Jeff Cobb Not Ruling Out Return To AEW Despite Focus On NJPW And G1 Climax Tournament

Jeff Cobb says he and The United Empire can show up in AEW at any point in time, but the G1 currently takes precedent.

Currently, Jeff Cobb is one of the top heels in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Outside of Japan, he has had a run in Ring of Honor and a brief cameo appearance early in the tenure of AEW Dynamite.

Jeff Cobb was one of the first to make an appearance on AEW Dynamite before the official establishment of the Forbidden Door. Acting as a mercenary for Chris Jericho, Cobb would fight Jon Moxley in what would ultimately be a losing effort for him.

Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Cobb, who is currently in the G1 Climax 31 Tournament, explains that his current focus is on winning the G1 and securing a championship match at Wrestle Kingdom 16

“New Japan is the right decision for me,” says Cobb, who is not closing the door on a return to AEW. “I have a lot of unfinished business here in New Japan—tons of guys I have yet to suplex and tons of championships to win. I also respect what Tony Khan is doing, especially the level of excitement he has brought into the pro wrestling community and all the amazing crossovers going on.

“Having said that, will I show up in AEW? Right now, I have my sights set on the G1 and the IWGP world heavyweight championship. But if there’s something that interests me or the United Empire, you never know.”

Jeff also discussed changing his style through the years from a flashy wrestler who wants to do all the flipping moves to more of an amateur wrestling-style competitor.

“My mentality for wrestling has changed throughout the years,” he says. “If you look at video of my first few years, I did all that flippy stuff and realized that was not me. That’s not going to win me matches—my background will, and amateur wrestling plays a big part in that. That’s why I am sticking with my game plan, and it’s taking me down the correct path.”

Another wrestler from NJPW, Minoru Suzuki will compete against Bryan Danielson this Friday on the Buy-In prior to AEW Rampage. Learn more here.