Jeff Cobb makes WWE debut at Backlash
Former NJPW star Jeff Cobb has officially arrived in WWE — and he’ll be playing a part in the next chapter of The Bloodline’s story.
Cobb made his WWE debut by helping Jacob Fatu retain the United States Championship at Backlash on Saturday night. Though Fatu got help from Solo Sikoa and Cobb, it did not appear that he wanted any assistance. The angle saw Fatu look confused at what was going on as the debuting Cobb obliterated LA Knight.
The title match was a fatal four-way with Fatu defending against Knight, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest. The latter two were taken out of the equation during the match when, after fighting in the crowd, Priest gave McIntyre a South of Heaven chokeslam through tables set up in a production area.
We've got TABLES! 💥#WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/9fVuLKFQuk
— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2025
Knight then had Fatu in position for a diving elbow through the announce table, but Sikoa moved Fatu out of the way before Knight could jump. Knight tried to go after Sikoa but was laid out by Cobb, who blindsided him with a clothesline. With no disqualifications in a fatal four-way, Cobb beat down Knight and sent him back into the ring so Fatu could score the pin. Despite looking uncertain about Cobb’s involvement, Fatu hit a double-jump moonsault and pinned Knight to retain the U.S. title.
IT'S JEFF COBB!!! 😲#WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/SbmSBqsIKn
— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2025
“That’s one of the biggest free agents on the planet,” Michael Cole said on commentary. “That’s Jeff Cobb.”
News first broke in March that the 42-year-old Cobb was expected to join WWE. His final match for NJPW took place on April 19. Cobb, who represented Guam as an amateur wrestler in the 2004 Olympics, is a former IWGP Tag Team Champion and NJPW World Television Champion. He’s also competed for Lucha Underground, ROH, and PWG in the past.
Fatu won the United States Championship from Knight at WrestleMania 41, and tonight was his first title defense.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.