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AEW returns to Portland, Oregon tonight for Summer Blockbuster—a four-hour special presentation of Dynamite and Collision airing on TBS and streaming on Max. Ahead of the event, PWInsider Elite caught up “Speedball” Mike Bailey, for an in-depth conversation about his AEW experience, long-term aspirations, and more.
Bailey, who teams with Kevin Knight and Komander in a high-octane six-man tag against The Hurt Syndicate—AEW World Tag Team Champions Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin and their newest ally MJF—says he’s thrilled about what the night represents.
“I’m super excited for Summer Blockbuster,” Bailey told PWInsider. “The match of myself, Kevin Knight, and Komander versus the Hurt Syndicate is super exciting. MJF is someone I’ve been looking forward to working with for a very long time because I think he does that long-term storytelling better than anyone right now. I wrestled Bobby Lashley at Smash Wrestling in 2016 in a fantastic match and wrestled Shelton Benjamin at WrestleCade. But to get really deep into it with them in the universe of AEW and all the storytelling opportunities that come with that is incredibly exciting.”
On the creative differences between AEW and his years spent traveling the globe and wrestling nonstop, Bailey was candid about the transition.
“There is a lot more opportunity for longer-term storytelling because people pay that much more attention to AEW than anywhere I’ve ever worked before,” he said. “The pressure is higher, and the three matches that I used to do every single weekend just end up getting concentrated into one match. But that just means I get to prepare better... and I 100% feel like I’ve been set up to win the whole time.”
Bailey’s performances in AEW led to his recent bout against Kazuchika Okada at Double or Nothing.
“It’s no secret that Okada is one of the best wrestlers in the world. For all the criticism he gets for doing only as much as he needs to, I think that is also the secret to his career,” Bailey said. “You just have to push him. I was not going to take it easy. Double or Nothing was a huge event… I’m glad we were both able to give it everything we’ve got.”
The transition to AEW has also brought a welcome change in how Bailey feels he is received by audiences.
“In AEW, this is the first time in my career that I can really say that I come out of the curtain and everyone is already cheering for me. The only time I really felt it in that way before was Best of the Super Juniors in 2023. I’m feeling that same kind of love in AEW and it feels amazing.”
Bailey also reflected on the philosophical shift AEW represents in the wrestling landscape.
“There was a monopoly on pro wrestling for 20, 30 years… and if you weren’t that kind of wrestler, you were made to feel like there was something wrong with you. AEW showed that the alternative—diverse, connected to the audience—is just as valid, or probably even better than what was presented for all those years.”
When asked about future dream matches, Bailey was hesitant to narrow the list.
“I hate this question,” he laughed. “It’s impossible for me to give you an exhaustive list… but Hangman Page, Darby Allin, Brody King, MJF, and of course, Bryan Danielson. That would really be a dream match for me and a lot of people.”
As AEW expands its international footprint with upcoming events like Grand Slam Mexico at Arena Mexico and All In: Texas, Bailey is eager to be part of those landmark shows.
“I’m going to be spending a long time with AEW. I want to grow alongside AEW and help AEW grow as it helps me. I think Arena Mexico is absolutely huge. All In is going to be one of the biggest pro wrestling events of all time.”
On tonight’s Summer Blockbuster show, Bailey promised fans will find something special.
“If you want to see not just the best at one form of professional wrestling, but the very best at all forms, there is undoubtedly a wrestler you will like. AEW has such a huge level of diversity and different styles… you will find something you love.”
And as for the atmosphere in the AEW locker room ahead of big nights like this?
“It hasn’t felt like a competition. If the match before me is better, that’s only going to make the audience more excited about my match. Everyone worked together to make sure the crowd stayed hot for four hours at FyterFest, and I expect the exact same thing tonight.”
AEW Summer Blockbuster airs tonight at 8 PM Eastern on TBS and streaming live on Max.
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