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Speedball Mike Bailey Opens Up About Border Ban, International Wrestling, And Love Story With Veda Scott

Wrestling fans got an intimate look behind the curtain when Speedball Mike Bailey dropped by AEW’s “Close Up” for a candid conversation with Renee Paquette. The high-flying sensation didn’t hold back, sharing everything from his five-year U.S. border ban to his heartwarming romance with fellow wr…

Wrestling fans got an intimate look behind the curtain when Speedball Mike Bailey dropped by AEW’s “Close Up” for a candid conversation with Renee Paquette. The high-flying sensation didn’t hold back, sharing everything from his five-year U.S. border ban to his heartwarming romance with fellow wrestler Veda Scott. Bailey’s raw honesty and infectious passion reminded everyone why he’s become such a fan favorite since joining All Elite Wrestling.

The Chemistry That Started With Good Vibes

Bailey’s partnership with Kevin Knight didn’t emerge from some elaborate booking meeting or corporate decision. Instead, it blossomed organically during competition, proving that sometimes the best wrestling stories write themselves naturally.

“It started in a four-on-four match, but then we just became a tag team off the vibes,” Bailey explained.

The foundation of their success stems from complementary international training. Bailey’s globe-trotting experience meshes perfectly with Knight’s New Japan Strong Style education, creating a dynamic that transcends typical tag team formulas.

“That international style…is really what makes the team work,” Bailey noted.

Wrestling’s Cultural Spectrum: From Japan’s Respect to Mexico’s Fiesta

Few wrestlers can speak to international wrestling culture like Bailey, who has performed across continents and absorbed different audience energies. His perspective on how wrestling varies globally offers fascinating insight into the sport’s universal appeal.

According to Bailey, professional wrestling exists on a fascinating cultural spectrum. Japanese audiences approach wrestling with scholarly dedication, analyzing every move and showing deep respect for the craft. Meanwhile, Mexican lucha libre represents pure celebration, where families gather to enjoy spectacle and create lasting memories.

“Professional wrestling always exists on a spectrum somewhere between Japan and Mexico. Audiences in Japan take fandom extremely seriously, while in Mexico, Lucha Libre is cultural; people go out to enjoy the show and have fun.”

Conquering the Promo Challenge in All Elite Wrestling

Transitioning to AEW meant mastering skills beyond high-flying maneuvers. Bailey faced the daunting task of cutting promos and engaging in episodic storytelling, particularly challenging given his linguistic background.

“English is my second language…I am not known to be a promo guy,” Bailey admitted honestly.

However, he found inspiration in wrestlers like Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay, who prioritize authenticity over scripted perfection. Their natural speaking styles showed Bailey that genuine passion often trumps polished delivery in connecting with audiences.

The Border Ban That Could Have Ended Everything

Perhaps the most compelling part of Bailey’s story involves the devastating setback that threatened to derail his entire career. In 2016, U.S. border officials turned him away and imposed a five-year entry ban, effectively locking him out of America’s wrestling scene.

The initial shock during that drive home from the border could have crushed many wrestlers’ dreams. Instead, Bailey’s passion for wrestling proved stronger than bureaucratic obstacles, reigniting his determination almost immediately.

“It took me one match to be like, ‘Yeah, screw it. I’m just going to keep doing this and see what happens.'”

Kenny Omega’s international success became Bailey’s blueprint for thriving outside America’s wrestling bubble. Omega proved that talented wrestlers could build meaningful careers without relying solely on U.S. promotions.

“Looking at someone like Kenny Omega, making a career without having to be in America, was absolutely huge.”

Love Across Borders: The Veda Scott Connection

Bailey’s relationship with fellow wrestler Veda Scott survived one of wrestling’s most challenging periods. The COVID-19 pandemic separated them for nine grueling months due to closed international borders, testing their commitment like never before.

Their early relationship involved incredible travel schedules, bouncing between countries for wrestling bookings. Yet those exhausting journeys created some of their most cherished memories together.

“There were several delays…haven’t slept in three days…and just sitting in the bus holding hands, like, ‘This is nice.'”

Their story proves that wrestling relationships can flourish despite the industry’s demanding lifestyle and unpredictable circumstances.

The Great Poutine Debate: Food Passion Meets Wrestling Personality

Bailey’s foodie credentials extend far beyond typical wrestler interests. His travels have cultivated sophisticated tastes, with Japanese Tantanmen spicy ramen earning top honors as his favorite international dish.

However, the interview’s most entertaining moment came when Bailey challenged Renee Paquette’s poutine recipe from her cookbook. His passionate defense of proper poutine preparation showcased his attention to detail and Canadian pride.

“You don’t want to melt the cheese. The cheese needs to be cold. … An important part of a poutine is the contrast in temperatures.”

Bailey emphasized that authentic poutine requires simplicity and quality ingredients rather than elaborate modifications.

“Fresh cheese curds…fresh fries…brown gravy.”

The Complete Package: Why Speedball Connects With Fans

Bailey’s “Close Up” appearance demonstrated why he’s become such a beloved figure in All Elite Wrestling. His combination of athletic ability, genuine personality, and compelling backstory creates the perfect wrestling package that resonates with diverse audiences.

From overcoming career-threatening setbacks to maintaining meaningful relationships, Bailey embodies the resilience and passion that defines professional wrestling’s most inspiring figures. His journey proves that sometimes the most authentic stories emerge from real-life struggles rather than scripted drama.

As Bailey continues building his AEW legacy alongside Kevin Knight, fans can expect more genuine moments and high-flying action from this dynamic performer. What other surprising revelations might emerge as Speedball’s wrestling story continues to unfold?

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Chase Morgan
Chase Morgan is a seasoned pro wrestling journalist with over a decade of experience covering sports and entertainment. With a deep-seated love for professional wrestling, Chase has spent the last six years specializing in the world of WWE and AEW. His expertise not only lies in match analysis and wrestler profiles but also in understanding the intricate narratives that make wrestling a unique blend of sport and theater. A contributor to several major sports websites, Chase's work is recognized for its insightful commentary and commitment to factual, engaging content. At Pro Wrestling News Hub, Chase aims to continue delivering high-quality wrestling journalism that captivates and informs the enthusiastic wrestling community.
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