Jeff Cobb Backstage at NJPW Dontaku After WWE Release; Non‑Compete Could Keep Him Out of G1

Jeff Cobb, now a free agent following his WWE release, was reported backstage at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku in early May and is believed to still maintain a residence in Japan. Dave Meltzer notes Cobb is subject to a 90-day WWE non-compete that runs through 7/24, which would prevent him from competing in New Japan’s G1 Climax unless WWE grants special dispensation, leaving his short-term plans uncertain.

Cobb’s one-year WWE run as “JC Mateo,” aligned with the Bloodline as one of Solo Sikoa’s MFTs, ended in the post–WrestleMania 42 cuts and was widely viewed as underwhelming compared to his NJPW tenure. A former NEVER Openweight, IWGP Tag Team and NJPW World Television champion who has worked AEW, ROH, PWG and Lucha Underground and represented Guam at the 2004 Olympics, Cobb remains a viable option for promotions like AEW, though interest and upside may be diminished from a year ago.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/update-on-jeff-cobb-following-wwe-release-exclusive/.