Joe and Mark Coffey are looking to make 2026 their year. For the Scottish brothers, all eyes are on the Major League Wrestling Battle Riot VIII. They’re among the 40 top participants in the elimination match. The big event is set to take place January 29 from the Events Center at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fl. Given the history the two share in Central Florida, it’s even more meaningful.
Orlando has essentially become our second home for us as we settled in here before. We’re looking forward to the opportunity of getting in the mix of MLW, especially coming back to Orlando,” Joe said. “It’s the first time in six years MLW has been in Orlando, so there is a sense of anticipation and excitement, as I’m sure the fans will be that night. I don’t think there is a better way for myself and Mark to get in the mix when there is a title on the line as well. So to be debuting for a championship is very exciting to us.”
Mark added, “Orlando is a second home to us now. That being our first night in MLW, it certainly doesn’t feel like we’re away from home. It very much feels like a home game for us. We’re really excited for it.”
Joe makes no bones about the challenges the two have faced, especially over the past six months. The brothers along with their Gallus running mate Wolfgang were released from WWE last May. If that wasn’t enough, they had visa issues. After all they’ve been through, he is happy to get down to the business back in the United States and demonstrate their skills on a high level.
There is a massive chip on my shoulder. I’m not going to lie,” Joe said. “I have been a professional wrestler for 16 years and wrestled at elite levels with elite people, Hall of Famers, world champions…MLW to me is one of the top wrestling leagues in the world. I want to showcase what I can do and what we can do as a group. It’s that simple. I’m a very hard-nosed individual. I say it like I see it. That will translate in the pro wrestling ring as well, especially in the Battle Riot.”
Mark feels MLW is an exciting place right now. The former mult-time champion sees the big names within the brand. He is up for meeting the best of them.
For us, we don’t need our hand held,” he said. “This is a chance for us not to hold anyone’s hand. We’re walking out there to prove ourselves to prove ourselves against the top talent in the industry right now.”
As brothers, the duo have been grateful to have each other to lean on during the good and bad times. Mark describes their dynamic similar to back home in Glasgow. They have each other’s back…unless it comes down to the two of them in the Battle Riot.
Me and Joe will fight absolutely everyone and then we’ll fight each other,” Mark said. “Nobody could push your buttons like your sibling. When it comes to this past year, and you need someone by your side, there is nobody to have by your side than your brother. Again, that’s exactly what you’re looking for when you enter something like Battle Riot….We were always close growing up. We’ve traveled the world together. It has made us closer. It has been a fun journey.”
Another familiar face that could prove an ally in the Battle Riot is Wolfgang, who has also been announced. Could we see the trio take over MLW?
I feel we’ve built an identity as a unit. Going forward just now, we are the GBOT We are the Glasgow Boys On Tour,” Joe said. “We are taking this act on the road. We’re letting everyone see how good we are and reminding people that, oh by the way, we are absolutely class at this.”
Mark added: “It will be exciting to see Wolfgang in there. Probably one of the most unpredictable wrestlers I’ve ever met in my life, which is exciting for me to tag along with personally. Sometimes he shows up and he is the most classic pleasant guy in the world. Other days he shows up, and it’s prepared for battle. You never know what you’re going to get. I'm excited for everyone in MLW to experience that firsthand.”
Beyond the big showdown, the team also could see going for gold within the tag ranks. That means potentially crossing paths with The Skyscrapers Bishop Dyer and Donovan Dijak. They are proud to represent Scotland. A country that has given pro wrestling some of the notable names in the industry including WWE Undisputed WWE Champion. Joe takes pride being among 20 or so who have gone on to work for major companies around the world. He cites the exposure and success of Insane Championship Wrestling. As for the future, Mark says they are taking it one day at a time.
It’s freedom. It’s almost like we’re modern day pirates where you can just roam around work here, there, and work with whatever your schedule allows you to or wants you to,” he added. “With MLW, it’s a case of wanting to get this first one under our belt because it’s such an exciting company right now. We’re really excited to be a part of it.”
Joe continued, “MLW is also a place we’ve always had eyes on as well. Before moving to the States, we were friendly with a lot of people there. Paul London has stayed in touch with us for a long time and always spoke very highly of it. It’s just getting that opportunity and taking it in with both hands and seeing where it goes.”
The possibilities are endless in the Coffey bros eyes. Building on momentum, they could even see MLW running Scotland one day.
We’d absolutely love to see that and do it,” Joe said. “We’ve seen a lot of companies grow. We were with ICW for a long time. There are similarities with growth. It was always a pleasure to watch it expand because with that company for example, we’ve done 7,000 tickets at an arena there. The scope is there. Ultimates everywhere. MLW is no different. It puts on an elite level product, so why not reach for the stars and start tuning in everywhere.”
Mark added, “I think MLW is a company the UK fans would absolutely attach themselves to. It has that atmosphere the UK fans love. I think they would love it.”