Mike Bailey Responds to Backstage Heat Rumors with MVP – “Speedball” Mike Bailey has spoken out on the speculation surrounding supposed backstage issues between himself and The Hurt Syndicate’s manager, MVP. In a recent appearance on 94WIP, Bailey addressed the talk, clarifying that while harsh words have been exchanged, the tension is part of the storytelling process in professional wrestling, not a personal feud.
Bailey acknowledged that he and MVP had traded insults, but he dismissed the idea that it reflects genuine animosity. “He said he said f**k you to me. I said f**k you to him. But again, this is pro wrestling. Yeah. Right,” Bailey said. “And I think it’s very silly to go online, read that these two pro wrestlers do not like each other, and be like, ‘Oh man, they hate each other. This is a wrestling show.’”
The rumors began after reports claimed MVP was unhappy with how his faction was being booked in their feud with Bailey and his partner Kevin, collectively known as JetSpeed. That rivalry, centered on the AEW World Tag Team Championships, spanned several months and culminated at All In in front of 30,000 fans, where The Hurt Syndicate successfully retained their titles.
AEW even leaned into the speculation on television, airing a backstage segment on Dynamite to further fuel the storyline. Bailey admitted that the tension serves the bigger picture, saying, “Yeah, like we hate each other, of course. Sure. Yeah, why not? I mean, at the end of the day, whatever makes the best show for the audience is what we’re into. And I mean, if hating each other is part of that, then let’s roll with it.”
Bailey’s comments suggest that the situation is more about enhancing the story than any legitimate dispute, reaffirming the classic wrestling tradition of blending reality with performance to captivate fans.
Mike Bailey Responds to Backstage Heat Rumors with MVP
