Steve Carrier on October 20, 2025
MVP is setting the record straight about alleged tension in AEW and shutting down online gossip in the process.
During a new episode of the “Marking Out with MVP” podcast, the former WWE and current AEW star addressed rumors claiming he had backstage heat with “Speedball” Mike Bailey. Those stories, according to MVP, couldn’t be further from the truth. When asked directly about his relationship with Bailey, MVP gave a clear response:
“At no point that I ever say that I dislike Speedball Mike Bailey. I don’t have an issue with Speedball. We work together, we see each other, we shake hands, and we keep it moving like there’s no issue there.”
He went on to praise Bailey’s character and the overall atmosphere behind the scenes in AEW, and also took aim at the wrestling news outlets reporting the story, going off on what he sees as a toxic part of the business. He didn’t mince words.
“I don’t have any problems with any of the talent that I work with at AEW. Mike Bailey’s one of the nicest guys around. My personal opinion is that these people are leeches on my profession. They make a living off of my profession, and they give absolutely nothing.”
MVP argued that these so-called journalists are responsible for shaping a generation of performers who care more about star ratings than fan engagement:
“We have a generation of wrestlers that are wrestling for an audience of one instead of the audience that’s in the house, because they want somebody to, you know, give them a favorable star rating.”
Calling it what it is, MVP labeled it flat-out dishonest media:
“It’s yellow journalism. It’s rumor and innuendo gossip disguised as journalism, because I’ve read so many things through the years reported about me that were just abjectly false. I am honest to a fault. I have never had a problem with saying who I don’t like… And to be honest, as far as I know amongst talent at AEW, I think everybody pretty much gets along.”
Back in August 2025, Mike Bailey also weighed in on the rumors during an interview with 94WIP. He didn’t deny that there had been harsh words exchanged with MVP, but made it clear that the moment didn’t mean what fans thought it did.
“Yeah, he said f** you to me, and I said f*** you to him. But this is pro wrestling, right? I think it’s silly to go online, read that two wrestlers don’t like each other, and believe it means we actually hate each other. This is a wrestling show.”*
Bailey explained that the supposed “heat” was just another way to tell a compelling story, referencing his tag team feud alongside Kevin Knight. The two spent months chasing the Hurt Syndicate’s tag titles, including a major match at All In: Texas in front of 30,000 fans. That night, the Hurt Syndicate retained the belts in a triple threat bout that also included Nick Wayne and Christian Cage.
“Kevin and I tried to take the Hurt Syndicate’s tag team championships many times for several months leading up to All In in front of 30,000 people, where they defended their titles successfully against us as well as Nick Wayne and Christian Cage.”
Bailey made it clear that the dynamic between him and MVP was strictly part of the show.
“So, do we hate each other? [Chuckles] Sure, why not. At the end of the day, whatever makes the best show for the audience is what matters. If hating each other is part of that, then let’s roll with it.”
With both MVP and Mike Bailey shutting the rumors down, it’s obvious this was never about real-life beef—just smart storytelling in the world of pro wrestling.
Do you think wrestling news outlets are crossing the line with backstage gossip? Or is it just part of the business? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand.
October 20, 2025 12:31 pm
Disqus Comments Loading...