Latest news with #G1Climax
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
NJPW's G1 Climax 35 to Kick off Today
Rana Atef Today, New Japan Pro Wrestling will begin its most iconic tournament and the most prestigious one in the global wrestling scene, G1 Climax. 20 competitors will do battle in a round robin tournament that will determine the strongest on the roster and become the number one contender for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4th, 2026. Hiroshi Tanahashi will participate in the tournament for one last time before hanging up his shoes after the upcoming Wrestle Kingdom. He is enlisted in A Block. The block also features Taichi, Yota Tsuji, and David Finlay. EVIL, the House of Torture leader and his stablemate SANADA will both be in the same block. Yuya Uemura, Ryohei Oiwa, Callum Newman and NEVER Openweight Champion Boltin Oleg are also in A Block. Then on the other side of the spectrum, IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. and IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Gabe Kidd are in B Block. Sabre Jr. ZSJ was the winner of last year's G1 Climax. Also, AEW's Konosuke Takeshita will participate in his second G1 Climax tournament in the B Block. The block also includes Shota Umino, and Ren Narita. Finally, the B Block also has NJPW World TV Champion El Phantasmo, Drilla Moloney, YOSHI-HASHI, Great-O-Khan and Shingo Takagi. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
Forbes
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
WWE Backlash 2025 Results: Who is Jeff Cobb & Where Did He Come From?
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Jeff Kobb reacts during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling - G1 CLIMAX 34 at ... More Korakuen Hall on August 07, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by) It's Jeff Cobb. That's what WWE's X account posted, and the seasoned professional wrestler and former Olympian made a splash in his WWE debut. Cobb's powerful in-ring style was on display in this brief preview, but those familiar with his exploits in various other promotions know this was just a glimpse. Cobb's arrival has seemingly been marked as a significant addition to WWE's roster because of his introduction into a primary storyline. Cobb attacked LA Knight during the opening match at WWE Backlash on Saturday night in St. Louis. Cobb's interference led to Jacob Fatu retaining his title in the Fatal Four-Way over Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre. Fatu didn't look pleased to have received the assistance, suggesting Cobb is clearly in cahoots with Solo Sikoa, who is building in-story heat with the former. Here is Cobb's brief but impactful debut, with Triple H adding his endorsement: Here is a look at who Cobb is and why WWE fans should be thrilled to have him on the roster. In case you're wondering why he's a big deal, take a look at this highlight reel featuring Cobb's top 50 moves. The guy is an athletic freak. Cobb, 42, has an Olympic background as a freestyle wrestler. He represented Guam at the 2004 Athens Olympics. As a professional wrestler, Cobb has competed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he held half of the IWGP Tag Team Championship and the NEVER Openweight Championship. Cobb has also performed for Ring of Honor, where he is a former ROH World Television Champion. With Lucha Underground, Cobb performed as Matanza Cueto and won the Lucha Underground Championship. Cobb also competed for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, where he held the PWG World Championship. The Hawaiian had been in discussions with WWE before. Back in 2021, Cobb nearly signed with WWE but made the decision to go elsewhere. It is clear Cobb will be assigned to SmackDown to begin his WWE tenure, and it makes sense for WWE to put him on a path to be a primary foe for Fatu. At 42 and with his experience level, it would have been a waste to have him spend time in NXT. WWE did the right thing delivering him to its main roster right away. Cobb is seemingly the latest person injected into the Bloodline saga, and he probably won't be the last. Remember, Hikuleo has been signed for several months and has still yet to debut. Don't rule out the concept of having him join Cobb—especially with Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa out with injuries. In any case, it's only a matter of time before Cobb is wearing gold. Triple H continues to cook, signing the kinds of performers that always seemed to be missed in WWE previously. Expect to hear from Cobb, Fatu, and Sikoa on Friday, May 16, on the next episode of SmackDown.
Newsweek
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Has Big Plans for Jeff Cobb: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jeff Cobb, the powerhouse known for his incredible blend of strength and agility, has officially concluded his tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and is now widely anticipated to debut in WWE. This expectation persists despite a recent, cryptic social media post from Cobb hinting at retirement. Cobb's departure from NJPW was finalized after he was granted his release, culminating in his last match for the promotion on April 19, 2025, a swift loss to wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi. Industry reports from WrestleVotes Radio indicate that Cobb is expected to bypass the NXT developmental system and head straight to WWE's main roster relatively soon. His name is reportedly "already being floated in WWE creative circles," suggesting plans for his arrival are actively being discussed. The report also touched upon internal WWE discussions regarding Cobb's placement. While some in NXT advocated for bringing him in due to his leadership qualities and the brand's perceived need for established male stars, the prevailing push was reportedly for a main roster spot, largely factoring in his age. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Amidst this strong speculation about his WWE arrival, Cobb himself took to social media with a message that seemed to suggest otherwise. He posted a picture of himself looking out at the ocean: "16 years is a long time to work, Happy Retirement to me.... I'll let the waves take me to my next destination. Can I wade in your water, until I catch your wave." TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 08: Jeff Cobb enters the rin during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Korakuen Hall on September 08, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 08: Jeff Cobb enters the rin during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Korakuen Hall on September 08, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan While acknowledging his long career, this "retirement" announcement is largely viewed within the industry as a playful misdirection before his likely WWE debut. Cobb's path to pro wrestling stardom is distinctive. He first gained recognition as an accomplished amateur wrestler, impressively representing Guam in freestyle wrestling during the 2004 Summer Olympics. He transitioned to the professional ranks in 2009, building a formidable resume globally. Fans may remember him as the monstrous Matanza Cueto in Lucha Underground. He also significantly impacted Ring of Honor (ROH), debuting in 2018 and quickly capturing the ROH World Television Championship from Punishment Martinez (now WWE's Damian Priest). His longest recent tenure was with NJPW, signing in 2019 and becoming a key Will Ospreay's United Empire faction member. Cobb was a regular highlight in the demanding G1 Climax tournaments, engaging in memorable bouts with top stars like Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi. He also captured the NJPW Tag Team Championship with stablemate Great-O-Khan. He even made a brief, impactful appearance in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2020 as a mercenary for Chris Jericho. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
