WWE Star JC Mateo Credits Hulk Hogan Inspiration

WWE star JC Mateo, also known as Jeff Cobb, has spoken about his journey to WWE, highlighting Hulk Hogan as a key inspiration from his childhood. Mateo recalled watching Hogan on TV and aspiring to be like him, which sparked his passion for wrestling, leading him to pursue amateur and then professional wrestling despite the grueling grind and initial setbacks, including a WWE tryout rejection in 2014. Recently debuting on WWE SmackDown as a member of The Bloodline, Mateo expressed awe at the crowd's reaction and emphasized perseverance as crucial advice for aspiring wrestlers. Meanwhile, WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan reflected on his famous heel turn in the nWo storyline, crediting its success to its organic buildup and storytelling, contrasting it with John Cena's more abrupt heel turn. Hogan praised Cena's shift to a villainous role for its emotional impact and commitment, noting the importance of storytelling in wrestling to create memorable moments. Both Hogan's and Mateo's experiences underscore the enduring influence of wrestling legends on new talent and the evolving narratives within WWE.