Original Plans for JC Mateo Revealed Before WWE Release

TLDR

According to a Wrestling Observer Newsletter report, WWE originally planned a significant singles push for Jeff Cobb (who wrestled as JC Mateo) with major programs against important roster names, but those plans changed after he began appearing on television regularly. Instead of becoming a featured singles competitor, Cobb became background support in the MFT faction around Solo Sikoa, with Tama Tonga receiving more screen time and Talla Tonga filling the dominant "monster" role within the group.