It’s Jeff Cobb.
That’s what WWE’s X account posted, and the seasoned professional wrestler and former Olympian made a splash in his WWE debut. Cobb’s powerful in-ring style was on display in this brief preview, but those familiar with his exploits in various other promotions know this was just a glimpse.
Cobb’s arrival has seemingly been marked as a significant addition to WWE’s roster because of his introduction into a primary storyline. Cobb attacked LA Knight during the opening match at WWE Backlash on Saturday night in St. Louis. Cobb’s interference led to Jacob Fatu retaining his title in the Fatal Four-Way over Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre.
Fatu didn’t look pleased to have received the assistance, suggesting Cobb is clearly in cahoots with Solo Sikoa, who is building in-story heat with the former. Here is Cobb’s brief but impactful debut, with Triple H adding his endorsement:
Here is a look at who Cobb is and why WWE fans should be thrilled to have him on the roster. In case you’re wondering why he’s a big deal, take a look at this highlight reel featuring Cobb’s top 50 moves.
The guy is an athletic freak.
Cobb, 42, has an Olympic background as a freestyle wrestler. He represented Guam at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
As a professional wrestler, Cobb has competed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he held half of the IWGP Tag Team Championship and the NEVER Openweight Championship. Cobb has also performed for Ring of Honor, where he is a former ROH World Television Champion. With Lucha Underground, Cobb performed as Matanza Cueto and won the Lucha Underground Championship.
Cobb also competed for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, where he held the PWG World Championship.
The Hawaiian had been in discussions with WWE before. Back in 2021, Cobb nearly signed with WWE but made the decision to go elsewhere.
It is clear Cobb will be assigned to SmackDown to begin his WWE tenure, and it makes sense for WWE to put him on a path to be a primary foe for Fatu. At 42 and with his experience level, it would have been a waste to have him spend time in NXT.
WWE did the right thing delivering him to its main roster right away.
Cobb is seemingly the latest person injected into the Bloodline saga, and he probably won’t be the last. Remember, Hikuleo has been signed for several months and has still yet to debut.
Don’t rule out the concept of having him join Cobb—especially with Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa out with injuries. In any case, it’s only a matter of time before Cobb is wearing gold. Triple H continues to cook, signing the kinds of performers that always seemed to be missed in WWE previously.
Expect to hear from Cobb, Fatu, and Sikoa on Friday, May 16, on the next episode of SmackDown.
