Jeff Cobb’s Shocking WWE Debut Aids Jacob Fatu in Retaining US Championship at Backlash 2025
In a jaw-dropping moment at WWE Backlash 2025, held on May 10 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, Jeff Cobb made his highly anticipated WWE debut, aligning with Solo Sikoa to help Jacob Fatu retain the United States Championship. The chaotic Fatal 4-Way match, featuring Fatu defending his title against LA Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre, was a thrilling opener that culminated in a controversial finish, sparking speculation about the future of The Bloodline faction.
The match was a high-octane affair from the start, with all four competitors delivering intense action. McIntyre and Priest, embroiled in their own rivalry, brawled into the crowd, where Priest executed a devastating South of Heaven Chokeslam through a table, effectively removing both from contention. This left Fatu and Knight to battle it out. Knight, a fan favorite, gained momentum and prepared to drive Fatu through the announce table with a Flying Elbow. However, Solo Sikoa intervened, pulling Fatu to safety. As Knight turned to confront Sikoa, Cobb emerged from the barricade, blindsiding Knight with a clothesline and slamming him repeatedly into the ring post.
Cobb’s interference allowed Fatu to regain composure, and he capitalized with a picture-perfect moonsault to pin Knight and retain the title he won at WrestleMania 41. While the victory solidified Fatu’s reign, his reaction to Cobb’s debut was telling. Fatu appeared confused and distrustful, glaring at Sikoa and Cobb before exiting the ring alone, hinting at potential tension within The Bloodline. At the post-show press conference, Fatu commented, “You’ve seen the look on my face. There’s nothing that I can say, even if I wanted to. At the end of the day, we’re still just trying to figure everything out.”
Jeff Cobb, a 42-year-old wrestling veteran, brings an impressive resume to WWE. Known for his work in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he was a three-time IWGP Tag Team Champion and held the NEVER Openweight and World Television Championships, Cobb is a powerhouse with a blend of brute strength and technical precision. His Olympic background, representing Guam in freestyle wrestling at the 2004 Summer Olympics, adds to his credibility. Cobb’s history with Fatu on the independent circuit, including a memorable 2018 match at All Pro Wrestling’s King of Indies tournament, adds layers to their complex dynamic.
Cobb’s debut, rumored for weeks after his NJPW departure in April, marks a significant boost for The Bloodline, which has faced challenges with injuries to Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. However, Fatu’s reluctance to embrace Cobb’s assistance suggests a potential face turn for the “Samoan Werewolf,” who has garnered strong fan support. This development sets the stage for an intriguing storyline, with Sikoa possibly favoring Cobb, which could lead to a split within the faction.
As WWE heads toward its next chapter, Cobb’s arrival and Fatu’s championship reign promise to reshape the SmackDown landscape, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
