroit tapings noted that Bailey was making emotional goodbyes, offering heartfelt thanks to his fellow wrestlers.
Bailey is set to appear at Wrestlecade in Winston-Salem, where TNA’s next pay-per-view event will take place, but beyond that, his immediate wrestling future remains uncertain.
Bailey made his wrestling debut in 2007 and swiftly established himself as a standout on the independent scene, competing for top promotions like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), Impact Wrestling, and RevPro. During his time with Impact, he captured the X-Division Championship, showcasing his high-flying and hard-hitting style.
The wrestler is a former three-time TNA X Division Champion and has also appeared for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and various independent promotions. He is a two-time IWS World Heavyweight Champion and a two-time KO-D Tag Team Champion.
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As such, Bailey seems primed to step up to the two current major promotions, WWE and AEW. At the moment, WWE seems to be making a concerted effort to expand its talent pool and recruit new talent from independent circuits, which makes it very possible they would attempt to snap up Speedball.
On the other hand, AEW is expanding at a hugely rapid pace and, according to superstar Jon Moxley, is in a “hard reset” phase that could be very welcoming to bringing in new yet recognizable performers.
We’ll just have to wait and see what Bailey does.
For more professional wrestling news, check out Newsweek Sports.
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