“Speedball” Mike Bailey’s journey through the world of professional wrestling has taken a new turn. Following the expiration of his contract with Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, formerly known as Impact Wrestling, Bailey is now a free agent and reportedly poised to join All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This transition marks a significant shift in the landscape of professional wrestling, as a highly regarded talent moves between two prominent promotions.
Bailey’s tenure with TNA, which began in 2021, saw him rise to prominence as a fan favorite and a three-time X Division Champion. Despite also making appearances for New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, TNA remained his primary wrestling home. However, reports surfaced in late 2024 that his contract with the company had expired in November, although certain stipulations seemingly extended his association with the promotion until the end of the year. This period was marked by Bailey’s absence from TNA tapings and the removal of his profile from the company website, signaling a growing distance between the wrestler and the organization.
Fueling speculation about his future, Bailey was spotted backstage at an AEW Collision taping earlier in 2024. Although described as a social visit with friends, this appearance, coupled with the expiring TNA contract, ignited rumors of a potential move to AEW. Furthermore, Bailey’s filing of trademarks related to his “Speedball” moniker suggested a strategic move to maintain control over his brand and persona, potentially in preparation for a new platform.
Confirmation of Bailey’s departure from TNA arrived on January 1, 2025, solidifying his free agent status. Reports strongly suggest that he is “heading to AEW imminently,” adding another layer of intrigue to the evolving wrestling landscape. This potential acquisition represents a significant gain for AEW, as they bolster their roster with a skilled and popular wrestler. Bailey’s high-flying style and charismatic presence are expected to resonate with AEW fans and further intensify the competition between wrestling promotions.
The exodus from TNA extends beyond Bailey, with several other wrestlers, including Aiden Prince, Bhupinder Gujjar, Jade Chung, Kushida, Steph De Lander, and Trent Seven, also becoming free agents at the end of 2024. This wave of departures represents a significant shift in TNA’s roster and raises questions about the company’s future direction. The loss of established talent like Bailey and others could create opportunities for rising stars within TNA but also presents a challenge in maintaining and rebuilding its roster.
AEW, under the leadership of Tony Khan, is actively expanding its reach and influence within the professional wrestling world. Their aggressive pursuit of top talent, like Bailey, reflects their ambition to compete directly with WWE, the industry’s dominant force. Recent developments, such as a new streaming deal with Warner Bros. Discovery that enables simultaneous broadcasts on linear TV and the Max platform, further demonstrate AEW’s commitment to growth and innovation. While this strategic move has seemingly come at the cost of the Rampage program, it underscores AEW’s willingness to adapt and evolve in a dynamic media landscape. The acquisition of “Speedball” Mike Bailey, if it materializes, would be a significant step in AEW’s ongoing expansion, adding a dynamic and popular performer to their roster. This move would not only strengthen AEW’s competitive position but also potentially reshape the balance of power within the professional wrestling world. As Bailey embarks on this new chapter, his career trajectory will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike.
