Popular star was backstage at this week's Collision; update on potential talks with AEW - Reports

This week's AEW Collision was taped on Thursday in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as All Elite Wrestling continues its build to Forbidden Door 2024. A new report has revealed that a prominent TNA star was backstage at the taping.

'Speedball' Mike Bailey is seen as one of the top in-ring talents in the country and a major star for TNA Wrestling. Despite being signed to the Nashville-based promotion, the 33-year-old is still a prolific presence on the independent scene and has forged friendships and connections all across the wrestling industry.

Some of those connections are in AEW. A new report from Fightful Select claims that Bailey was backstage at the Collision, Rampage, and ROH tapings on Thursday in Allentown. The report notes that he was simply there to visit and was welcomed by the staff.

Speedball has drawn interest from several major wrestling companies, including WWE, but he is reportedly still under contract with TNA until later this year, making it impossible for him to enter negotiations with AEW or any other company at this time. He remains a force on the independent circuit, however, having competed for both GCW and DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling this month.

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AEW's Kenny Omega has high praise for 'Speedball' Mike Bailey

Mike Bailey has wowed fans with his in-ring prowess for more than two decades. With his TNA contract set to expire later this year, many are wondering whether he'll move on to one of America's top two promotions: WWE and All Elite Wrestling.

Speedball could show up in WWE sooner rather than later, as the Stamford-based promotion is currently enjoying a partnership with TNA. However, AEW EVP Kenny Omega seems to have his eye on the 33-year-old as well.

Speaking on his Twitch channel last month, The Best Bout Machine praised Bailey for his skills and mused over the prospect of the TNA star joining All Elite Wrestling in the future:

"Mike Bailey, now that’s a guy that’s been killing it. You want to talk about a journeyman? A guy who has been going to every little mom-and-pop indie on the planet, doesn’t matter where. And he is giving incredible efforts. I look at that guy, and I’m thinking like, 'Man, how are you not on the injury list?' And he wrestles with no shoes on top of that? And he’s doing dives all the time? What the hell? Geez! Yeah, Speedball could have done some great things in AEW. I mean, he still might; who knows?" Kenny said.

'Speedball' Mike Bailey is undoubtedly on the wish lists of many wrestling promoters. With his contract in its final year, it's anybody's guess where he will turn up next.