WWE scrapped “big push” for released star

WWE has recently made significant changes to its roster, releasing a number of talents. Toward the end of April, more than 24 individuals, including some prominent stars, were let go. On May 2, further exits followed, with The New Day and MFT’s JC Mateo and Tonga Loa among those departing the company.

JC Mateo, who is also known as Jeff Cobb, joined WWE in 2025, making his debut at Backlash. He was aligned with Solo Sikoa as part of the MFT faction under the Street Champion. However, he was released from the company just a year later.

During his time with WWE, Cobb primarily competed in tag team matches and did not participate in any singles feuds. Initially, WWE had different plans for the former NJPW star. According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON), Dave Meltzer reported that Cobb was originally meant to receive a significant push, featuring in major solo feuds with key figures.

However, these plans did not come to fruition. Meltzer noted that, for some reason, Cobb became just another face in the MFT crowd, where the spotlight was on Solo Sikoa as the leader, Tama Tonga receiving screen time, and Talla Tonga being portrayed as a dominant force.

Although Cobb defended the WWE Tag Team Championship for Solo Sikoa in March, he did not achieve any individual championship success during his stint with the company.

Uncertainty Surrounds Another MFT Member’s Future in WWE

While reports suggest that further roster cuts may not be imminent, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of MFT member Tama Tonga in WWE.

On Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez mentioned that, although Tama Tonga has not been officially released, it appears he may be leaving as well.

Alvarez discussed the departures of JC Mateo and Tonga Loa, and noted that WWE TV suggested the entire MFT had been wiped out by Jacob Fatu, hinting that the faction might be disbanded.

Alvarez added that Tama Tonga’s future remains unclear. It is uncertain whether the two-time WWE tag team champion will appear on SmackDown this week.