WWE recently rebranded Jeff Cobb as J.C. Mateo, but prior to this decision, the company reportedly considered a different name that would have paid homage to his past in Lucha Underground. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, “J.C. Matanza” was a name internally discussed for Cobb, which would have served as a direct nod to his breakout character, Matanza Cueto. Jeff Cobb initially appeared under his own name during his WWE debut at Backlash 2025.
J.C. Matanza was discussed internally as an insider reference since Cobb’s first major break was as Matanza Cueto in Lucha Underground.
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However, several factors reportedly prevented the “J.C. Matanza” name from being used. Dave Meltzer explained that legal issues surrounding the Lucha Underground intellectual property were a significant hurdle.
While AAA was an investor in Lucha Underground, they weren’t owners, and in purchasing AAA, that wasn’t a purchase of Lucha Underground tapes or intellectual property.
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In addition to the intellectual property complications, it was also reported that Jeff Cobb himself was not in favor of adopting a name linked to that persona. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted, “Cobb was said to not like that name.”
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Ultimately, with the “J.C. Matanza” option unfeasible due to legal constraints and talent preference, WWE proceeded with the name “J.C. Mateo.” This allows WWE to maintain full control over Jeff Cobb’s branding while moving him forward under a new identity distinct from his previous characters.
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