The wrestling world’s complex visa system has claimed another victim. Joe Coffey, the former Gallus leader who spent nearly seven years climbing WWE’s ranks, finds himself trapped in bureaucratic limbo following his May 2025 release. What should have been a transition to new opportunities has become a frustrating waiting game that highlights the precarious nature of international talent in American wrestling.
The Gallus Exodus: Three Careers Halted Overnight
May 2, 2025 marked the end of an era when WWE severed ties with all three Gallus members simultaneously. Joe Coffey, alongside his brother Mark Coffey and partner Wolfgang, received their walking papers in what industry insiders viewed as another cost-cutting measure.
For the Scottish trio, this wasn’t just about losing paychecks. Their entire legal status in the United States vanished with their contracts, creating complications that extend far beyond typical post-release challenges.
Visa Complications: When Wrestling Dreams Meet Immigration Reality
Speaking candidly on the Muscle Memory podcast, Joe Coffey pulled back the curtain on a harsh reality many international wrestlers face. His work authorization was intrinsically linked to his WWE employment, creating an immediate crisis upon termination.
“Just to cut a long story short, with the release and the contract, our visa goes with that. Unfortunately, just now, we have to be landlocked in the US, so it means we can’t work in the US or get back to Europe or Japan or anything.”
This revelation exposes a catch-22 situation: Coffey cannot legally work in America without proper documentation, yet he’s also unable to return home to pursue opportunities elsewhere. It’s a wrestling purgatory that few fans understand.
The Frustration of a 16-Year Veteran
For someone who has dedicated over a decade and a half to professional wrestling, forced inactivity feels like torture. Coffey’s passion for the business became evident as he discussed his current predicament.
“It’s a bit frustrating because I’ve been wrestling for a long, long time, coming up for 16 years now, is what I know. I’m just itching to get my boots on, tie the laces up, and just get back to work and get back in the ring. So hopefully it won’t be too long.”
These words capture the essence of a performer whose identity is deeply intertwined with his craft. Wrestling isn’t just Coffey’s profession—it’s his calling.
From UK Tournament to NXT: A Journey Cut Short
Coffey’s WWE tenure began promisingly in 2018 with the United Kingdom Championship Tournament, showcasing his talents on a global stage. His trajectory through NXT UK established him as a cornerstone of the brand before transitioning to the main NXT roster in August 2022.
The move to America represented career advancement, but Coffey’s podcast appearance revealed underlying dissatisfaction with his booking. He expressed feeling that he “didn’t even get to scratch the surface” of his potential during his NXT run.
Gallus and The Rock: A WrestleMania Connection
One of Gallus’s most prestigious assignments came when they were selected to assist The Rock’s preparation for his WrestleMania 40 return. This high-profile opportunity demonstrated the respect they commanded within WWE’s training environment.
Shawn Michaels publicly praised the trio following their work with The People’s Champion, highlighting their professionalism and skill. Such endorsements make their subsequent release even more puzzling to industry observers.
The Broader Immigration Issue in Wrestling
Coffey’s situation illuminates a recurring problem in professional wrestling’s globalized landscape. International talent often operates under precarious legal circumstances, with their careers hanging in the balance of corporate decisions and immigration policies.
This bureaucratic maze affects not just individual wrestlers but the industry’s ability to maintain its international flavor. When visa issues prevent talented performers from working, everyone loses—promoters, fans, and the wrestlers themselves.
As Joe Coffey navigates this challenging period, his story serves as a stark reminder of wrestling’s hidden complexities. Will the former Gallus leader find a path back to the ring, or will visa complications derail a promising career? The wrestling community watches and waits, hoping bureaucracy won’t claim another talented performer’s prime years.
