Mike Bailey: Exclusive Contracts Are Bad For The Development Of Pro Wrestlers

Mike Bailey gives his take on exclusive contracts.

Fans have been treated to a plethora of contract announcements as of late, with names like Thunder Rosa and Mistico signing dual contracts with AEW/CMLL.

There has also been some chatter on the TNA side of things, as the company has been canceling independent matches that would’ve seen their wrestlers face performers from AEW.

Speaking with Adrian Hernandez of Unlikely for a new interview, ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey explained why he thinks exclusive contracts are bad for wrestlers.

“So this is my hot take when it comes to professional wrestling — exclusive contracts are bad. For pro wrestlers, for the development. I understand there is a need for them, the ecosystem and the companies, it doesn’t work without them and that makes sense. But, if everyone in the world could wrestle absolutely anyone else regardless of contracts, just imagine the matchups you would see. Well, we can’t really have that. The closest thing we can have is what AEW is doing, partnering up with CMLL and New Japan Pro Wrestling and working together to showcase the best wrestlers from all over the world. It’s been a problem in professional wrestling for a long time, the lack of diversity in terms of seeing champions from different cultures and races. I think the fact that in order to be considered eligible to become a champion in pro wrestling, you need to speak English, especially as a first language, is completely ridiculous and extremely counterproductive. I’m glad that it’s become less and less of a thing, I think it’s due to partnerships like that opening up the playing fields to literally letting anyone who is the best at pro wrestling wrestle at the very top, as it should be. I think putting any kind of barrier on that is absolutely ridiculous. I think that what AEW is doing right now — you can see it because other companies are following suit — is exactly what needs to happen in professional wrestling.”

Fans can check out the current lineup for AEW Dynasty by clicking here. Fightful will have full coverage of the show as it airs on Sunday, April 12.

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