Speedball Mike Bailey Says That The X-Division Championship Is The Biggest Title In Wrestling
“Speedball” Mike Bailey wasn’t able to wrestle in the United States for almost 5 years due to immigration visa issues. However, Bailey signed a contract with IMPACT! back in October of 2021, after finally being allowed to return to the United States.
Bailey is Émile Baillargeon-Laberge, a Canadian citizen, and he’s wasted no time, making up for time away from professional wrestling in America recently. Over the course of the past month or so, he’s shared the ring with an impressive list of foes: Jay White, Lee Moriarty, Minoru Suzuki, and Alex Shelley.
Mike Bailey recently spoke with Sports Illustrated‘s Justin Barrasso, where he talked about making up for lost time after being restricted from traveling to the United States.
“I’ve been watching Shelley for almost 20 years and admire his work from a distance, and I finally had the chance to have a match with him. All of this, it has been a real joy. A lot of these matches are ones I’ve wanted to wrestle for a long time.”
“I’ve had fun in every single match. I enjoy it, and I take pride in what I do. I love doing it. I am also conscious of the impact that a performance with true purpose and care can have on people. That motivates me to keep going and reach new heights. I’ve been absolutely nonstop since coming back. It’s been wild.”
And without question the biggest match since Bailey’s return to the United States takes place this Saturday night at IMPACT! Wrestling’s PPV “Rebellion,” as he competes in a three-way match against Trey Miguel and Ace Austin for the X Division title.
“The X Division championship is my goal.”
“To me, the X Division championship is the biggest championship in professional wrestling. A chance to get that belt, especially when the division is so stacked, it means even more. It’s me, Ace, and Trey in the match, but there’s also Chris Bey, Laredo Kid, Rich Swann, Willie Mack—those are all such great wrestlers. I want to be the top wrestler in all of wrestling and becoming X Division champion is the first step to proving that. I want to make the X Division the best division in all of professional wrestling. The X Division, it’s action,” Bailey says. “It’s dynamic. It’s exciting. I want to win the title and then defend it against anyone in the world that’s willing to step up.”
IMPACT Wrestling presents their Rebellion PPV on Saturday night April 23rd, and features a Three-Way Match between “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Trey Miguel, and Ace Austin for the X-Division Championship.
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