WWE has signed a number of wrestlers over the last few years, and last year at the Backlash premium live event Jeff Cobb debuted as JC Mateo. Cobb went on to join Solo Sikoa’s MFT stable, but he was officially released from his WWE contract earlier this month.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Jeff Cobb was originally set for a big push when he signed with WWE. The idea was that he would work with key people in singles competition, but those plans never came to fruition.
For whatever reason after seeing Jeff Cobb the decision was made to add him to the MFTs. Meltzer speculates that Cobb’s height may have played a part in the changing plans as he was shorter than most of the talent who were being pushed. With Jeff Cobb taking on the role of heel within a group his strength and athletic ability were apparently not something that WWE wanted to feature.
Moving forward it’s being reported that Jeff Cobb may be able to return to New Japan Pro Wrestling, or could possibly get a deal with TNA Wrestling. AEW had previously offered him a contract, so it’s possible that he could end up there, but it’s not clear at this point in time if the company is still interested.
Stay tuned for updates.