Credit: WWE.com
Former WWE Tag Team Champion Luke Gallows, known as Doc Gallows in the wrestling world, recently opened up about the turbulent circumstances surrounding WWE’s changing landscape following Vince McMahon’s remarkable return in 2023. In an exclusive interview with PWMania’s Lee Tarrier, Gallows reflected candidly on his career highs and lows, including his role in The Undertaker’s final WrestleMania match, multiple WWE releases, and the atmosphere backstage during McMahon’s comeback, describing the period as a “whirlwind” where “everything certainly got weird.”
A Career Marked by Highs, Lows, and the Boneyard Match
Luke Gallows’ WWE journey has been anything but straightforward. After years of persistence, one of Gallows’ most notable moments came when he reunited with Karl Anderson as The O.C., teaming up with AJ Styles. Together, they played key roles in The Undertaker’s iconic Boneyard Match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36 in 2020. Gallows vividly recalled the chaotic intensity of filming that memorable match including being “thrown to [his] death” in the cinematic bout but the celebration was short-lived: just 11 days later, both Gallows and Anderson were released from WWE.
Despite this sudden cut, Gallows made it clear that he bore no resentment. “There’s no bitterness, no hard feelings. You just keep on trucking,” he said, underscoring the professionalism with which he handled his departures from the company, which has happened to him three times in total.
The Initial Joy of Returning in 2022
After spending time in other promotions like Impact Wrestling and AEW, Gallows and Anderson made their WWE return in October 2022. The pair’s comeback felt “great,” “fresh,” and “new,” as Gallows explained. Reuniting with AJ Styles and reforming The O.C. appeared to signal a promising new chapter for the veteran tag team.
Sources close to the situation revealed that talent initially felt optimistic during these months, believing WWE under new leadership was headed toward a more stable future following McMahon’s summer 2022 retirement. However, this hopeful atmosphere shifted dramatically with McMahon’s unexpected return to WWE in early 2023.
Vince McMahon’s Return: The Turning Point
Gallows described the exact moment that symbolized change and uncertainty backstage during a show in New York. As they were getting ready to leave the building, a limousine pulled up in the parking garage. Out stepped Vince McMahon unmistakable with his mustache returning to WWE for the first time since stepping down months prior.
“I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors there, but from that point on, everything certainly got weird,” Gallows said. He noted that the backstage environment shifted noticeably, with a “different vibe” and “different tension” felt even by longstanding veterans like himself and Anderson.
Industry insiders familiar with backstage dynamics described the mood as one of unease and uncertainty. According to a WWE insider, “There was a sudden shift in decision-making and direction that left many wrestlers unsure about their future, especially those not firmly entrenched in McMahon’s inner circle.” Despite this, Gallows and Anderson continued to perform professionally, even as WWE underwent major corporate changes.
The Sale to TKO and Its Impact
Part of what made McMahon’s return so complicated was the looming sale of WWE to the TKO Group Holdings. This high-profile transaction added to the atmosphere of flux and unpredictability. Gallows reflected on how the sale, the Vince factor, and the internal restructuring intertwined to create “the winds of change” no one could ignore.
WWE wrestlers faced the challenge of adapting to rapid shifts in management and company culture, often resulting in roster cuts and reassignments. Gallows and Anderson were eventually released again in early 2025, marking yet another end to Gallows’ tumultuous WWE tenure.
Looking Ahead: Life After WWE
Even after multiple releases, Gallows showed no bitterness. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities WWE provided but remains pragmatic about the realities of the wrestling business. “You keep on trucking,” he said.
Looking forward, Gallows and Anderson are set to appear at independent promotions such as Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Pro Sacred Ground show scheduled for September 5. Both continue to stay active and connected within the wrestling community, demonstrating resilience and commitment to their craft beyond WWE’s spotlight.