Jeff Cobb Spotted Backstage At WWE SmackDown Live

Jeff Cobb was backstage at this week's SmackDown Live in Bakersfield, California - according to

.

The Hawaiian is one of the most popular stars on the independent scene, appearing regularly in promotions such as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, as well as UK companies including PROGRESS. He also debuted in New Japan Pro Wrestling towards the end of last year, teaming with Michael Elgin as part of the World Tag League.

Although Cobb's appearance doesn't necessarily confirm that he is in talks with WWE, it at least shows that he is on their radar - and given their interest in signing top indie stars over the past few years, it seems likely that they will have an eye on him for the future.

Despite not being the youngest wrestler in the world at 35, youth doesn't seem to be too much of a priority in WWE's recruitment policy - especially given the success of certain Superstars over the past few years, such as AJ Styles and Bobby Roode.

Cobb may also be familiar to fans of Lucha Underground as the masked monster Matanza Cueto. He has been a key heel for the episodic promotion, and also enjoyed a reign with the Lucha Underground Championship.

Cobb is currently one half of the PWG Tag Team Champions, alongside Matt Riddle. He is now a semi-regular fixture on the UK independent scene, having competed in PROGRESS' Super Strong Style 16 tournament in 2017. He defeated Nathan Cruz in the first round of the competition, before being knocked out in the following round by Matt Riddle. He made his professional debut in 2009 for Hawaii-based promotion Action Zone Wrestling.

Cobb also has a background in amateur wrestling, and competed for Guam at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

He has certainly gained prominence in the wrestling world over the past few years, and it's exciting to know that his consistency has earned at least some level of interest from WWE.