Former WWE star hints at revisiting his Jeff Cobb past
Summary
– JC Mateo teased a possible return to his NJPW style after his WWE release
– Mateo reacted to an old New Japan clip and hinted at dusting off his past
– Reports have also linked the former Jeff Cobb to possible interest from NJPW and AEW
JC Mateo may already be looking toward his next chapter after his WWE exit.
Mateo, best known outside WWE as Jeff Cobb, reacted to an old NJPW clip of himself hitting a dive to the outside. His response quickly caught attention because it references the more athletic version of himself fans saw before his short WWE run.
Mateo wrote that he used to do fun things in an alternative universe and suggested it might be time to dust things off. The post was not a direct announcement, but it did fuel speculation that he might be considering a return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Cobb had a strong run in NJPW before signing with WWE, where he was renamed JC Mateo and joined Solo Sikoa’s MFT group. His time in WWE was brief, and recent reports said the company once had bigger singles plans for him before that direction changed.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter also reported that Cobb was backstage at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku earlier this month. That has added more attention to the idea that Japan could be part of his future again.
AEW may also be an option, as Cobb has worked there before and still has ties to people in the company. Nothing has been confirmed, and his next move remains open.
For now, Mateo’s tease gives fans a reason to watch what happens next. Whether it is NJPW, AEW, or another stop, the former Jeff Cobb appears ready to remind people what he was doing before WWE.
I used to do fun stuff in an alternative universe….. maybe it’s time to dust off the ol college degree…. https://t.co/iO5wbO3Rmr
— Jeff Cobb (@RealJeffCobb) May 16, 2026
