Latest news with #ROHWorldTelevisionChampionship
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.
Newsweek
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
AEW Star's Injury Worse Than Expected: 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. AEW will be without one of its stars longer than expected, as the injury is worse than hoped for after surgery. Recent reports from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter have shed light on the severity of Cage's recent injury, revealing it to be a torn quadriceps muscle rather than an initial diagnosis of a knee issue. This extends the anticipated recovery period, typically around a year. However, Cage is reportedly determined to defy these timelines and return to in-ring action as soon as possible. Meltzer's report detailed the circumstances leading up to the injury, stating, "Regarding Brian Cage, it appears his injury was a torn quad and not a knee injury. That's usually a one-year recuperation period, but he vows to return quicker. He had an injury in his leg for months that he'd been working on. He didn't realize it was as bad as it was. He was working an indie in Los Angeles against Chris Masters and went for a spinebuster. On the initial pickup, the left leg buckled and he felt the tear bad." He described it as feeling like a piece of paper tearing in half. It had nothing to do with the match or the spot during a match with Chris Masters in Los Angeles. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Cage previously confirmed that he had undergone surgery and had already begun his rehabilitation process by returning to the gym. Cage has been regularly used since his impactful debut at Double or Nothing in May 2020, where he won the Casino Ladder Match, earning an immediate AEW World Championship opportunity. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. Courtesy of AEW Throughout his AEW tenure, Cage has held the revived FTW Championship, aligning himself with Taz before eventually parting ways with Team Taz. He also became a part of Tully Blanchard's stable, which transitioned into The Embassy under Prince Nana's guidance and later merged into The Don Callis Family. Beyond AEW, Cage has also achieved success in Ring of Honor (ROH), holding the ROH World Television Championship and the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship on two occasions as part of The Embassy with Kaun and Toa Liona. We wish Cage a speedy recovery. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
