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Jeff Cobb
Jeff Cobb
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Jeffrey Cobb (ジェフリー・コブ, Jefurī Kobu; born July 11, 1982) is an American professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler. As of May 2025, he is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand under the ring name JC Mateo. He is a member of The MFT stable. He is best known for his tenure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he performed under his real name and was a member of United Empire.

Key Information

In NJPW, he is a former one-time NEVER Openweight Champion, one-time NJPW World Television Champion, and a three-time IWGP Tag Team Champion. He also wrestled for various promotions, such as Lucha Underground (as the masked wrestler Matanza Cueto) where he is a former one-time Lucha Underground Champion, Ring of Honor (ROH) where he is a former one-time ROH Television Champion, as well as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) where he is a former one-time PWG World Champion, one-time PWG World Tag Team Champion and is also the winner of the 2018 Battle of Los Angeles.

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.[7] He transitioned to professional wrestling in 2009.[8]

Amateur wrestling career

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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.[9] 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.[10]

Professional wrestling career

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Early career (2009–2014)

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Cobb began professional wrestling in 2009 training and working for Action Zone Wrestling in Hawaii. He was given the name "Mr. Athletic". 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, Fighting Spirit Pro, 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.[11]

Lucha Underground (2015–2019)

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Cobb signed to Lucha Underground in 2015.[12] He debuted for the promotion on March 22, 2016, under a mask and the ring name "The Monster" Matanza Cueto,[13] the storyline brother of Dario Cueto, winning the Lucha Underground Championship in his first match.[14]

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.[15]

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.[16] More days later, it would be confirmed that he had been released from the company.[17]

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (2016–2019)

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Cobb in 2017

On May 20, 2016, Cobb made his debut for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), losing to Chris Hero.[18] On September 2, Cobb entered the 2016 Battle of Los Angeles, from which he was eliminated in the first round by Ricochet.[19]

On December 16, 2016, Cobb and Matt Riddle defeated The Young Bucks.[20] 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.[21] 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, defeating 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.[citation needed]

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 Jonathan 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.[citation needed]

Progress Wrestling (2017–2018)

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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 Matt Riddle. On May 29, Cobb received his first shot at the Progress World Championship, losing to Pete Dunne.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2017–2025)

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Early beginnings and championship reigns (2017–2019)

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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.[22] 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.[23] The two finished the tournament on December 9 with a record of four wins and three losses, failing to advance to the finals.[24] 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.[25] 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.

United Empire (2020–2025)

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Cobb at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome

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 United Empire stable (then known as the Empire) at the November 15 show, teaming with Great-O-Khan in the annual World Tag League thus turning heel in the process, though finishing the tournament with 10 points, failing to advance to the finals.[26] At Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome he challenged Shingo Takagi for the NEVER Openweight Championship but lost the match.[27]

In March, Cobb would participate in the New Japan Cup, he defeated Satoshi Kojima in the first round, but was eliminated in the second round by Evil. Over the next few months, Cobb would team with his United Empire teammates in tag team matches against Los Ingobernables de Japon. Cobb began a short feud with Kota Ibushi which culminated in a match between the two at Dominion 6.6 in Osaka-jo Hall, which Cobb lost.[28] Cobb then began a feud with Kazuchika Okada, which started when Cobb pinned Okada in a tag match. The two would exchange losses and victories over the next few months, with Okada beating Cobb at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome and Cobb defeating Okada at Wrestle Grand Slam in MetLife Dome.[29][30]

In September, Cobb would enter the G1 Climax 31 and would be in the B-block. During the tournament, Cobb would break records, defeating Chase Owens, Yoshi-Hashi, Hirooki Goto, Tama Tonga, Taichi, Sanada, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Evil, therefore winning his first 8 consecutive G1 matches, the most consecutive wins in the tournament's history. However, on Night 18 in the B-block final, Cobb would lose to eventual G1 winner Kazuchika Okada, failing to advance to the tournament with 16 points, as Okada had also only lost one B-block match to Tama Tonga.[31] On January 4 at Wrestle Kingdom 16, United Empire defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon on night one, but Cobb would lose to Tetsuya Naito on night two the following day.[32][33]

In March, Cobb would once again enter the New Japan Cup. He defeated Togi Makabe, Kojima and Yoshi-Hashi, but lost to Naito in the quarter final round.[34] Cobb reshifted his focus to tag team competition with Great O-Khan who had been teaming with Aaron Henare. On April 9, O-Khan and Cobb became the IWGP Tag Team Champions for the first time in both men's careers, during the Hyper Battle series.[35] The two lost the titles at Wrestling Dontaku, ending their reign at 22 days. They regained the titles on June 12, at Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall.[36]

After losing the titles at Forbidden Door, Cobb was announced to be a part of the G1 Climax 32 in July at Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall, where he would compete in the A Block.[37] Cobb finished the tournament with 6 points, failing to advance to the semi-finals.[38] Later that year in October, Cobb participated in a tournament to crown the inaugural NJPW World Television Champion, but was defeated by Yoshi-Hashi in the first round.[39] The following month at Battle Autumn, Cobb and O-Khan faced FTR in a rematch for the IWGP Tag Team titles, but were defeated.[40] On January 4 at Wrestle Kingdom 17, Cobb competed in the New Japan Rambo, but failed to last till the final 4.[41] The following day at New Year Dash!!, Cobb teamed with Aaron Henare in a losing effort to new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada and new IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega.[42]

In March, Cobb competed in the New Japan Cup, receiving a bye to the second round, where he was defeated by Evil.[43] Later that month, Cobb defeated Moose at Multiverse United.[44] In May at Wrestling Dontaku, Cobb challenged Zack Sabre Jr. for the NJPW World Television Championship, but the match ended in a time limit draw, causing Sabre Jr to retain the championship.[45] A rematch was set up the following month at Dominion 6.4 in Osaka-jo Hall, where Sabre Jr defeated Cobb.[46] Later in the month, Cobb competed on the buy-in of Forbidden Door, where he teamed with United Empire stablemates, Kyle Fletcher and TJP in a losing effort to Los Ingobernables de Japon members, Shingo Takagi, Bushhi and Hiromu Takahashi .[47] The following month, Cobb competed in the annual G1 Climax tournament, where he was placed into the D Block.[48] Cobb finished with 9 points, narrowly missing out on qualifying for a quarterfinal spot.[49] On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku, Cobb defeated Sabre Jr. to win the NJPW World Television Championship for the first time.[50] On October 14 at King of Pro-Wrestling Cobb lost the World Television title to Ren Narita in a 3-way match that also includes Yota Tsuji. He would compete in a losing effort for the title again at Wrestle Kingdom 19 in Four-way match. On April 4 at Sakura Genesis, Cobb and Callum Newman defeated Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship.[51]

On April 14, NJPW announced that Cobb would be leaving NJPW and the IWGP Tag Team Championship would be vacated, ending Cobb and Newman’s reign at 9 days.[52] On April 19 during the Road to Wrestling Dontaku tour, Cobb wrestled his final match in NJPW, losing to Hiroshi Tanahashi. After the match, Cobb thanked NJPW, his United Empire stablemates, and the NJPW fans, officially ending his near 8-year tenure with the promotion.[53]

Ring of Honor (2018–2020, 2022)

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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. At ROH/NJPW War of the Worlds Night 2, Cobb would lose the World Television Championship to Shane Taylor. After Cobb's contract ran out in 2020, Cobb stated he would still wrestle for ROH, albeit a lot less. In October 2020, his profile was moved to the alumni section.[54]

On December 10, 2022 at Final Battle, Cobb returned to ROH, defeating Máscara Dorada on the pre-show.[55]

All Elite Wrestling (2020, 2022–2024)

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Cobb made his debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on the February 12, 2020 episode of Dynamite, attacking Jon Moxley alongside The Inner Circle.[56] He wrestled his AEW debut match on the following week's episode of Dynamite, in a losing effort to Moxley.[57]

On the May 25, 2022 episode of Dynamite, Cobb and Great-O-Khan interrupted a match for the ROH World Tag Team Championships, between FTR and Roppongi Vice attacking both teams, and raising the titles signaling their intentions of challenging for the championships.[58] On the June 15 episode of Dynamite, and after O-Khan and Cobb and the rest of United Empire attacked both tag teams, Ospreay was announced to face Orange Cassidy, whilst Cobb and O-Khan were placed into a triple-threat tag-team Winner Takes All match for their newly won IWGP Tag Team Championships and FTR's ROH World Tag Team Championships, along with Roppongi Vice at Forbidden Door.[59] At the event, Cobb and O-Khan both failed to capture the ROH World Tag Team Titles and lost the IWGP Tag Team Titles to FTR.[60]

On the March 29, 2023 episode of Dynamite, he challenged Kenny Omega for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, in a losing effort.[61] On the May 15, 2024 episode of Dynamite, Cobb teamed with Kyle Fletcher, in a losing effort against Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley).[62]

WWE (2025–present)

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On May 10, 2025, Cobb made his WWE debut at Backlash, where he assisted Jacob Fatu in retaining his WWE United States Championship, establishing himself as a heel and joining The Bloodline.[63] The following week on SmackDown, he was given the new ring name, JC Mateo, and won his debut match against LA Knight.[64] On the July 4 episode of SmackDown, the Bloodline was rebranded to the "MFT".[65][66]

Professional wrestling style and persona

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Cobb's finishers are a spinning scoop powerslam variation called "The Tour of the Islands" and a Gachimuchi-Sault.[67]

During his work in Lucha Underground, Cobb performed as "The Monster" Matanza Cueto, wearing a mask and a boilersuit. He described his character like Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers.[68] During this time, his finisher was called "Wrath of the Gods".[69]

Personal life

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Cobb is of Filipino descent on his mother's side. He was born in Hawaii to Filipino immigrants. Cobb's parents later moved to Guam when he was 11.[70]

Championships and accomplishments

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Freestyle record

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

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jeffrey Cobb, ring name Jeff Cobb and currently JC Mateo in WWE (born July 11, 1982), is an American professional wrestler and former Olympic freestyle wrestler of Filipino and Chamorro (Guamanian) descent. Standing at 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) and billed at 264 lb (120 kg), he is renowned for his athletic prowess and powerhouse style, having transitioned from amateur wrestling to become a multi-time champion across major promotions including New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Ring of Honor (ROH), and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Born in , , Cobb moved to as a child due to his family's financial difficulties, where he excelled in high school wrestling and later attended on a wrestling . There, he won the 2004 Oceania Championship in the 84 kg freestyle division and was selected to represent at the in , serving as the nation's flag bearer during the before competing in the event. After graduating in 2008, Cobb trained at Harley Race's Wrestling Academy and made his professional wrestling debut on June 4, 2009, initially competing on the independent circuit in while leveraging his amateur credentials. Cobb gained prominence in Lucha Underground from 2015 to 2018, where he portrayed the masked character Matanza Cueto and captured the . In NJPW, he joined in 2017 as part of the stable and achieved major success, winning the once, the once, and the three times (twice with and once with Callum Newman) before departing in April 2025. His other accolades include the , , and brief appearances in (AEW) in 2020. In May 2025, Cobb debuted in at Backlash, aligning with to assist in retaining the United States Championship, and was subsequently renamed JC Mateo on SmackDown.

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Jeffrey Cobb was born on July 11, 1982, in , , to a family of Filipino descent on his mother's side. His mother, Elaine, was born in to immigrants from the who had relocated there in search of better opportunities. Cobb spent his early childhood in , living in areas like Pearl City, where he developed an early fascination with by watching matches on television alongside his father. In 1992, around the age of ten and following , Cobb's family faced financial hardships and relocated from back to , where his mother's roots were established. This move shaped his upbringing in a supportive household that encouraged his athletic interests from a young age. He attended High School in , graduating in 2000, and it was during his high school years there that he first engaged with sports, particularly through local programs that introduced him to wrestling. Cobb's initial pursuit of wrestling was driven by a childhood dream of becoming a professional wrestler, sparked by icons like and reinforced by his family's encouragement to chase personal goals. This early exposure laid the foundation for his athletic development, though he balanced it with a commitment to education before fully committing to sports.

Amateur wrestling achievements

Cobb pursued at in , where he competed on the team's roster from 2003 to 2008 while earning a degree in and exercise science. During this period, he honed his skills in both freestyle and Greco-Roman styles, building a foundation that propelled him toward international competition. Transitioning to elite-level competition, Cobb represented , where he spent much of his youth and developed his wrestling career. His early international breakthrough came with a victory at the 2001 Oceania Freestyle Championships in the 97 kg category, marking his emergence as a regional powerhouse; he also earned bronze in Greco-Roman at 97 kg that year. He secured bronze at the 2002 Oceania Championships in the 84 kg freestyle division. In 2003, he advanced to the World Championships in the 84 kg division, where he finished 32nd after navigating the challenging field at . Cobb's pinnacle amateur accomplishment arrived in 2004 when he captured gold at the Oceania Freestyle Championships in the 84 kg category in Dededo, Guam (also earning silver in Greco-Roman), qualifying for the Summer Olympics. Selected as Guam's flag bearer for the opening ceremony in Athens, he symbolized national pride amid the global spectacle. Competing in the men's freestyle 84 kg event, Cobb faced Cuba's Yoel Romero in the first round and suffered a 10-0 technical superiority defeat, ultimately placing 21st in the tournament. Cobb extended his international pursuits post-Olympics, securing another at the 2005 Oceania Freestyle Championships in the 96 kg division (and gold in Greco-Roman) and competing at the 2007 World Freestyle Wrestling Championships, where he achieved a 26th-place finish in the 84 kg category. He also won at the 2007 Oceania Championships in the 84 kg freestyle and Greco-Roman divisions. These results underscored his persistence and technical prowess in a highly competitive discipline, influencing his later transition to professional wrestling with a foundation in explosive power and mat control.

Freestyle wrestling record

Jeff Cobb competed in primarily representing , with a focus on the 84 kg and heavier weight classes during his amateur career. His record includes consistent participation in regional events, where he achieved multiple podium finishes, as well as qualifications for global competitions like the World Championships and the Olympics. Detailed match outcomes are available for select major bouts, highlighting his competitive experience against international opponents.

Key Freestyle Wrestling Results

EventYearWeight ClassResultDetails
Oceania Championships200197 kg1st (Gold)Won the title; specific matches not detailed in records.
Oceania Championships200284 kg3rd (Bronze)Secured bronze medal.
World Championships200384 kg32ndLost in opening pool match to Vincent Kouadio Akaakesse (France) by pin at 5:16; additional pool losses by technical superiority (0-4).
Oceania Championships200484 kg1st (Gold)Won the title, qualifying for the Olympics.
Summer Olympics (Athens)200484 kg21stLost to Yoel Romero (Cuba) 0-10 by grand superiority (4:31); lost to Davyd Bichinashvili (Germany) 0-10 by grand superiority (2:10) on August 27.
Oceania Championships200596 kg1st (Gold)Won the title.
World Championships200784 kg26thParticipated in pools; specific match outcomes included losses leading to early elimination.
Oceania Championships200784 kg1st (Gold)Won the title.
Cobb's overall freestyle record reflects four gold medals at the Championships, establishing dominance in Pacific regional competition, though global events resulted in early exits against top-seeded athletes. No comprehensive win-loss tally across all bouts is publicly documented, but his international appearances underscore a career with over a dozen recorded competitive outings in major freestyle events. He also achieved success in , earning three golds, one silver, and one bronze at the Championships.

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit and early promotions (2009–2014)

After completing his university studies, Jeff Cobb began professional wrestling training in 2009 under the guidance of veterans at Action Zone Wrestling (AZW) in , honoring a promise to his family to prioritize his education first. He made his in-ring debut the following year in 2009 with AZW, his home promotion in , where he adopted the ring name "Mr. Athletic" and rapidly rose as a dominant competitor. Cobb captured the AZW Heavyweight Championship twice between December 2009 and 2012, holding the title longer than any previous champion and defending it against local challengers in high-profile matches across the islands. Drawing on his Olympic-level experience, he developed an aggressive powerhouse style emphasizing suplexes, clotheslines, and athletic displays of strength, which became hallmarks of his early performances in undercard bouts. In January 2013, seeking expanded opportunities, Cobb relocated to and continued training under Oliver John, a respected coach he ranked among the best in the industry alongside figures like . His Southern California debut came soon after with (CWFH), arranged through connections with , where he competed in competitive matches that highlighted his physical dominance. Cobb also appeared for (APW) in , wrestling in two events that year and gaining exposure in the Bay Area scene. From 2013 to 2014, he toured the independent circuit across the and into , including stops in Washington, , and , where he built momentum through intense regional feuds and consistent undercard appearances that solidified his reputation as a reliable big man. These experiences on the indie landscape positioned Cobb for his breakthrough with in 2015.

Lucha Underground and rise to prominence (2015–2019)

In 2015, Jeff Cobb signed a multi-year contract with following a WWE developmental tryout, marking his entry into the promotion's unique blend of scripted narratives and athletic spectacles (note: Lucha Underground events were often taped months in advance, with air dates differing from occurrence). He debuted on the March 23, 2016 episode (taped December 2015) as the masked monster Matanza Cueto in Aztec Warfare II, portrayed as the long-imprisoned, cannibalistic brother of promoter Cueto, serving as the family's brutal enforcer in their quest for control over the Temple. This silent, imposing gimmick, emphasizing raw power and Aztec mythology-inspired rage, quickly established Matanza as a dominant force, with Cobb's background lending authenticity to his overpowering style. In that match, Matanza entered last and eliminated the remaining competitors, including champion Fénix, to claim the . Matanza's first televised title defense aired on April 6, 2016, retaining against Fénix via pinfall after a series of power moves in a grueling battle. His reign, spanning approximately 238 days on air (from March 23 to November 16, 2016), featured several high-profile defenses that showcased the Cueto family's iron grip, including a submission over Killshot via the "Wrath of the Gods" armbar on October 19, 2016. Further victories solidified the Cartel's dominance, such as dismantling The Mack in a one-sided squash on September 21, 2016, and overcoming Pentagon Dark in a bloody Lucha Underground Championship clash aired March 30, 2016 (taped earlier). The title changed hands on November 16, 2016, when Sexy Star won Aztec Warfare III to defeat Matanza, ending his first reign but not his terrorizing presence. Matanza recaptured the in 2017 during a storyline shift under Antonio Cueto, Dario's father, who assumed control of the promotion and unleashed the monster anew against a roster plagued by threats. This period highlighted the Cueto Cartel's ruthless expansion, with Matanza enforcing loyalty through betrayals and sacrifices, including a pivotal 2018 defense against Johnny Mundo that intertwined family vendettas with the Gauntlet of the Gods artifact. Betrayal arcs intensified as internal family strife emerged, particularly after Dario's apparent murder, leading to Matanza's alignment with ancient gods and conflicts with heroes like El Dragon Azteca Jr. and Black Lotus, whose quest for revenge stemmed from Matanza's off-screen slaying of her parents. The character's arc peaked in season 4 with a climactic downfall on the November 7, 2018, episode of Ultima Lucha Cuatro Part 2, where Matanza lost a Sacrifice to the Gods match to Johnny Mundo via the Gauntlet of the Gods, followed by Black Lotus stabbing him to death in a ritualistic unmasking that revealed Cobb's face and concluded the gimmick. This storyline resolution coincided with production delays, as entered an extended hiatus after season 4 tapings. Cobb, frustrated by the exclusive seven-year deal's inactivity periods without pay, negotiated his release in early 2019 through legal means, allowing him to revert to his Jeff Cobb persona for independent bookings, including a brief overlap with events. His final appearances as Matanza in 2018 cemented the run's impact, elevating Cobb's profile as a versatile powerhouse before the promotion's pause.

Expansion to international promotions (2016–2018)

In 2016, Jeff Cobb continued to build his reputation on the independent circuit with a notable appearance in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla's (PWG) tournament, where he competed in the first round against , showcasing his athleticism in a high-profile matchup despite the loss. Cobb's momentum in PWG accelerated in 2017 when he teamed with as The Chosen Bros, defeating (Penta El Zero M and Rey Fénix) on October 20 to capture the in a fast-paced contest that highlighted their contrasting styles of power and . They defended the titles successfully multiple times, including against teams like , demonstrating Cobb's versatility in warfare while balancing his singles commitments. Expanding internationally, Cobb made his debut for the UK-based in May 2017 during the Super Strong Style 16 tournament at Chapter 49, defeating Nathan Cruz in the first round with a dominant display of holds and strikes. Advancing to the quarterfinals, he fell to in a hard-fought battle, but earned a subsequent opportunity against champion on the tournament's final night, where Dunne retained via submission after a grueling exchange that intensified their rivalry. Cobb returned for Progress events in 2018, including a victory over , solidifying his presence in the British scene through matches that emphasized his suplex-heavy offense against technical opponents. Cobb's international footprint grew further with his (NJPW) debut in November 2017, partnering with for the World Tag League tournament, where the duo secured several victories, including against teams like and , before finishing outside the playoffs. This introduced Cobb to Japanese audiences, blending his power-based style with NJPW's strong-style environment and setting the stage for deeper involvement. Throughout 2016–2018, Cobb adeptly balanced these promotions, defending PWG tag titles while touring the and , a demanding schedule that honed his adaptability and paved the way for a full-time NJPW contract. In , his PWG run peaked with a victory over Bandido and in the finals, followed by defeating Walter on October 19 to claim the PWG World Championship, achievements that underscored his rising global stature.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling tenure (2017–2025)

In 2017, Jeff Cobb signed a full-time contract with following his participation in the World Tag League tournament, marking the beginning of his extended tenure with the promotion. As a towering powerhouse foreigner, Cobb quickly established himself through high-impact performances, including a marquee challenge for the against champion at G1 Special in on July 7, 2018, where he came close to victory but fell short in a hard-fought bout. This match highlighted his explosive strength and background, positioning him as a credible threat in NJPW's heavyweight division. Cobb captured his first NJPW championship on April 6, 2019, at the , defeating in a winner-takes-all to win the while simultaneously holding the . He made a successful defense at on January 5, 2021, retaining against in a grueling encounter that showcased his resilience and signature moves like the Tour of the Islands. However, his reign ended on May 3, 2019, at Wrestling Dontaku when Taichi defeated him via low blow and Alcatraz submission. Throughout his early years, Cobb balanced NJPW commitments with concurrent work in , where he also held top titles. In November 2020, Cobb joined the stable under leader , evolving from a solo powerhouse into the group's primary enforcer and providing brute force in multi-man warfare. As part of , he engaged in intense feuds with factions, including the War Dogs, culminating in steel cage matches and clashes that emphasized his role in protecting stablemates like and . This period solidified his character as a loyal, intimidating presence, blending raw power with tactical aggression in defenses against rivals like David Finlay and Gabe Kidd. Cobb's tag team success peaked with multiple IWGP Tag Team Championship reigns alongside United Empire partners. He and Great-O-Khan first won the titles on April 9, 2022, at Hyper Battle, defeating Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi in a match that affirmed their dominance as a unit. They captured the belts a second time later in their partnership before losing them to challengers like Bullet Club's Bad Luck Fale and Chase Owens. In 2024, Cobb added the NJPW World Television Championship by defeating Zack Sabre Jr. at Wrestling Dontaku on May 3, holding it briefly before dropping it in a controversial finish. Cobb's final IWGP Tag Team Championship reign came on April 5, 2025, at , where he and Callum Newman dethroned de Japon's and in a multi-man tag stipulation. However, on April 14, 2025, NJPW announced Cobb's departure at his own request, leading to the immediate vacating of the titles. His tenure concluded with a farewell match on April 19, 2025, at Road to Wrestling Dontaku in Korakuen Hall, where he lost to via inside cradle, ending with a respectful handshake amid crowd applause. Over eight years, Cobb transitioned from an imposing outsider to a cornerstone of , amassing three IWGP Tag Team reigns and leaving a legacy of physicality and reliability in NJPW's international landscape.

Ring of Honor and North American commitments (2018–2022)

In 2018, Jeff Cobb signed with on a per-appearance basis and made his debut at a television taping on July 21, attacking Eli Isom and FR Josi to establish himself as a dominant force. On the October 20 episode of ROH Wrestling (taped September 29), Cobb captured the from Punishment Martinez in his first official match, showcasing his background with powerful throws and suplexes to secure the pinfall. He successfully defended the title multiple times, including a hard-fought victory over at on December 14, where Cobb overcame Page's aggression with two Tour of the Island finishers for the win. Cobb's ROH run intersected with his growing commitments to , highlighted by the co-promoted on April 6, 2019, at . In a winner-takes-all match, he defended the against NEVER Openweight Champion , retaining his title while capturing the NEVER belt via pinfall after a series of athletic exchanges and Cobb's signature . This dual-championship reign exemplified his ability to balance North American and international schedules, as he continued defending both belts in ROH events while competing in NJPW's and tournaments. However, on May 9 at War of the Worlds in Buffalo, Cobb lost the in a four-corner survival match to Shane Taylor, who pinned to claim the title amid interference from the rest of the competitors. Elevated by his title success, Cobb pursued the ROH World Championship, earning a shot against champion Matt Taven at Best in the World on June 28, 2019, in Baltimore. Despite a competitive bout featuring Cobb's strength advantage, Taven retained via pinfall after a roll-up countered by his Just the Tip knee strike. Later that year, Cobb engaged in the tag team division alongside occasional partner Matt Riddle, known collectively as the Chosen Bros from their prior work in other promotions, though their ROH collaborations remained sporadic. On September 27 at Death Before Dishonor XVII, Cobb headlined the pre-show by defeating Brody King in a heavyweight clash, using his judo expertise to counter King's brawling style and secure victory with Tour of the Island. These matches underscored Cobb's versatility in both singles and tag scenarios while maintaining his NJPW obligations. As ROH entered a hiatus in late 2021, Cobb focused on North American independent bookings, including a standout performance at GCW's Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 5 on February 20, 2021, where he defeated by TKO in a grappling-heavy that highlighted his Olympic-level submissions. This event represented cross-promotional ties between ROH's ecosystem and GCW during the period, allowing Cobb to stay active in the U.S. scene. Cobb returned to ROH at on December 10, 2022, defeating Mascara Dorada on the Zero Hour pre-show in a dominant showcase that reaffirmed his status as a powerhouse amid the promotion's revival under new ownership.

All Elite Wrestling appearances (2020–2024)

Jeff Cobb made his debut on the February 19, 2020 episode of , where he challenged for the but was defeated in a competitive bout that showcased his power-based style. This appearance marked Cobb's introduction to the AEW audience as a formidable powerhouse, aligning with his ongoing role in other promotions. After a two-year absence, Cobb returned to AEW in 2022 to compete in the Foundation Men's Tournament on . He advanced through the quarterfinals by defeating opponents with his signature athleticism before falling to in the semifinals, ending his run just short of the finals at . His participation highlighted cross-promotional ties, though limited by his primary commitments to . From 2023 to 2024, Cobb's AEW outings shifted toward competition as part of the , frequently partnering with Mark Davis. The duo engaged in high-profile matches, including opportunities vying for the , such as multi-man tags against established teams on Dynamite and Rampage. These runs emphasized United Empire's international presence and Cobb's versatility in tag scenarios. Cobb also featured in storylines intersecting with factions like the , contributing to intense confrontations that blended NJPW and AEW talents during events leading into pay-per-views like through 2024. His sporadic but impactful spots underscored AEW's collaborative approach with global promotions.

WWE debut and current run (2025–present)

Following his departure from (NJPW) in April 2025, where he vacated the after a final match on April 6, Jeff Cobb signed a multi-year contract with in early May 2025. Cobb made his WWE debut on May 10, 2025, at Backlash in , , under the ring name Jeff Cobb, where he interfered in the United States Championship match to help retain the title against , , and in a fatal four-way bout. During the interference, Cobb delivered a powerful clothesline to , allowing Fatu to secure the pinfall victory and establishing Cobb as an enforcer aligned with . On the May 16, 2025, episode of SmackDown, WWE officially introduced Cobb under the new JC Mateo, which had been trademarked by the company earlier that week. Mateo won his in-ring debut match against via pinfall, aided by distractions from Fatu and Sikoa, solidifying his role within . His powerhouse wrestling style, characterized by explosive suplexes and strikes adapted from his NJPW tenure, quickly integrated into 's high-impact programming on the SmackDown brand. Mateo aligned with the heel faction formerly known as The Bloodline, led by , which rebranded as The MFT stable in July 2025, incorporating , , and (formerly Hikuleo). The group dominated SmackDown storylines through mid-2025, with Mateo participating in defenses of the Tag Team Championship alongside Tonga Loa at events like Money in the Bank in July, where they retained against . Throughout the summer and fall of 2025, Mateo's feuds focused on SmackDown babyfaces, including a prolonged rivalry with that culminated in a no-disqualification match at on August 3, where Mateo emerged victorious via submission with his signature Tour of the Island. The MFT also engaged in multi-man brawls and tag defenses against teams like The LWO, emphasizing Mateo's role as the stable's physical powerhouse. By November 2025, storyline angles hinted at internal tensions within The MFT, particularly between Mateo and Sikoa over leadership, setting up potential fractures leading into .

Wrestling style and persona

In-ring style

Jeff Cobb embodies the powerhouse wrestler archetype, leveraging his background as a Olympian to deliver explosive, strength-based offense characterized by variations, athletic slams, and stiff strikes. His amateur credentials, including representing at the 2004 Olympics in the 84 kg freestyle category, provide a foundation for his physical dominance in the ring, allowing him to execute high-impact maneuvers with technical precision. Drawing directly from his roots, Cobb incorporates amateur-style holds such as single-leg takedowns and chain wrestling sequences into his professional matches, blending fundamentals with pro wrestling flair to control opponents on the mat. This technical grounding enables seamless transitions into , emphasizing ground-and-pound tactics that wear down foes through sustained pressure and leverage. Cobb adapts his style across promotions to suit varying match dynamics, incorporating occasional high-flying teases—such as standing moonsaults—during his tenure, while favoring a more deliberate, suplex-heavy ground-and-pound approach in and bouts. In NJPW, his emphasis on stiff strikes and explosive throws aligns with the promotion's strong-style philosophy, whereas WWE appearances highlight his athletic versatility in larger-scale environments. Among his signature moves, Cobb frequently employs the Tour of the Islands (a spinning scoop powerslam), German suplex variations, Athletic Suplex, chokeslam, and stiff headbutts, showcasing his blend of power and agility.

Character development and gimmicks

Jeff Cobb began his professional wrestling career on the independent circuit portraying an everyman athlete under the moniker "Mr. Athletic," emphasizing his Olympic-level amateur wrestling background and relatable, no-nonsense persona that highlighted raw power and technical prowess without elaborate theatrical elements. This straightforward gimmick allowed him to connect with audiences through demonstrations of athleticism in promotions like Action Zone Wrestling in Hawaii, where he debuted in 2009. His character underwent a dramatic transformation in from 2015 to 2018, evolving from the unmasked "Mr. Athletic" into the silent, masked enforcer Matanza Cueto, the monstrous brother of promoter Cueto, depicted as a cannibalistic Frankenstein-like figure who devoured the hearts of his victims in a dark, narrative. Originally pitched as a shooter-style character drawing from his amateur roots, the role shifted to this imposing, wordless beast controlled by familial loyalty, using minimal promos and eerie, blood-soaked attire to instill fear and sympathy as an exploited monster. A pivotal persona shift occurred in 2018 upon the conclusion of 's fourth season, when Cobb unmasked and reverted to his real name, shedding the Matanza gimmick to resume a more grounded, athletic identity on the indies and in other promotions. In from 2020 to 2025, Cobb adopted the "Imperial Unit" moniker as a dominant Hawaiian warrior within the stable, portraying an unyielding powerhouse loyal to leader and later successors, with promos and attire incorporating imperial motifs like armored gear and declarations of empire-building conquest to underscore themes of expansion and brute force. This faction allegiance influenced his character arc, shifting from a solo technician to a enforcer who used his size and explosiveness to protect stablemates, often entering with war cries and Hawaiian-inspired elements that tied into his heritage. As of November 2025, upon debuting in WWE in 2025 under the ring name JC Mateo, Cobb transitioned to a stoic enforcer role within The Bloodline's extended network and the MFT (My Family Tree) stable, embodying a quiet, intimidating presence with subtle nods to his Pacific Islander heritage through tribal tattoos and aligned storylines emphasizing family loyalty and physical dominance. His promos remained sparse and intense, focusing on unwavering allegiance, while attire evolved to include Bloodline-inspired black-and-red motifs, marking a continuation of enforcer archetypes but adapted to WWE's family dynasty narratives. As of November 2025, Mateo continues as an enforcer in MFT, recently involved in attacks alongside Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa against rivals like Sami Zayn.

Personal life and legacy

Personal background

Jeff Cobb was born on July 11, 1982, in , , to parents, with his mother being of Filipino descent, her family tracing roots to the before relocating to . He spent his early childhood in , where he developed a passion for wrestling by watching matches on television alongside his father, before his family returned to in sixth grade amid financial hardships. After high school in and attending in , Cobb relocated to , to train in , and currently resides in the Las Vegas area. His Filipino heritage has notably shaped elements of his persona, emphasizing cultural pride. Cobb maintains close ties to his family, including his mother and two siblings, though he keeps his personal relationships private and is not publicly known to be married or have children. Outside of , he remains active in the community, having represented at the 2004 Olympics in and recently conducting drills and tryouts to mentor aspiring wrestlers in the sport. In terms of health, Cobb has navigated several injuries from his amateur and professional careers, including a pulled muscle sustained in early 2022 that required recovery time. He has expressed interest in using his platform for broader advocacy in wrestling development post-career, drawing from his Olympic experience.

Championships and accomplishments

Jeff Cobb has achieved over 17 championship reigns across multiple promotions, spanning independent circuits, Lucha Underground, Ring of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), with his career highlights including dominant performances in tag team and midcard divisions as of November 2025. His most prestigious titles include the IWGP Tag Team Championship, which he won three times as part of United Empire, and the NJPW World Television Championship, underscoring his impact in NJPW's heavyweight landscape. In addition to titles, Cobb has secured victories in notable tournaments, enhancing his reputation as a versatile powerhouse.

Championships

The following table summarizes Cobb's verified professional wrestling championships, including promotions, specific reigns, dates, durations, and relevant partners where applicable. Defenses are noted only for key reigns establishing historical context; exhaustive counts are omitted for conciseness.
PromotionTitleReign(s)DatesDuration (days)Partner(s)Notes/Defenses
Ring WarriorsGrand Championship1October 10, 2018 – 2020 (promotion inactive)~700N/AWon in tournament final; defended 5+ times; promotion inactive since 2018, title status frozen.
NJPWIWGP Tag Team Championship3April 5–14, 2025
June 12–26, 2022
April 9–May 1, 2022
9
14
22
Callum Newman (2025)
Great-O-Khan (2022 x2)
All as United Empire; 2025 reign ended quickly but marked WWE transition tease. No major defenses in short reigns.
NJPWWorld Television Championship1May 3, 2024 – October 14, 2024164N/ADefeated Zack Sabre Jr.; defended 8 times, including against Tomohiro Ishii.
NJPWNEVER Openweight Championship1April 6–May 3, 201927N/AWon from Will Ospreay at G1 Supercard; 1 defense before loss to Taichi.
PWGWorld Championship1October 19, 2018 – December 20, 2019427N/ALongest PWG reign; defeated Walter to win, defended 7 times including vs. Daniel Garcia.
ROHWorld Television Championship1September 29, 2018 – May 9, 2019222N/AWon from Punishment Martinez on debut; defended 10+ times, longest in title history at the time.
Lucha UndergroundLucha Underground Championship1December 12, 2015 – April 9, 2016119N/AAs Matanza Cueto; won from Prince Puma, defended 4 times in monster heel role.
APWUniversal Heavyweight Championship1May 6, 2017 – November 2, 2018545N/ADefended 12+ times; longest reign in APW history.
AAWTag Team Championship1August 30 – October 26, 201857David Starr & Eddie Kingston (WRSTLING)Vacated after group disbanded; 2 defenses.
PWGWorld Tag Team Championship1October 20, 2017 – April 20, 2018182Matt Riddle (The Chosen Bros)Won from The Young Bucks; defended 4 times.
AZWHeavyweight Championship3February 27 – June 12, 2017
December 20, 2010 – March 19, 2012
December 21, 2009 – April 3, 2010
105
455
103
N/AEarly career titles; combined 10+ defenses across reigns.
PREMIERHeavyweight Championship2July 17, 2016 (<1 day)
June 9, 2013 – August 10, 2014
<1
427
N/A2013 win via tournament; 6 defenses in long reign.

Other Accomplishments

  • PWG (2016): Won the annual tournament, defeating , Tommy End, and in the finals.
  • Ring Warriors Grand Title Tournament (2018): Defeated in the final to earn the inaugural Grand Championship.
  • APW Young Lions Cup (2012): Tournament victory marking early indie success.
  • WFC Mission City Cup (2013): Won the single-elimination event in .
  • ROH Move of the Year (2018): Awarded for "Tour of the Islands" splash.
As of November 2025, Cobb's run since his May debut at Backlash—where he aligned with The Bloodline—has not yet yielded titles, though his involvement in U.S. Championship storylines signals potential future pursuits.

References

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