JC (Jeff Cobb) Wins WWE In-Ring Debut

JC Mateo triumphed in his WWE debut match, overcoming LA Knight during the May 16 broadcast of WWE SmackDown from the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. This appearance marked the first match for the wrestler, previously known as Jeff Cobb, under his new WWE name, which was revealed earlier in the evening; he had previously appeared at Backlash.

The impromptu contest was arranged by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. The decision came after LA Knight became involved in a situation following Solo Sikoa’s Money in the Bank qualifying match. Aldis then booked Knight to face the newly christened JC Mateo.

The bout featured significant offense from both competitors. At one stage, Mateo maintained control over LA Knight with a mat wrestling hold, a dominance that persisted through a commercial break. Key moments included Mateo evading Knight’s BFT finisher and delivering a suplex followed by a standing moonsault, which resulted in a near fall. LA Knight mounted a comeback, including a running knee on the apron and a springboard crossbody onto Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa, who were at ringside.