Does WWE star JC Mateo belong to the Samoan family? Find out here

The WWE universe was taken aback when Jeff Cobb, rebranded as JC Mateo, made a dramatic entrance at Backlash 2025. Aligning himself with Solo Sikoa's Bloodline faction, he played a pivotal role in assisting Jacob Fatu during his United States Championship defense. This unexpected alliance raised eyebrows and sparked questions about Mateo's heritage and his connection to the illustrious Anoa’i family.

Who is Jeff Cobb?

Before his WWE debut, Jeff Cobb was a renowned figure in the wrestling world. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, he represented Guam in the 2004 Summer Olympics as an amateur wrestler. 

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 Transitioning to professional wrestling in 2009, Cobb gained prominence in promotions like Lucha Underground, where he portrayed the formidable Matanza Cueto, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), securing multiple championships over an eight-year tenure. His departure from NJPW in April 2025 fueled speculation about a potential WWE signing, which materialized at Backlash.

Heritage and WWE alignment

Despite his association with the Samoan-centric Bloodline, JC Mateo is not of Samoan descent. He is of Filipino heritage and has no familial ties to the Anoa’i lineage, which includes prominent figures like Roman Reigns and The Usos. His inclusion in the faction appears to be a strategic move by WWE to introduce fresh dynamics and narratives within the group.

It ain’t no ghost from your past, I see you UCE, we gonna run this place 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽 pic.twitter.com/l1qK4yNs6i

— Jeff Cobb (@RealJeffCobb) May 15, 2025

 At Backlash 2025, Mateo made his presence felt by aiding Jacob Fatu in retaining the United States Championship, attacking LA Knight during a critical moment in the match. This intervention, orchestrated by Solo Sikoa, hinted at internal tensions within The Bloodline, especially given Fatu's visible discomfort with the interference.

The storyline progressed on the May 16 episode of SmackDown, where Solo Sikoa formally introduced JC Mateo as the newest member of The Bloodline. Tensions escalated between Sikoa and Fatu, with the latter questioning the need for loyalty displays. The segment culminated in LA Knight attacking Mateo, setting the stage for an impromptu match later that night. In his in-ring debut, Mateo showcased his prowess, securing a victory over Knight with his signature "Tour of the Islands" finisher.

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 While JC Mateo may not share the Anoa’i bloodline, his integration into the faction introduces compelling narrative possibilities. His presence could signify a shift in The Bloodline's dynamics, emphasizing loyalty and shared objectives over familial ties. As WWE continues to evolve its storylines, Mateo's role could be pivotal in shaping the future of this iconic faction.