Jeff Cobb is adding more mystery to his next movethis time by claiming hes retired. Just days after competing in what was billed as his final match for NJPW on April 18, Cobb took to social media on April 30 and dropped a cryptic message that immediately set off speculation.
16 years is a long time to work, Happy Retirement to me. Ill let the waves take me to my next destination, Cobb wrote, sharing a serene beach photo of himself standing barefoot by the water. He closed the post with a lyric that added even more intrigue: Can I wade in your water, until I catch your wave
The timing and tone of the post has fans questioning whether this retirement is the endor just the calm before the next chapter. With WWE rumors heating up in recent weeks and Cobbs NJPW contract officially behind him, many are reading this as a carefully worded teaser rather than a farewell.
Just before WWE SmackDown on April 18, Cobb tweeted Then, now, forever a direct play on WWEs trademark slogan. That tweet included a photo of Cobb in an NJPW ring, with heart and arrow emojis pointing directly at the New Japan logo. While it seemed like a tribute, the message felt intentionally layered.
He also took a jab at the rumor mill on April 15, joking, Yes, it is in fact 100% true that the Monster Matanza Cueto, from Lucha Underground fame, was in FACT watching my matches from his cell and stealing them to use on the El Rey Network.
Despite the retirement post, many believe Cobb is simply stepping away from NJPW and preparing for something biggerpossibly in WWE. Dave Meltzer recently reported that WWE wanted Cobb for Sunday or Monday around WrestleMania 41, making this next move feel less like an ending and more like a reset.
Jeff Cobb might be done with New Japan, but dont count him out of pro wrestling just yet. His latest post feels more like a pivot than a goodbye.
Do you think Jeff Cobb is really retired, or is he teasing a WWE debut? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
