AEW rising star Mike Bailey recently sparked controversy by openly criticizing wrestling veterans for their outdated views on in-ring psychology, calling some traditional wrestling psychology “fake” and outdated. In an extensive interview with Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp released in late July 2025, Bailey addressed the ongoing debate about wrestling psychology, pinning, and the approach to storytelling inside the ring, challenging many revered norms propagated by the previous generations of wrestlers[1][2].

Bailey, known as “Speedball,” is recognized for his innovative style and barefoot kicking technique, which has earned him a growing fanbase. But beyond his high-flying moves, Bailey has a strong opinion about what constitutes “real” psychology in professional wrestling—particularly pushing back against the vociferous claims of veterans who dismiss modern wrestling as lacking depth or authenticity.

Calling Out the “Fake” Traditional Psychology

Bailey was particularly critical of the old-school psychology preached by many veterans, describing it as often illogical and repetitious. He dissected the typical sequences seen in many classic matches, where wrestlers trade unprotected punches and reversals that lack realism or logical coherence. He said, “I get so angry. I get so, so enraged at all the veterans of professional wrestling who will talk about psychology and, for example, why a superkick should only be a finish” but then pointed out the hypocritical and repetitive moves often used by those same veterans in their own matches[1].

Bailey lamented how many veteran wrestlers insist on rigid storytelling formulas that revolve around outdated conventions, such as wasting time on overplayed “pin attempts” that lack realism. He explained, “Pins? Pins are the fakest part of professional wrestling. If you’ve ever done any kind of pin-based wrestling, you do not let go of the person at 2.9, cradle your head, look in the camera, and go ‘Oh!’ for just about 10 seconds” — highlighting how this common trope breaks immersion rather than building believable drama[1].

He praised alternative approaches, such as those used by Akatsuki in Marvelous (a Japanese wrestling promotion), who executed pin attempts as a strategic and realistic “game,” representing a more logical and visually believable style of wrestling psychology that Bailey believes is sorely missing from many mainstream matches.

The Importance of Consistent and Logical Rules

Bailey stated, “the beauty of professional wrestling is that we perform in the universe that we create. We make rules, and as long as they’re consistent and perceived as logical by the audience, then it’s fine.” His emphasis on consistency and logic as the foundation of good psychology underscores a modern, audience-centric mentality rather than adherence to outdated dogma[1].

This approach marks a clear departure from the rigid thinking that Bailey says pervades “old guard” commentary on wrestling, where moves must fit predetermined roles (like a superkick only being a finisher) regardless of their actual effect or crowd reaction.

Reaction and Rewards: The Pain Endurance of Modern Wrestlers

Bailey also touched on the physical aspect of wrestling, discussing how over time he has rewired his brain to absorb pain and even enjoy the satisfaction of delivering and receiving hard strikes. Referencing early career experiences, including being struck hard by Kevin Owens (Kevin Steen) during an independent show in Canada, Bailey expressed a mindset common among modern wrestlers where pain is reframed as a positive mechanism fueling performance and crowd energy[2].

He cautioned against misinterpretations, emphasizing that while he accepts hard chops, kicks, and slaps as part of the job, it’s not about glorifying pain but valuing the audience’s experience.

Wrestling Is Subjective — But Crowd Engagement Is Objective

Bailey’s perspective on match quality dovetails with his psychology views. In his Fightful interview, he asserted that all wrestling is an art form and inherently subjective but emphasized that objective criteria—chiefly audience engagement and the ability to entertain diverse crowds—ultimately define a match’s success[3].

He recounted his time in Japan’s DDT promotion, where shows often took place in unconventional venues like shopping malls before indifferent crowds. There, wrestlers had to work harder to captivate non-fans, illustrating his broader point that “If the crowd enjoys the match, then it can’t be bad,” regardless of style or tradition[3].

Industry Perspectives and Backstage Reactions

According to sources close to AEW and industry insiders, Bailey’s candid perspective has generated discussion backstage. A WWE insider noted, “Mike Bailey’s comments have stirred the pot among veterans who have long championed traditional wrestling psychology. While some see it as disrespectful, others acknowledge that his points challenge the industry to evolve and consider audience perception above rigid rules.”[Fightful, WWE.com sources].

Bailey’s call for more organic, logical, and audience-driven storytelling echoes a wider trend in pro wrestling where promotions like AEW and Japanese companies increasingly favor innovative, varied in-ring storytelling over the strict formulaic approaches of decades past.

What This Means for Wrestling’s Future

Mike Bailey’s criticisms are part of a larger generational shift questioning many time-honored wrestling traditions. As wrestling fans become more diverse and global, and as access to various styles grows, wrestlers like Bailey emphasize flexibility, realism, and crowd engagement over repetition of “rules” that no longer resonate as authentically.

AEW’s commitment to showcasing diverse wrestling styles meshes well with Bailey’s philosophy, suggesting that the company could become a hub for this modern psychology approach. Meanwhile, WWE and other promotions might have to reckon with these evolving expectations or risk appearing out of touch.

Final Thoughts

Mike Bailey’s outspoken challenge to veteran wrestlers over what constitutes “real” wrestling psychology has added a fiery new dimension to the ongoing conversation about tradition versus innovation in professional wrestling. His insistence that psychology must feel believable, consistent, and audience-centered confronts entrenched norms and calls for a wrestling art form that evolves alongside its fans. As voices like Bailey’s grow louder, wrestling’s future storytelling may lean more toward authenticity and crowd immersion rather than rigid adherence to outdated templates.

Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see if the veterans push back or embrace the fresh perspectives that Mike Bailey and other modern performers bring to the squared circle.

This article is based on interviews and reports from Fightful, 411Mania, PWMania, and industry sources as of July 2025.