WWE Reportedly Planning Another Major Shake-Up for The Bloodline
WWE discussed naming Jeff Cobb “J.C. Matanza,” referencing his Lucha Underground past, but opted for J.C. Mateo.
Jeffrey Cobb (ジェフリー・コブ, Jefurī Kobu, born July 11, 1982) is an American professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler. As of May 2025, he is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand under the ring name JC Mateo and is a member of The Bloodline. He is best known for his tenure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he performed under his real name and was a member of United Empire.
In NJPW, he is a former one-time NEVER Openweight Champion and a three-time IWGP Tag Team Champion. He also wrestled for various promotions, such as Lucha Underground (as the masked wrestler Matanza Cueto) where he is a former one-time Lucha Underground Champion, Ring of Honor (ROH) where he is a former one-time ROH Television Champion, as well as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) where he is a former one-time PWG World Champion, one-time World Tag Team Champion and is also the winner of the 2018 Battle of Los Angeles.
As an amateur wrestler, Cobb represented Guam at the 2004 Summer Olympics, where he became the nation's flag bearer in the opening ceremony and competed in the men's light heavyweight freestyle category. He transitioned to professional wrestling in 2009.
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WWE discussed naming Jeff Cobb “J.C. Matanza,” referencing his Lucha Underground past, but opted for J.C. Mateo.
Jacob Fatu voiced strong reservations about new WWE talent JC Mateo during a SmackDown segment with Solo Sikoa.
JC Mateo, formerly Jeff Cobb, secured his first WWE win by defeating LA Knight with a Tour of the Islands on the May 16 SmackDown episode.
During WWE SmackDown, Solo Sikoa introduced Jeff Cobb by his new WWE name, J.C., following Cobb’s WWE Backlash appearance. WWE has trademarked “J.C.”
United States Champion Jacob Fatu remained tight-lipped regarding Jeff Cobb’s unexpected WWE debut during his title defense at Backlash.
Reports reveal Jeff Cobb had been under WWE contract for months prior to his surprise appearance aligning with Solo Sikoa at Backlash 2025.
Solo Sikoa confirmed Jeff Cobb’s place in his group with a social media post, despite Jacob Fatu’s apparent displeasure at WWE Backlash.
Newest WWE star breaks silence after shocking Backlash appearance, revealing triumphant return from brief retirement tease.
Triple H reveals Damian Priest sustained loose tooth during chaotic four-way championship defense featuring Jeff Cobb’s shocking debut.
WWE confirms former NJPW star will keep Jeff Cobb name after surprise Backlash appearance aiding Jacob Fatu’s US Title retention.
Former NJPW star Jeff Cobb arrives as Solo Sikoa’s ally at Backlash, securing Jacob Fatu’s US Title victory while sparking apparent dissent within The Bloodline faction.
Former NJPW standout Jeff Cobb prepares for WWE arrival, expected to join SmackDown roster and appear at Backlash event in St. Louis.
