AEW Forced To Wait To Debut Top Free Agent

A popular star will have to wait to make their AEW debut.

On November 14th it was reported that Mike Bailey had left TNA Wrestling after his contract expired on the first of the month.

Bailey has been a star on the independent scene for several years and excelled under TNA contract after signing with the company in 2021. Following his departure, Bailey was immediately linked with both WWE and AEW, but it was quickly reported that a deal with Tony Khan seemed more likely.

This was followed by another report suggesting Bailey would debut as part of the Continental Classic. However, it seems things aren’t quite that straightforward.

Mike Bailey Will Have To Wait For AEW Debut

According to a new update via Fightful Select, although he said his goodbyes at a recent taping, Bailey remains under contract until the end of the year. But, crucially, from the start of November, he was able to begin negotiating with other companies.

Fightful added that as a result, Bailey is unable to debut as part of the Continental Classic.

However, Mike Johnson of PWInsider has reiterated his earlier report that Bailey’s TNA deal expired on November 1st. Despite this discrepancy in the reporting, Johnson also notes that the star won’t compete in the Continental Classic and will likely debut in early 2025.