After months of speculation, former TNA X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey has officially landed in All Elite Wrestling. Bailey made his highly anticipated debut on the March 12 episode of AEW Dynamite, entering the AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament as the mystery wildcard competitor.
Bailey’s move to AEW had been rumored since his TNA contract expired in late 2024, but fans were left guessing when he would actually make his first appearance. The wait ended after AEW teased his arrival through a vignette on AEW Collision in February, and once a wildcard spot was announced for the tournament, speculation ran wild that the high-flying Canadian would be the one to fill it.
A Tough First Challenge
Bailey’s AEW debut was anything but easy, as he faced off against the intimidating Beast Mortos. Right from the start, Mortos showed little interest in reciprocating Bailey’s show of respect, opting instead to overpower his smaller opponent. However, Bailey wasted no time reminding the AEW audience why he’s one of the most dynamic strikers in the game, unleashing a flurry of vicious kicks.
Despite Bailey’s early offense, Mortos used his size advantage to dominate the action on the outside. But “Speedball” wouldn’t stay down for long. Fighting back with his signature combination of kicks, chops, and an aerial assault, Bailey turned the tide, launching himself over the top rope with a breathtaking dive as the match headed into the commercial break.
Bailey Secures the Win in Spectacular Fashion
Mortos continued to showcase his power, gaining the upper hand after Bailey was crotched on the top rope. The Beast followed up with a devastating corkscrew tope, a pop-up Samoan Drop, and an avalanche press slam, nearly putting Bailey away.
However, the resilient newcomer refused to stay down. After a tense exchange of roll-ups, Bailey countered Mortos’ offense, delivering a moonsault knee drop before connecting with a perfectly placed crescent kick to the head to score the pinfall victory.
What’s Next for “Speedball”?
With this impressive win, Bailey advances to the four-way final of the AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament on March 19. He’ll be joined by the winner of Orange Cassidy vs. Hechicero, which took place later that night. The ultimate goal? A shot at Kenny Omega for the AEW International Championship at AEW Dynasty on April 6—a match Omega himself has said he wants to be against the best AEW has to offer.
Bailey has already proven he belongs in AEW. But can “Speedball” fight his way to a title shot and make an even bigger impact? The road to Dynasty just got a lot more interesting.
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