Joe Coffey may feel like he didn’t get to “scratch the surface” in WWE, but his journey is far from over. If anything, his comments reveal a performer with unfinished business — someone ready to prove that his best days are still ahead
Whether that’s as a singles star, the leader of Gallus, or a veteran mentor in another promotion, one thing’s clear: Coffey isn’t done fighting.
In wrestling, timing is everything. And while WWE may have missed the timing on maximizing Joe Coffey’s talents, another door is likely waiting to open — one that may finally allow him to show the world what he’s truly capable of.
Gallus’ unrealized alliance with Drew McIntyre is one of those “what could have been” stories that fans and insiders alike will look back on with a sense of regret.
It had all the ingredients: chemistry, timing, national pride, and narrative potential.
Whether the door ever reopens remains to be seen. But for now, Gallus joins a long list of WWE talents who were ready for their moment—only for that moment to never arrive.
Also Read: Drew McIntyre Breaks Silence on Elimination Chamber Controversy
Table of Contents
Gallus and Drew McIntyre’s Unrealized Alliance
WWE is known for planting long-term seeds, but just as often, those plans can be scrapped with little warning.1
One such intriguing possibility that never came to fruition was an alliance between Drew McIntyre and the faction Gallus on the main roster.
According to Joe Coffey, the idea was real, teased internally, and was something the stable expected to happen—until it didn’t.
This is a deep dive into what could have been a compelling addition to WWE programming and how Gallus’ main roster aspirations were quietly dashed.
Gallus: A Force in NXT UK and NXT
Before dissecting the lost opportunity, it’s important to understand who Gallus was and why the group seemed destined for a bigger stage.
Formed in NXT UK, Gallus consisted of Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang—a trio of rugged, hard-hitting Scots who brought an old-school, no-nonsense brawling style to WWE’s developmental landscape.
They quickly became fixtures in NXT UK, with multiple title runs and a significant presence in feuds that highlighted their chemistry and charisma.
When NXT UK folded and merged into the broader NXT ecosystem, Gallus transitioned smoothly, continuing their work and earning screen time in the U.S.-based brand.
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) May 24, 2025
The Teases Begin: Survivor Series and Royal Rumble Hints
As Joe Coffey revealed in his Refin’ It Up interview, there were tangible hints that Gallus was being groomed for a main roster call-up.
Their involvement in larger WWE programs like Survivor Series and Royal Rumble—typically reserved for top talent or those being tested for future elevation—seemed to indicate the company had serious plans for them.
“We were in the Survivor Series program and the Royal Rumble program as Gallus—the only NXT people,” Coffey said. “And we’re like, that’s really strange.”
These appearances were more than cameos. They functioned as trial balloons, and backstage chatter began swirling around potential collaborations, especially involving fellow countryman Drew McIntyre.
Drew McIntyre Factor: Why the Partnership Made Sense?
Pairing Drew McIntyre with Gallus made sense on multiple levels. First, there’s the shared Scottish heritage—something WWE has leaned into in the past for nationalistic storylines or groupings.2
McIntyre himself has spoken at length about his pride in representing Scotland on the global wrestling stage.
Second, from a stylistic standpoint, Gallus and McIntyre are kindred spirits. Both McIntyre and the Gallus trio wrestle a stiff, physical, grounded style that emphasizes grit over flash.
A stable built around this aesthetic could have served as a powerful heel (or even babyface) faction—possibly a new-age Team UK capable of dominating RAW or SmackDown.
Finally, Drew McIntyre’s character evolution in recent years—from lone wolf to calculated veteran—opened the door for him to lead a group, especially one with shared roots and a mutual desire for domination.
Plans Fall Through: “Just a Little Bit Frustrating”
Despite the logic and clear foreshadowing, the alliance never materialized. Gallus remained in NXT, and Drew McIntyre continued his solo run on the main roster. Eventually, all three Gallus members were released, cutting short what could’ve been a compelling factional storyline.
Joe Coffey’s tone in the interview reveals the emotional toll of being on the verge of a breakthrough only to have it yanked away.
“We thought, ‘Well, maybe it’s going to happen soon’; but it didn’t happen,” Coffey explained. “It was just a little bit frustrating.”
These comments underscore the uncertain nature of WWE’s creative process. In an industry where timing, backstage politics, and shifting priorities constantly change the landscape, even promising plans can be left on the cutting room floor.
What Gallus Could Have Brought to the Main Roster
Had Gallus debuted alongside Drew McIntyre, they could have provided him with much-needed backup during his feuds with top stars like Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, or Seth Rollins.
A factional war featuring Gallus vs. The Bloodline or Judgment Day could have added depth to already rich storylines.
Moreover, their introduction could have added depth to the tag team division, which often struggles with consistency and depth. Mark Coffey and Wolfgang had established chemistry and could have easily become title contenders on RAW or SmackDown.
Pairing a stable with Drew McIntyre could also have freed up storytelling opportunities. Rather than sticking to the traditional “heroic loner” arc, McIntyre could have embraced a darker, more ruthless leadership persona—especially if Gallus were used to execute his dirty work.
Creative Limbo: A Common WWE Pattern
Gallus’ story isn’t unique in WWE history. Numerous wrestlers and factions have found themselves stuck in creative limbo after being told they were on the cusp of a breakthrough.
Promises of main roster debuts, high-profile feuds, or factional alliances are often made—but not always fulfilled.
The creative direction of WWE is influenced by numerous factors: ratings, merchandise sales, injuries, executive decisions, and even last-minute rewrites.
Often, talent can do everything right—get over with the crowd, produce great matches, and cut engaging promos—and still be left without direction.
For Gallus, it appears they were victims of such volatility. The group was relevant, respected, and clearly trusted enough to be teased in main roster segments. But the commitment never came.
Drew McIntyre’s Solo Success Continues
While Gallus’ WWE journey has ended for now, Drew McIntyre continues to thrive. The Scottish Warrior is in the middle of a strong run, involved in main-event feuds, and constantly in the mix for world titles.3
His in-ring work and promo ability have only improved, and he remains one of WWE’s most reliable performers.
But many fans have noted that something is missing from McIntyre’s current arc—a long-term, consistent narrative shift.
A faction led by McIntyre could have added depth, allowing WWE to explore a different side of his character, especially with the right people flanking him.
Could a Reunion Still Happen Down the Line?
Wrestling careers often come full circle. While Gallus members are currently no longer part of WWE, the free-agent market and independent circuits keep many doors open.
If McIntyre ever chooses to bring in backup or revisit his roots, Gallus could still be viable candidates—especially if Triple H, now more hands-on with creative, sees value in the concept.
It’s not uncommon for WWE to rehire released talent after a few years, especially if they find success elsewhere and return with momentum. Should Gallus reunite on the indie scene and build buzz, a comeback could be on the horizon.
The Emotional Impact: Beyond Missed TV Time
The frustration voiced by Joe Coffey isn’t just about screen time or lost paychecks—it’s about missed opportunity.
For wrestlers, especially those from the UK, the idea of standing side-by-side with someone like Drew McIntyre on WWE’s biggest stage is more than a storyline—it’s a dream realized.
For now, that dream remains unfulfilled. But as history has shown, in wrestling, plans can change again just as fast as they were dropped.
Also Read: Drew McIntyre’s Reaction to The Rock and Roman Reigns’ Rampage
Drew McIntyre: Missed Opportunity
Joe Coffey’s reflections started with the acknowledgement that there were once bigger plans in motion — plans that included a potential alignment with fellow Scotsman Drew McIntyre.
While he didn’t dive into specific creative pitches, the implication was clear: there had been talks, perhaps even excitement, around a storyline or faction involving McIntyre and Gallus. But those plans, as is often the case in WWE, never materialized.
“After the Drew McIntyre plans didn’t pan out and I was released, I was frustrated,” Coffey admitted.
The emotional weight of this statement speaks volumes. For a wrestler who has paid his dues on the UK independent scene and earned a strong reputation in NXT UK, the prospect of working with a top-tier main roster star like McIntyre must have felt like a long-awaited reward — or at least a meaningful platform.
When that evaporated, frustration was a natural consequence.
The Gallus Brotherhood: Strength and Sacrifice
Coffey didn’t hide his loyalty to Gallus. He described his time with the faction — consisting of Wolfgang and his brother Mark Coffey — as deeply meaningful.
However, he also hinted that being part of a close-knit team sometimes meant sacrificing individual growth for the good of the group.
“We were holding a lot of hands at times… helping teach others in the ring.”
That mentorship mindset, while admirable, had its drawbacks. Gallus often found themselves positioned to support or elevate newer or less experienced talents.
While this is common in developmental systems like NXT, Coffey’s words suggest it came at a cost — specifically, the ability for Gallus to truly flourish as dominant competitors.
Drew McIntyre: Unfinished Business
For Coffey, the most personal sting came from feeling like he never truly got the chance to shine as a solo performer in WWE.
“I feel a little bit personally frustrated because I feel as if I didn’t get to scratch the surface of what I can do in NXT.”
This sentiment is echoed by fans who followed Coffey from NXT UK, where he had standout matches and strong storylines, including memorable clashes with Pete Dunne and Ilja Dragunov.
In contrast, his time on the U.S.-based NXT brand was more muted. Gallus was featured, yes, but rarely at the forefront of major programs.
And for Joe Coffey, known for his powerful in-ring style and charismatic presence, that lack of spotlight felt like a missed opportunity.
The Role of a Ring General
One of the more revealing aspects of Coffey’s interview was his take on being a de facto ring general — guiding greener talent through matches.
“There’s a lot of people who aren’t from this world who are trying to learn… we were essentially helping teach them in the ring.”
This line draws attention to the often unseen labor veteran wrestlers perform in developmental systems. Gallus wasn’t just competing — they were educating.
For Coffey, this was fulfilling on one level but also limiting on another. The constant support role meant their own momentum as a team was frequently halted or diverted.
Drew McIntyre: BTS
Drew McIntyre shared some glimpses of behind the scene from his recent shoot of Project Rock.
View this post on Instagram
Visa Woes: Another Roadblock
Currently, Coffey and the Gallus boys are sidelined due to visa complications, an issue that has plagued several international WWE talents in recent years.
While this is a logistical hurdle, it’s one more frustration on a growing list. For fans hoping to see Gallus bounce back on the indie scene or in another promotion, this delay has only added to the uncertainty about their future.
The Broader Picture: WWE’s Developmental Dilemma
Joe Coffey’s comments also hint at a broader systemic issue within WWE’s developmental pipeline.
With so much emphasis placed on athletes transitioning from other sports — who often lack a pro wrestling background — veterans like Coffey become safety nets.
While their experience ensures match quality doesn’t suffer, it also makes them less of a priority when it comes time to push talent.
The dynamic of “holding hands,” as Coffey put it, reflects a recurring theme: wrestlers with deep indie or international experience are frequently cast in teaching roles rather than being elevated as stars themselves.
Also Read: Drew McIntyre’s Early Return Sparks Controversy: Did an Injury Twist WWE’s Plans?
