Jeff Cobb was once one of the most buzzworthy stars on the independent scene in North America, and he enjoyed a successful run in Ring of Honor. But in recent years, he’s shifted gears and largely focused on his work with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
The former NEVER Openweight Champion has blossomed as a member of United Empire, and he had a remarkable run in the G1 Climax last year. Given this prominence, fans continue to wonder whether the former Olympian will return stateside.
During an appearance on the Wrestling Perspective Podcast, when asked whether Japan is his new base of operations despite the booming American wrestling scene, Cobb explained that he has “hunkered down” in Japan, but NJPW’s relationship with other companies has left the door open for crossover matches. He made it clear that he loves the promotion’s style of wrestling and appreciates the special connection fans have with the performers.
“When I initially started wrestling, like I’m sure everybody’s goal was roughly the same, was to make it to WWE,” said Cobb. “And the few times that I had tryouts and the few times I had ‘Nos’, and then like the last three years, when I had a bunch of ‘Please comes’, my ideals and everything changed to where I see the style and how it is wrestling in Japan, and I love wrestling in Japan. Like I watch old stuff from the early ’80s, early ’90s, even the 2000s. And just the reaction that the fans give to the people. I mean now it’s a little bit different with certain restrictions, but it’s still there. The emotion is still there, you can still feel them when you connect them, and I love that aspect of Japanese wrestling.
“So I’ve pretty much hunkered down and put my roots here for the next few years, which is great because with the relationship that New Japan has with other companies, we are able to go to other places and be showcased there as well. So it does open possibilities for other companies.”
Cobb also expressed his hope that NJPW will return to some semblance of normalcy soon, with the increasing attendance for live shows and the possibility that international travel will become easier in the near future.
“It’s definitely better than it was at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Cobb. “Whereas now the attendance is going back up. I mean they’re still doing the mask thing, but the attendance is going back up. And I believe hopefully the VISAs should be good soon, I’m not sure when but I know it’s a promising thing right now. And now we’re gonna be able to cycle out some talent, like bring some Japanese guys to America and bring some of our American guys to Japan and just like how it was in the before times.
That being said, Cobb also stated that he’s also looking forward to competing in the United States and seeing some of the new talent on the independent scene. Hopefully, he’ll be able to do so at some point soon.
RELATED: Jeff Cobb Reveals That WWE Offered Him A Contract In 2020
