"Speedball" Mike Bailey wants the gold.
Bailey established himself as one of the most buzzworthy wrestlers on the independent scene, but in 2016, he was barred from entering the United States for five years after he tried to come to the country without the proper visa. Bailey signed with IMPACT in October 2021 and made his debut at Hard To KIll 2022. Since then, he has competed in a number of memorable matches, and he has captured the X-Division Championship. Bailey also generated buzz when he faced Josh Alexander, the current IMPACT World Champion, in an Iron Man Match.
Speaking with SP3 for Tru Heels BTR, Bailey was asked to describe whether his main focus in 2023 is winning the IMPACT World Championship or regaining the X-Division Championship. He responded by stating that both objectives are in his sights. Bailey noted that he didn't cash in Option C when he had the X-Division Championship because he wanted both titles, and holding both of them remains his goal. Overall, he made it clear that he's not setting any limits on what he can do in IMPACT.
“I think it’s both because when I won the X-Division Championship at the 20 year Slammiversary in an Ultimate X match. I couldn’t think of a better way to become X-Division Champion and I can’t think of a better way to become IMPACT World Champion than taking it away from the person who currently has the longest reign of all time. But the big reason I never cashed in ‘Option C’ is because I wanted both. I didn’t want to lose one to get the other because I honestly don’t think one is better or more meaningful than the other. I think I said when I was X-Division Champion, but I think in terms as a division that the X-Division is the best division in professional wrestling. It’s just so packed and stacked with talent, but having both is my ultimate goal and if I can throw in the tag championship as well on top of the mix, I’d be happier. Why not throw in the Digital Media Championship while we’re at it? But I refuse to set any limitations on what I can accomplish in IMPACT Wrestling," Bailey said.
Bailey recently commented on a fan incident at GCW Middle of the Night. Click here to see what he had to say.
Catch up on our coverage of the February 23 episode of IMPACT Wrestling here. For a full review, check out our post-show podcast on our YouTube channel.
Bailey will face Jonathan Gresham on the Countdown to No Surrender. Check out the full card here.
