Add as a preferred source on Google Jeff Cobb may be close to a return to Japan after his brief WWE run. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the former JC Mateo was backstage at NJPW’s Wrestling Dontaku earlier this month.
Meltzer said he believes Cobb “still has room in Japan,” although there is one major obstacle to any immediate return to a New Japan ring. Cobb reportedly has a non-compete clause with WWE that runs until July 24.
That could directly affect a possible appearance in the G1 Climax 36. The tournament is scheduled to begin on July 11 at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and wrap up on August 15 and 16 at Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo.
WON: Jeff Cobb was backstage at NJPW’s Wrestling Dontaku show. pic.twitter.com/laoUrmxvMr
— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) May 15, 2026
Cobb left NJPW in April 2025, shortly before signing with WWE. His final match for the Japanese promotion came against Hiroshi Tanahashi at Road to Wrestling Dontaku. At the time, he and Callum Newman also had to vacate the IWGP Tag Team Championship.
In WWE, Cobb worked as JC Mateo and was part of MFT, the stable led by Solo Sikoa. His release from the company happened on May 2, alongside Tonga Loa, amid another wave of cuts after WrestleMania 42.
So far, there is no confirmation that Cobb will officially return to NJPW. Still, his backstage presence at Wrestling Dontaku has increased speculation about his next move.