As had been reported by some sports websites, Jeff Cobb had suffered a serious knee injury during the Smackdown victory at WWE Backlash 2025 in St.
Louis but when he popped up unannounced, it was a surprise which got everyone talking.
The returning NJPW star appeared in the United States Championship Fatal 4-Way match, where he teamed up with Jacob Fatu against LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest for his championship.
Cobb, who was planned by Sikoa, messed up Knight’s defence within the ringside and Fatu took advantage of it to win the championship title.
WWE guarded his appearance well until his big reveal at Backlash. News sources report that he came to St. Louis to attend the WWE Backlash show taking an exhausting journey from Japan by changing his plane several times.
In order to make sure that the announcement remained a secret, WWE management hid him backstage until the right moment came and this rolled out a shockwave to the audience.
A New Chapter for The Bloodline
Collaborating with Cobb brings unique energy to The Bloodline’s present story arc. Solo Sikoa seemed satisfied with him entering their ranks, but Jacob Fatu’s amazement could mean existing dissent among The Bloodline.
It shows that The Bloodline’s narrative would seem to be to alter, as his participation will bring both potential conflicts, but also the most fascinating new opportunities into the faction’s dynamics.
Thanks to his experience as top organization member such as NJPW, ROH, or Lucha Underground, he is a solid plus for WWE’ line-up. His debut bolsters The Bloodline’s roster and good battles and rivalries on SmackDown.
In this sudden shift happening, WWE fans wonder about the consequences. Fatu will watch against the League of Nations how he manages the arrival of Cobb in their group.
We still do not know what tactics Sikoa will use with him now part of The blood line. One thing is certain: WWE’s storytelling has been enhanced by him and in so doing has prepared the way for dynamic and interactive storylines in the future.