Mike Bailey comments on the celebration of diversity in wrestling.
Through pro wrestling’s storied history, a common trope has been for American companies to portray foreigners as villains to be overcome by patriotic heroes. Thankfully, while eras of wrestling have been defined by the foreign heel cliché, it isn’t seen as much in the modern day, and an AEW star has emphasised how much they think moving away from it has changed the industry for the better.
While speaking to BTA Philly, Mike Bailey discussed how wrestling is perhaps better than it’s ever been before due to its celebration of culture.
“Well, now is the best time in history to be a pro wrestling fan. I mean, pro wrestling this is my controversial thing, but pro wrestling now is better than pro wrestling’s ever been. In terms of just how the sport has grown, and what’s really making it happen is promotions working together, and the fact that there’s a global network of wrestling promotions cooperating, and I mean, like, if you look at, for example, the relationship between AEW and New Japan and CMLL that’s going right now, not only is it good for pro wrestling, but it’s… culturally, it’s great. It’s a great way to explore different cultures and see the rest of the world through professional wrestling. That’s really something… Like, when you talk about wrestling historically being kind of… Not kind of, but weirdly racist… right? That the people from outside America are the bad guys and the American guys are the good guys, right? That’s not how it is at all anymore. Now cultures are celebrated all across pro wrestling and I think that’s a huge reason to want your kids to get into professional wrestling.”
-Mike Bailey
Mike Bailey debuted for AEW earlier this year. A highlight of their run so far is their beloved tag team with Kevin Knight that has seen them challenge for the World Tag Team Championships at All In Texas.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Mike Bailey as soon as we hear more.
H/T to Fightful for the transcription.
