Jeff Cobb Voices Frustration Over Disparity in AEW x NJPW Partnership

AEW and NJPW have been in a working relationship over the past few years now, which has given rise to their annual Forbidden Door show. While many fans enjoy the partnership, it appears Jeff Cobb isn’t one of them, as he has voiced his frustrations over AEW having an advantage in their partnership with NJPW.

While speaking to Steve Fall for Ringside News, Cobb expressed his frustration with certain aspects of collaboration and partnership dynamics, emphasizing that such relationships should be done 50/50. He criticized instances where he saw unequal treatment, contrasting Jon Moxley’s successful IWGP Title shot and victory with the seemingly unjustified opportunity given to others like Will Hobbs, who lacked experience in Japan yet received a title match.

Cobb contrasted Jon Moxley’s successful IWGP Title shot with Will Hobbs’ seemingly unearned opportunity, highlighting the disparities in how title matches are awarded. Cobb emphasized that his frustrations led him to issue his own challenges rather than wait for others.

“I personally do not like certain things because in a collaboration, in a partnership, it’s supposed to be 50/50. I personally feel that we hold up our end of the bargain; on the other side, not so much. So, based off of that, it’s whatever, you know what I’m saying? Like, for example, Jon Moxley called his shot and said he wanted a title match, he got it, and he won. And in his defense, he did beat Nito for the belt, so good for him, you know? But then on that same point, you have somebody coming out, like for example, Will Hobs, saying, ‘Hey, I want a title match,’ and for some odd reason, he gets a title match.

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He’s never been in Japan, never wrestled on a New Japan show, and he’s getting a New Japan IWGP World Heavyweight Champion title shot, which is ridiculous.”

We will have to wait and see whether AEW and NJPW’s relationship will continue to flourish in the coming months, as some fans do want NJPW to see more benefits from the partnership as well.

Do you feel NJPW isn’t getting any benefits from their partnership with AEW? Let us know in the comments section below!

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.