Is Major IMPACT Wrestling Star Looking To Exit The Company?
Hugely popular IMPACT star has addressed his plans for the future.
Having impressed many in IMPACT Wrestling across this past year or so, some have speculated that 'Speedball' Mike Bailey could soon be on his way to WWE or AEW.
Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet (via POST Wrestling), Speedball himself has stated how he intends to remain with IMPACT for a "few more years".
As Bailey detailed:
"I mean, I'm gonna be with IMPACT Wrestling for a few more years. And I'm very excited about that. I want to grow along with IMPACT, and I think that's a big part of it. I feel like... I'm not taking any credit for it, but... they have absolutely been making all the right moves. And Scott [D'Amore] has taken the company in a very, very interesting direction, and they have been growing, the shows have been consistently getting better. They've come out of the pandemic and just knocked it out of the park."
The 32-year-old added:
"I know that people have said that my 2022 was a wild year, and my goal is just to make 2023 better, wherever and however that might be. I am a much better wrestler right now than I was at the beginning of the year. I am focused on growth and continuous improvement, and I feel like I've achieved that, and I feel like my work itself is going to keep getting better in 2023."
Bailey also discussed how the wrestling business is evolving, and 'forbidden door' opportunities mean he's had the chance to face non-IMPACT talent such as KENTA, Jon Moxley, Will Ospreay and Dax Harwood in recent months - all while himself being a member of the IMPACT roster.
Since landing in IMPACT in October 2021, Speedball has made himself not only one of the most must-see talents in the company, but one of the most must-see talents in the industry. Having long been one of the hottest names on the independent scene, Bailey is nowadays getting to showcase his abilities on a grander TV stage under the Anthem banner.
A 110-day reign as X-Division Champion earlier this year saw the Canadian continue to steal the show on a regular basis, and a match against IMPACT World Champion Josh Alexander a matter of weeks ago only furthered the buzz around Speedball. There, Bailey and Alexander went for nearly an hour until the Walking Weapon finally put his countryman away to retain his the World Title.
Prior to signing with IMPACT, there was reported interest in Mike Bailey from WWE. This came at a time when Bailey's five-year ban on entering the United States had just finished, with the market leader said to be keen on signing up the hugely talented grappler. For those unaware, that ban came into place in 2016 after the former PWG standout worked for EVOLVE without having the proper visa papers in place.
If you've yet to see it, find yourself a free hour and sit back to watch Speedball and Josh Alexander put on a genuine Match of the Year contender from earlier this month.