Jeff Cobb’s departure from NJPW has been officially announced, leading to the immediate vacation of the IWGP Tag Team Championships he held with Callum Newman. NJPW confirmed the news on their website, expressing well wishes for Cobb’s future endeavors. Reports had previously indicated WWE’s interest in signing Cobb, with sources suggesting he was already listed on WWE’s internal roster. Dave Meltzer corroborated this information, revealing that Cobb would be starting with WWE soon, though he would not be Randy Orton’s opponent at WrestleMania. The decision to leave NJPW likely stemmed from Cobb’s age and the financial opportunities presented by WWE and AEW.
Cobb had been a mainstay in NJPW since 2017, achieving success as a three-time IWGP Tag Team Champion, a one-time NEVER Openweight Champion, and a one-time NJPW World Television Champion. He also held the Lucha Underground Championship as Matanza Cueto and the PWG World Championship. Additionally, he won PWG’s Battle of Los Angeles tournament in 2018. His background in amateur wrestling at the 2004 Olympics displayed his diverse skills in combat sports. His departure marks the end of a significant era in NJPW’s tag team division and hints at an exciting new chapter in WWE.
Cobb’s final match in NJPW is set to take place on April 19 against Hiroshi Tanahashi at Korakuen Hall. The sudden nature of his departure has caused NJPW to vacate the IWGP Tag Team Championships held by Cobb and Newman. The promotion issued an apology for the abrupt announcement but remained supportive of Cobb’s decision. While fans may be disappointed to see him leave NJPW, they will undoubtedly be eager to see what Cobb accomplishes in WWE. His departure signifies a shift in the landscape of NJPW’s tag team division and opens up new possibilities for Cobb in a different wrestling promotion.
Cobb’s departure from NJPW comes at a time when WWE and AEW are actively seeking to bolster their rosters with top talent. With the reported interest from WWE in signing Cobb, it is clear that his star power and in-ring ability have garnered attention from major promotions. His success in NJPW and other promotions, along with his background in amateur wrestling, make him a valuable asset to any wrestling promotion. His decision to leave NJPW may have been influenced by the potential for growth and new opportunities in WWE and AEW, where he can continue to showcase his skills on a larger platform.
As Cobb transitions from NJPW to WWE, fans and industry insiders will be keeping a close eye on his future endeavors. With his impressive track record and distinct skill set, Cobb is poised to make a significant impact in his new wrestling home. His departure from NJPW marks the end of a chapter in his career while opening up new possibilities and challenges in WWE. The wrestling world eagerly awaits Cobb’s next moves as he embarks on this exciting new journey in a different wrestling landscape.
