Former NXT UK standout Joe Coffey has revealed that he is currently unable to wrestle anywhere in the world due to visa complications stemming from his WWE release.
Speaking on the Muscle Memory YouTube channel, the Gallus leader explained that as a Scottish-born performer, his work visa was tied directly to his WWE contract. Once that deal ended, so did his legal ability to work in the United States or travel internationally. “Unfortunately, just now, we have to be landlocked in the US,” Coffey stated. “So it means we can’t work in the US or get back to Europe or Japan or anything.”
The 16-year veteran admitted the experience has been incredibly frustrating. “I’m just itching to get my boots on, tie the laces up, and just get back to work… So hopefully it won’t be too long.”
Despite the professional limbo, Coffey looked back on one recent career highlight—helping train The Rock for WrestleMania 40. He revealed that he and his Gallus teammates were told to pack their bags for a secret training mission with Dwayne Johnson in Los Angeles. “It felt like a Marvel Avengers meeting,” Coffey said, recalling the surreal experience.
The Rock reportedly invited Coffey and the group to offer input during the training sessions, and some of their ideas made it into the match. As a thank-you, The Rock sent them back to Orlando with $3,500 worth of Project Rock gear and cases of Teremana tequila.
Though he appreciated the opportunity, Coffey expressed disappointment over his WWE run, feeling he never got to truly show what he was capable of. “If you give me a microphone, I’d get very sarcastic eyes and a tongue that will slash you like a long knife,” he said, noting his underutilized promo skills.
Before WWE, Coffey made waves in ICW, including a standout match with Kurt Angle, which he credited as a major moment in his career. He also revealed that he was originally involved with ITV’s World of Sport reboot but ultimately chose WWE after being urged by officials to wait for the second UK tournament.
Now stuck in a holding pattern, Coffey remains hopeful that he’ll be able to return to the global wrestling scene soon. “To any promoter out there, if you have me in your show, you’ll get everything,” he promised. “Promos, vlogs, every ounce of energy. With me, you’ll get the full package.”
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more on Joe Coffey’s future and all the latest in the wrestling world.
(h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription)
