“Speedball” Mike Bailey has officially joined United Empire, accepting an invitation from AEW World Champion Will Ospreay during a backstage segment on the September 23, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite.
The segment saw Ospreay, flanked by Francesco Akira, approach Bailey with the offer to become the newest member of the faction. According to multiple outlets covering the segment, Bailey initially appeared hesitant to accept, citing his recent history with partners in AEW. He ultimately agreed to join United Empire.
The recruitment came on the go-home edition of Dynamite ahead of AEW All Out, and it followed Ospreay’s pledge on the Dynamite after AEW All In to build his own version of United Empire within AEW. Per F4W Online, Ospreay made good on that promise roughly a month later by adding Bailey to the group. Bailey’s acceptance also came ahead of a tag match pairing him with Ospreay on the same show.
Elsewhere on the card, Persephone retained the TBS Championship against Hyan in a match filled with near falls, including a spear that nearly ended her reign, according to eWrestlingNews. With Britt Baker at ringside, Persephone survived a late charge from Hyan by dodging, rolling her up, and holding the ropes to steal the win.
The same broadcast reportedly saw a match between Chris Jericho and Wayne set for a show in France, though further details on that booking were not included in the available reporting.
