Matt Hardy: Speedball Mike Bailey An Ideal Fit for AEW, But Warns of Roster Depth

One Big Thing

AEW veteran Matt Hardy believes former TNA X-Division Champion Speedball Mike Bailey would excel in Tony Khan’s promotion, while expressing concern about the crowded roster.

Why It Matters

Bailey’s free agency represents a significant opportunity for AEW to add a highly skilled performer who combines athletic prowess with traditional wrestling storytelling – a combination that’s increasingly valuable in today’s wrestling landscape.

By The Numbers

• Bailey held the TNA X-Division Championship for 138 days in 2022
• Has competed in 12 different countries throughout his career
• Ranked #80 in PWI 500 for 2023

The Details

Hardy, speaking on his “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” podcast, offered detailed insights:

• “He is an ideal fit for AEW, especially with their style
• Praised Bailey’s unexpected grasp of classic wrestling storytelling
• Noted Bailey’s ability to combine flashy moves with fundamental wrestling psychology
• Expressed concern about potential roster overcrowding: “I just hope that he doesn’t get lost in the shuffle”

Behind The Scenes

Hardy and co-host Jon Alba discussed how Bailey could have been a standout in WWE’s NXT brand, given TNA’s current working relationship with WWE. However, AEW’s roster of potential dream matches likely proved more appealing to the high-flying Canadian star.

The Bottom Line

While Bailey’s technical ability and innovative style make him a natural fit for AEW’s wrestling-focused product, the promotion’s deep roster could present challenges for standing out among similarly skilled performers.

What do you think about Speedball Mike Bailey potentially joining AEW? Would he fare better there or in WWE’s NXT? Share your thoughts in the comments below!