When Did JC Mateo Officially Join WWE Confirmed

WWE

JC Mateo (Jeff Cobb) has confirmed the actual timeline surrounding his NJPW exit and WWE signing, following speculation about his status.

Following rumors swirling, Jeff Cobb made his WWE debut during the May 10 Backlash Premium Live Event, before officially being renamed JC Mateo on the following SmackDown episode.

Many people expected JC Mateo’s WWE debut following reports that Mateo had been having contract talks with the company, and NJPW announcing his departure shortly after.

Following speculation about how the former ‘Jeff Cobb’ was able to speak with WWE while competing for NJPW, JC Mateo has confirmed that he was a free agent during these talks.

Speaking with KUAM News – who noted that his contract had ended at the end of January – Mateo noted that he was working for NJPW without a contract while his WWE contract was being finalized.

Setting the record straight on the important dates, Cobb said:

“I still stayed with (NJPW) for two more months after, not under contract, but just as, like a handshake agreement kind of thing, while my WWE contract was being finalized.

“Then it went into effect April 21. My last New Japan Pro-Wrestling match was April 19… May 10 was my official debut with WWE.”

If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link back to this page. 

This tracks with previous reports published by Fightful Select, who always referred to the then-Jeff Cobb as a free agent during reports about WWE interest.

For the latest updates and news stories on JC Mateo in WWE, click here.

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• JC Mateo
• NJPW
• contract
• wwe

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