Former NJPW World Television Champion Jeff Cobb made his WWE debut at Saturday’s Backlash.
It had been previously reported that Cobb had signed with WWE following his departure from NJPW.
Cobb, from behind the barricade, attacked LA Knight during the United States Championship Fatal Four-Way, giving the assist to Jacob Fatu for retaining the title. Cobb aligned with Solo Sikoa who had pulled Fatu off the announce table as Knight was ready to land on Fatu.
After the match, Fatu did not appear to happy about Cobb’s involvement.
Below is an excerpt from Mike Tedesco’s recap detailing the closing moments of the match, starting with Cobb’s involvement.
Back to ringside, Knight drives Fatu into the ring apron before sending him headfirst into the ring post. Knight bounces Fatu off the commentary table. A piece of the table falls off, so Knight strikes Fatu with it. Knight lays Fatu on the table and heads to the second rope. Solo Sikoa runs to ringside and pulls Fatu off the table. The crowd loudly boos him. Knight approaches Sikoa, but someone from the crowd blindsides him. It’s Jeff Cobb! The crowd goes wild for Cobb. Cobb sends Knight into the ring post and the barricade a few times. Cobb avalanches him against the ring post. Cobb sends Knight into the ring. Fatu looks confused to see Cobb and angrily looks at Sikoa. Sikoa motions toward the ring, but Fatu looks reluctant to get inside. Fatu eventually gets in and hits Knight with a running hip attack. Fatu hits Knight with a double jump moonsault for the victory.
Cobb is also a former NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion and a three-time IWGP Tag Team Champion. He has also held other titles and wrestled in various promotions, that includes ROH, AEW and Lucha Underground.