NJPW's Jeff Cobb: It's Only A Matter Of Time Before I Become IWGP World Heavyweight Champion
Is a world title reign in Cobb's future?
Oct 14, 2021
Jeff Cobb has been on a tear in G1 Climax 31 so far.
The Hawaiian Hulk is New Japan Pro-Wrestling's winningest wrestler of 2021 and he is currently 7-0 in The Tournament Of Tournaments, having defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, SANADA, Chase Owens, Tama Tonga, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI and Taichi in the B Block.
Cobb has two matches against EVIL and Kazuchika Okada to go and the former NEVER Openweight Champion's goal is to go undefeated for the remainder of the G1.
"The most memorable part of my first seven matches is winning my first seven matches," Cobb told Sports Illustrated. "Going undefeated this far is rare, but not something I doubted I could do. My goal is to go undefeated the entire tournament. That's the point I am going to prove, that no one is more dominant than I am.
"Tanahashi is a legend, so the victory means more momentum for the United Empire and more momentum for myself. He's also the U.S. champ, and that's a title I want to bring to the United Empire.
"As much as I am annoyed by Okada, I do have respect for him. I respect people like him, the ones at an especially high level on all the tours and shows, no matter how banged up or hurt they are. He's definitely been a New Japan cornerstone. But a new era has come upon New Japan. The United Empire is tired of waiting for handouts, for opportunities, so we are just showing our dominance, whether that be in Japan, the USA or Europe. So it's obvious Okada is in for a beatdown of biblical proportions."
If Cobb manages to win the G1, he will earn an IWGP World Heavyweight Title shot at Wrestle Kingdom 16. Speaking about the possible Tokyo Dome match, Cobb believes it's only a matter of time before he becomes world champion.
"The G1 is the most gruelling tournament. Everyone involved wants to win, and the prize is main-eventing the Tokyo Dome. It's stupid to not aspire to be the top dog of this promotion. Being the IWGP world champion means you are the best in the world, period. It's only a matter of time for me," he added.
