Professional wrestler Mike Bailey faced a five-year United States work visa ban in 2015 that temporarily halted his breakout momentum on the American independent wrestling scene, according to an interview with TMZ Sports’ Inside The Ring. Despite the setback, the Canadian citizen rebuilt his career across international promotions in Japan, Europe, and Mexico before eventually signing with major American companies years later.
The 2015 Visa Crisis and Independent Scene Halt
According to Mike Bailey speaking on TMZ Sports’ Inside The Ring, a major career hurdle emerged in 2015 just as he was experiencing a breakout year on the US independent wrestling circuit. After gaining traction with promotions like PWG, Evolve, and CZW, Bailey was stopped at the border and banned from entering the United States for five years due to work visa issues.
“There was a brief moment where in 2015, I had a real breakout year in the US independent scene with PWG and Evolve, and CZW… And then I was stopped at the border and banned from the US for five years because I didn’t have the work visa,” Bailey stated in the interview.
The 36-year-old athlete noted that watching his colleagues secure paths toward major companies while he faced a five-year restriction prompted a brief moment of doubt regarding his career trajectory.
Rebuilding Momentum Internationally
Rather than walking away from the industry, Bailey leaned into his decade-long foundation in the sport. Having wrestled for 10 years prior without significant financial profit, he realized he performed purely out of a love for professional wrestling.
“I got very fortunate in that I was able to pick up enough momentum that I was able to just take my career over to Japan, Europe, and Mexico and gain as much momentum until that five-year ban was up, and then be able to sign with one of the major companies in America and get a US work visa,” Bailey recalled to TMZ Sports.
Transition to Major US Promotions
According to career records, Bailey parted ways with TNA Wrestling in 2024 before officially joining AEW in 2025.
As a member of the All Elite Wrestling roster, where he is a former AEW Trios Champion, Bailey continues to balance major televised appearances with active independent bookings, cementing his status in modern professional wrestling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mike Bailey banned from the US in 2015?
Mike Bailey was stopped at the border in 2015 and barred from entering the US for five years due to not having the proper work visa, according to his interview with TMZ Sports.
What international regions did Mike Bailey wrestle in during his US ban?
During his five-year restriction from entering the United States, Bailey took his career to Japan, Europe, and Mexico.
When did Mike Bailey join AEW?
Mike Bailey joined AEW in 2025 following his departure from TNA Wrestling in 2024, later becoming an AEW Trios Champion.
What are your thoughts on Mike Bailey’s incredible journey from overcoming a five-year visa ban to becoming an AEW champion? Drop a comment below, explore our archives for more exclusive interviews, or subscribe to our daily newsletter for instant updates!
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