Jeff Cobb

Jeffrey Cobb (born July 11, 1982) is an American professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) under the name Jeff Cobb (ジェフ・コブ　Jefu Kobu). Cobb is also known for his work in Lucha Underground, Ring of Honor (ROH) and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG). He is a former PWG World Champion and is also the winner of PWG's 2018 Battle of Los Angeles tournament and a former one-time World Tag Team Champion with Matt Riddle. He is also a former NEVER Openweight Champion in NJPW and former ROH Television Champion in ROH.

Jeff Cobb
Cobb posing in June 2019
Birth nameJeffrey Cobb
BornJuly 11, 1982 (1982-07-11) (age 38)[1]
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)(El) Jéfe Cobbo[2]
Jeff Cobb
Matanza Cueto
X
Billed height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[3]
Billed weight265 lb (120 kg)[3]
Billed fromHonolulu, Hawaii
Trained byOliver John
Sabaki
DebutApril 6, 2009

As an amateur wrestler, Cobb represented Guam at the 2004 Summer Olympics, where he became the nation's flag bearer in the opening ceremony and competed in the men's light heavyweight freestyle category.[4] He transitioned to professional wrestling in 2009.[5]

Amateur wrestling career
Jeffrey Cobb
Personal information
Nickname(s)Mr. Athletic
Nationality Guam
Height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight84 kg (185 lb)
Sport
SportWrestling
StyleFreestyle
ClubGuam Amateur Wrestling
Federation
CoachNeil Krantz

During his amateur wrestling career, Cobb trained for the Guam Amateur Wrestling Federation under his personal coach Neil Krantz. Cobb qualified for the Guamanian squad in the men's 84 kg class at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens by receiving a continental berth from the Oceanian Championships in Dededo.[6] He received two straight losses due to technical superiority and no classification points in a preliminary pool match against Cuba's Yoel Romero and Germany's Davyd Bichinashvili, finishing 21st overall out of 22 wrestlers.[7]

Professional wrestling career

Early career (2009–2014)

Cobb began professional wrestling in 2009 working for Action Zone Wrestling in Hawaii. He won the AZW Heavyweight Title a record setting three times. He made appearances for many independent promotions in Northern California such as All Pro Wrestling, Supreme Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Bushido, Phoenix Pro Wrestling and PREMIER Wrestling; where he held their heavyweight championship for 427 days. In September 2014, he received a tryout at the WWE Performance Center.[8]

Lucha Underground (2015–2019)

Cobb signed to Lucha Underground in 2015.[9] He debuted for the promotion on March 22, 2016 under a mask and the ring name "The Monster" Matanza Cueto,[10] the storyline brother of Dario Cueto, winning the Lucha Underground Championship in his first match.[11] Matanza remained undefeated until April 9, 2016, when he was pinned by Rey Mysterio in an Aztec Warfare match, losing the Lucha Underground Championship in the process.[12]

His character was killed off in the fourth season, which aired in 2018. Despite this, it was reported in April 2019 that Cobb was seeking legal action to be released from his Lucha Underground contract. This came after similar motions from others on the show, including King Cuerno and Joey Ryan.[13] More days later, it would be confirmed that he had been released from the company.[14]

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (2016–2019)
Cobb in 2017

On May 20, 2016, Cobb made his debut for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), losing to Chris Hero.[15] On September 2, Cobb entered the 2016 Battle of Los Angeles, from which he was eliminated in the first round by Ricochet.[16] On December 16, 2016, Cobb and Matthew Riddle defeated The Young Bucks.[17] Cobb and Riddle were later known in PWG as "The Chosen Bros." On February 18, 2017, Cobb and Riddle would defeat the Unbreakable F'n Machines (Brian Cage and Michael Elgin). On March 18, 2017, the team would beat OI4K (Dave Crist and Jake Crist). On April 21, 2017, Cobb, in singles action, would defeat Keith Lee. On May 19, 2017, The Chosen Bros defeated reDRagon (Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish). On October 20, The Chosen Bros defeated the Lucha Brothers (Rey Fenix and Penta el Zero M) to win the PWG World Tag Team Championship.[18] They retained the titles until April 20, 2018, when they lost them against The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz and Dezmond Xavier). On September 15–16, 2018, he went on to win the 2018 Battle of Los Angeles, beating Darby Allin in the first round, Rey Horus in the second round, Trevor Lee in the third round, and Shingo Takagi and Bandido in the final.

On October 19, Cobb defeated Walter at Smokey and the Bandido to win the PWG World Championship. He then successfully defended it against Trevor Lee at Hand of Doom in January 2019. He would also successfully defend his title against Johnathan Gresham and BOLA runner up Bandido during his reign. He then competed in his 4th Battle of Los Angeles but fell in the second round to David Starr. He would go on to drop the title after 421 days in a rematch with eventual tournament winner Bandido later that year.

Progress Wrestling (2017–2018)

On May 27, 2017, Cobb made his Progress Wrestling debut by defeating Nathan Cruz in the first round of the Super Strong Style 16 Tournament 2017. The following day, Cobb lost his second round match to Matthew Riddle. On May 29, Cobb received his first shot at the Progress World Championship, losing to Pete Dunne.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2017–present)

On November 6, 2017, Cobb was announced as a participant in New Japan Pro-Wrestling's 2017 World Tag League, where he would team with Michael Elgin.[19] Cobb and Elgin did not get along behind the scenes with Elgin making disparaging remarks about his tag team partner in private messages that were made public while the tournament was still in progress.[20] The two finished the tournament on December 9 with a record of four wins and three losses, failing to advance to the finals.[21]

On June 11, 2018, it was announced that Cobb would return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling for Kizuna Road shows. On June 17, it was announced that Jeff Cobb would face Hirooki Goto for his NEVER Openweight Championship.[22] He would go on to lose the match.

Cobb spent the bulk of late 2018 participating in the World Tag League tournament with partner Michael Elgin, winning eight matches, but failing to qualify for the finals.

On April 6, 2019, Cobb won the NEVER Openweight Championship in a Winner takes all match against Will Ospreay at G1 Supercard. Cobb's ROH World Television Championship was also on the line. Cobb would eventually lose the NEVER Openweight Championship to Taichi in the first night of Wrestling Dontaku 2019.

Cobb then competed in his first 2019 G1 Climax Tournament where he finished with 8 points thus failing to advance to the finals. On November 6, 2019, Cobb was announced to be in one of the teams in the 2019 World Tag League Tournament with tag partner Mikey Nicholls where they finished with 16 points failing to advance to the finals.

In August 2020, Cobb competed in the New Japan Cup USA where he defeated Tanga Loa in the first round before losing to Kenta in the semi-finals. Cobb was also announced to be competing in the 2020 G1 Climax tournament where he again finished with 8 points, failing to advance to the finals. It was also reported that Cobb had signed a contract with New Japan, officially joining the roster full time. He would join Will Ospreay's The Empire stable at the November 15 show, teaming with The Great O-Khan in the annual World Tag League thus turning heel in the process.

At Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome he challenged Shingo Takagi for the NEVER Openweight Championship but lost the match. The bout however was critically acclaimed, earning a 5 Star rating from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer.

Ring of Honor (2018–2020)

On July 21, 2018, Cobb made his Ring of Honor debut by attacking Eli Isom and FR Josie at a television taping. At Death Before Dishonor XVI on September 28, Cobb confronted Punishment Martinez following his defense of the ROH World Television Championship. At a television taping the following night, Cobb, in his first official match, defeated Martinez to win the ROH World Television Championship. Cobb then would win both of his matches during the two-day Glory By Honor XVI event in October, all three of his matches during the Global Wars 2018 tour in November, and defeated Adam Page at Final Battle in December to round out the year.

2019 began with Cobb winning a four-way match at Honor Reigns Supreme, and then winning all three of his matches (two of them being tag team matches) during the Road to G1 Supercard tour. After Cobb’s contract ran out in 2020, Cobb stated he would still wrestle for ROH, albeit a lot less. On October 2020, his profile was moved to the alumni section.

All Elite Wrestling (2020)

Cobb made his debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on the February 12, 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite, attacking Jon Moxley alongside The Inner Circle.[23] He wrestled his AEW debut match on the following week's episode of Dynamite, in a losing effort to Moxley.[24]

Professional wrestling style and persona

Cobb's finishers are a spinning Scoop powerslam variation called "The Tour of the Islands" and a Gachimuchi-Sault.[25]

During his work in Lucha Underground, Cobb performed as "The Monster" Matanza Cueto, using a mask and a boilersuit. He described his character like Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers.[26] During this time, his finisher was called "Wrath of the Gods".[27]

Personal life

Cobb is of Filipino descent on his mother's side. His mother, Elaine was born in Guam to Filipino immigrants. Cobb's parents later moved to Hawai'i, where he was born, but moved back to Guam when he was 11.[28]

Championships and accomplishments

Freestyle record
Olympic Games Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event Location
Loss 0–2 Yoel Romero Tech. Fall (0–10) August 26, 2004 2004 Summer Olympics Athens, Greece
Loss 0–1 Davyd Bichinashvili Tech. Fall (0–10)

References
  1. Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Jeffrey Cobb". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2013.
  2. https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/delirious-mini-delirious-tangle-mysterious-luchadors-jefe-cobbo-el-lethal-unauthorized "the mysterious luchador tag team of Jéfe Cobbo and El Lethál .. It also will be the official ROH debuts of El Jéfe Cobb and El Lethál."
  3. "Jeff Cobb". CageMatch.
  4. "2004 Athens: Flag Bearers for the Opening Ceremony". Olympics. 13 August 2004. Retrieved 11 September 2013.
  5. "Cobb goes pro in wrestling: Wrestles in Hawaii under moniker 'Mr. Athletic'". Pacific Daily News. 26 December 2011. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  6. "Oceanian Championships: 2004-05-29 Dededo (GUM) – Men's Freestyle 84kg". International Wrestling Database. Retrieved 23 September 2013.
  7. "Men's Freestyle 84kg". Athens 2004. BBC Sport. 15 August 2004. Retrieved 23 September 2013.
  8. https://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-tryout-at-performance-center-sept-2014-photos
  9. Nick Paglino (7 February 2015). "Notable Indy Names Heading to Lucha Underground". Wrestlezone. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
  10. Meltzer, Dave (December 21, 2015). "December 21, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Conor McGregor wins UFC Featherweight title, Roman Reigns WWE Champion". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 56. ISSN 1083-9593.
  11. "Lucha Underground TV taping results 12/12: Aztec Warfare match". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  12. "Big Lucha Underground Aztec Warfare 3 spoiler". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  13. https://www.f4wonline.com/news/three-more-wrestlers-seeking-releases-lucha-underground-282671
  14. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-jeff-cobb-comes-terms-lucha-underground-release
  15. "5/20 PWG "Prince" Results – TNA Hvt. & X Division champions in action, Elgin wrestles twice, Strong vs. Callihan main event, Hero, Scurll, Cole". Pro Wrestling Torch. May 20, 2016. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
  16. Meltzer, Dave (September 3, 2016). "PWG Battle of Los Angeles night one results: BOLA begins". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  17. Meltzer, Dave (September 3, 2016). "PWG MYSTERY VORTEX LIVE RESULTS: CHRIS HERO ADDRESSES HIS SITUATION". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
  18. Meltzer, Dave (October 21, 2017). "PWG All Star Weekend 13 night one results: Tag title main event". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  19. "【『World Tag』出場チーム決定!】 "新顔"が続々登場! ジュース&キャラハン組! エルガン&ジェフ・コブ組！バレッタ&チャッキーT組! 復活のヘナーレは真壁とタッグ結成!". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). November 6, 2017. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  20. Radican, Sean (December 6, 2017). "Michael Elgin accused of mishandling sexual assault claim against former student, several independent companies cancel Elgin from their upcoming events". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  21. "鉄拳Presents World Tag League 2017". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  22. NJPW. "Goto defeats Elgin and regains his NEVER Openweight Championship!! Next No.1 contender for Goto is Jeff cobb!! | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved 2018-06-17.
  23. Barnett, Jake (February 12, 2020). "2/12 AEW Dynamite TV results: Barnett's live review of Kenny Omega and Hangman Page vs. Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky for the AEW Tag Titles, Riho vs. Nyla Rose for the AEW Women's Title, Jon Moxley vs. Santana, MJF vs. Jungle Boy, Dustin Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 1, 2020.
  24. Barnett, Jake (February 19, 2020). "2/19 AEW Dynamite TV results: Barnett's live review of Cody vs. Wardlow in a steel cage match, Jon Moxley vs. Jeff Cobb, Kenny Omega and Hangman Page vs. Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix for the AEW Tag Titles, Tag Team battle royal for a tag title shot at AEW Revolution". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 1, 2020.
  25. https://411mania.com/wrestling/keith-lee-says-he-didnt-steal-jeff-cobbs-finish-explains-how-his-is-different/
  26. https://411mania.com/wrestling/jeff-cobb-matanza-cueto-lucha-underground-season-four/
  27. https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/65073-resultados-lucha-underground-18-de-octubre-de-2017
  28. Wonsover, Michael (13 March 2019). "Persistence pays off as Olympic wrestler Jeff Cobb breaks through with Ring of Honor". ESPN. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  29. https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=567
  30. https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=3390
  31. https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=49
  32. https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=119270
  33. https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=2015
  34. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2019". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
  35. "MOVE OF THE YEAR: JEFF COBB'S TOUR OF THE ISLANDS". Ring of Honor.
  36. https://twitter.com/RingWarriorsNet/status/1056479633854496770
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