“Speedball” Mike Bailey stands out as one of Canada’s most beloved independent wrestlers. With nearly two decades of experience wrestling internationally at promotions like DDT Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and TNA, Bailey joined AEW earlier this year. Despite his extensive background, dating back to his high school wrestling days, Bailey admits that he still needs to hone his promo skills. During an appearance on “AEW Close-Up,” he shared with Renee Puckett that he looks up to Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay for their natural, conversational promo styles, which differ from the traditional Japanese approach where promos aren’t scripted but spoken more casually.
Bailey hails from Laval, Quebec, where French is the primary language. Although many Quebec wrestlers like Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Maryse are bilingual, English remains a challenge for some, including Bailey. He feels his English promos lack full authenticity, making it harder to truly connect with the largely English-speaking AEW audience. His admiration for Omega and Ospreay also reflects his struggle to resonate with fans outside his native language, as those stars similarly bridged cultural and language gaps with Japanese wrestling fans. Currently wrestling mostly in English, Bailey believes building a stronger bond through his words is just as crucial as showcasing his in-ring talent.
If quoting, please credit “AEW Close-Up” with H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcript.
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Fan Take: This insight into Mike Bailey’s focus on improving his promo delivery is exciting for AEW fans because it shows his commitment to growth beyond in-ring skills. Enhanced promos could elevate his connection with the audience, potentially leading to more impactful storylines and deeper engagement with fans, which is vital for the evolving storytelling in AEW and pro wrestling as a whole.
