A gross injustice in professional wrestling happened during the August 22 episode of WWE SmackDown. Fans in attendance chanted “You can’t wrestle” to JC Mateo. While some may want to chalk this up to the low-information status of the WWE fans in Dublin, Ireland, it does speak to a higher issue that happens with WWE booking. The company refuses to properly utilize performers who were built outside of its promotion.
Call him JC Mateo or Jeff Cobb, it does not matter. The fact remains that Cobb, even at 43 years old, is one of the best wrestlers on the WWE roster. He’s certainly the best wrestler in the MFT/Bloodline storyline and that is by a mile.
This man has several amazing matches that are worth watching. Look at his 2021 match against Shingo Takagi as an example. It currently has a ranking of 9.23 with 406 votes on Cagematch, and it’s not the only match he has that has received high praise. Before Mateo reached WWE he was seen as one of the best big men in the business. He’d consistently find new ways to play catch with fully-grown men and it was always a sight to see. He has double-digit title reigns on his resume and that does not sound like someone who “can’t wrestle.”
WWE doesn’t use stars from other companies well
Diving deeper into this situation though, it speaks loudly to the continued issue with WWE booking stars who built their brand in other companies.
Think about Ricochet’s run in WWE. Before he came into the WWE, Ricochet was one of the best wrestlers in the world. Someone whose superhuman-like abilities made him “must see.” WWE took that and slotted him into a lower mid-card role. He’d have some fun matches and highlight-reel moments, but nothing that truly allowed him to show the WWE Universe who he is.
The same could be said about Giulia and her run in WWE. Before coming to WWE, she was a top name in the women’s division. She tore up the Japanese wrestling scene, and there was legit interest in what she’d do on a bigger stage. Yet, WWE has misused her for much of the time she’s been here. She was moved to the main roster and captured the WWE Women’s United States Championship on August 1. But it has been nearly a month and she hasn’t had a match yet. That’s indicative that WWE has no true plans on what to do with her.
Mariah May, Ricky Starks, Candice LeRae, and several others. There are so many examples of performers who were well-known, fan-favorites in other areas, only to come to WWE and basically lose all their momentum. JC Mateo is the latest, and the problem lies well beyond the name change. WWE had no intentions of using this man to his fullest potential. Just like they’ve done so many others in the past.