The history of independent wrestlers to get overlooked feature names like Trent Acid, Homicide, Scott Lost and many others never getting their just due. However, internet popularity has changed that with more opportunities coming for independent wrestlers. Mike “Speedball” Bailey was thriving as one of the breakout talents from Canada on the United States circuit.

Promotions like PWG and Evolve were booking Bailey against top names on the independent wrestling scene. Unfortunately, a travel ban would force him to sit out a chunk of the prime of his career. Speedball seemed like the next exciting star ready to breakout after having classics with the likes of Kevin Owens, Kenny Omega, Adam Cole and Drew McIntyre, but bad luck essentially put his rise on hold by having to work in Canada only. The hope for a better future with a return to the United States has Bailey having a chance to improve his standing.

How Mike "Speedball" Bailey

The background in Canada saw Mike Bailey starting to break out locally to get more high-profile bookings in the United States and United Kingdom. Progress Wrestling, Evolve and PWG were all having hot runs when Speedball got his chance in each company. The unique in-ring style of Taekwondo strikes, a fast-paced offense, and aerial displays all made Bailey a fun talent to watch.

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Kevin Owens praising him after a local match in Canada’s C4 promotion opened new eyes since Owens was the top indie name at the time. Progress and CZW each started to make Bailey a bigger part of their plans with consistent bookings in the mid-2010s.

Evolve was starting a working relationship with WWE and William Regal attended PWG shows scouting for WWE when Speedball was getting attention. Exciting matches had fans wondering if he’d be the next to get signed. Bailey thrived in a high-profile feud teaming with faces in PWG against the heel faction of Mount Rushmore. The Evolve tenure saw Speedball becoming as over as Matt Riddle, Zack Sabre Jr. and Chris Hero as the promotion’s top names.

Travel Ban Issues Prevented Mike Bailey From Being A Bigger Star

Canadian wrestlers often attempt to cross the border without a visa if working for the independent promotions. Major companies like WWE and now AEW will take care of that for the talent, but the risk is there for wrestlers taking the fall on their own. Even TNA had their issues when Angelina Love was unable to travel to the United States for a short while.

Mike Bailey witnessed the biggest fear of such a story in 2016 when he was arrested for trying to enter the United States for an Evolve show. The five-year travel ban from entering America saw his career stall for that time with fewer Canadian independent shows getting attention. Speedball continued wrestling, but his work was harder to find after his name value was taking off.

Companies like Ring of Honor booking Bailey during a Canada tour was the best bet for him to get noticed. Speedball’s travel ban ended in early 2021, but the pandemic slowed down the idea of a quick return. The hope of anyone to know Bailey is that he can rebound with the ability to enter the United States again.

Is It Time For Mike Bailey's Return?

Other wrestlers to suffer from the same travel ban as Mike Bailey have shown it can work out long-term in wrestling. The Super Smash Bros were banned from entering the United States for the same reason, but they are now huge parts of the Dark Order in AEW. Evil Uno and Stu Grayson set the precedent of wrestlers rebounding and rebuilding their momentum.

Speedball was taken away from the shows that helped improve his career before fans got to truly discover him. Bailey's body of work wins over anyone who watches him long enough, but the test will be getting eyes on him again. There are more options now with Impact and Ring of Honor trying to rebuild, while AEW looks to have the perfect depth.

The Twitch streams of Speedball and his love interest/fellow wrestler Veda Scott have seen him discussing the hope of traveling more when the world is more open. Any promotions needing an exciting young star to break out would likely benefit from a hungry Bailey. The prior trajectory of Speedball would have seen him become a star by now, but the road of building a reputation back in wrestling may see him reaching his potential this time.