Former NXT star Joe Coffey explains why WWE rejected his request to do a boxing match.
During his appearance on In the Weeds’ recent 24-hour charity stream, former NXT star Joe Coffey opened up about boxing as a physical outlet for him to blow off steam and vent frustration. When asked if he was open to a potential fight down the line, Coffey revealed that he actually asked WWE for permission to compete in a boxing match during a temporary visa delay, but the company rejected his request.
Joe Coffey explained why WWE turned down his request
He explained that WWE turned down the idea due to injury risks, particularly highlighting their concussion protocols.
“Yeah, I mean, again, I sparred a lot in things, and it’s just something I do as well. The energy systems are so transferable from boxing to pro wrestling because you’re always moving. It was actually right before I moved over to the States to go work for NXT, I had asked, because my visa got delayed ever so slightly, and Mark and Wolfie were over there because mine was delayed for three months, I asked them, ‘would you be okay with me taking a fight on?’ But they said no, just obviously because of… concussion protocols and things like that, but I was not planning on getting a concussion. I was ready for it, but it’s something I would very much be open to in the future. I’d love to try it,” the former WWE star said. [H/T Fightful]
Joe Coffey made his NXT debut alongside his Gallus partners Mark Coffey and Wolfgang in 2022 after being with NXT UK since 2018. WWE released all members of the faction in May 2025. He currently performs for MLW and for other independent promotions.
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