Jeff Cobb Turned Down WWE Offer Because He Wanted Creative Freedom

Jeff Cobb is a classic New Japan Pro Wrestling strong man. In the vein of Scott Norton, Cobb’s hard-hitting style and brute strength have made him very popular in Japan. Jeff had a chance to show off his talents for a mainstream American audience but balked at the offer.

Cobb said he received a contract offer from WWE back in 2021. Jeff said the money was great and it was a hard opportunity to turn down. Money isn’t everything, though.

Jeff Cobb appeared on this week’s Wrestling Perspective podcast. There, he discussed his motivations for turning down a WWE deal in depth. Cobb was simply more concerned with creative freedom than dollar signs.

“Money’s not the end all be all for me, thank goodness. I’ve been very fortunate to where I can make a great living, and not have to be there and still kind of do what I want. I wouldn’t give up my time for money. I mean, again, ask me tomorrow and I might change your mind. But no, I’m very happy where I’m at. I definitely made the right choice not going there…

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Definitely the creative freedom [was the reason for turning down the offer].

I don’t want to get too much into detail, but if I wanted to just chase it for the money, I would have signed with WWE last year. But I chose not to because money’s not the end all be all for myself.”

Jeff Cobb is concerned with working on his wrestling and expressing himself creatively in the ring. The same is true for many wrestlers who turn down WWE contracts or leave the company. There is still plenty of time for Jeff to turn up in one of the major U.S. promotions, but money won’t be the reason for it.

H/T WrestlingNews.co