TJ Perkins is formally again in WWE—however this time, he’s stepping right into a mentor position as an alternative of lacing up his boots.
In response to PWInsider, the previous Cruiserweight Champion and present NJPW Robust star is on the WWE Efficiency Heart this week working as a Visitor Coach. Perkins, who first made his mark in WWE because the winner of the 2016 Cruiserweight Basic, is bringing his a long time of expertise to the following era of expertise.
Perkins has a protracted historical past with the corporate. After showing as a young person within the early 2000s, he went on to shock the wrestling world by defeating Kota Ibushi within the finals of the Cruiserweight Basic, changing into the primary man to carry the revived Cruiserweight Championship. His run on RAW and 205 Reside cemented him as one of many cornerstones of WWE’s cruiserweight division till his departure in 2019.
Since then, he has wrestled throughout the globe for promotions like NJPW, MLW, AAA, and Impression Wrestling, constructing a resume that makes him an asset in WWE’s developmental system. His return to Orlando alerts WWE’s continued technique of tapping revered veterans to information future stars.
Perkins isn’t the one notable determine lending his experience on the Efficiency Heart recently. Jazz returned final week to teach, whereas Ace Metal has additionally been noticed working with expertise. As well as, Hornswoggle and Jerry Lawler had been not too long ago at WWE headquarters filming content material, exhibiting WWE’s give attention to mixing expertise with its evolving roster.
This replace makes it clear WWE is leaning into a mixture of legends and seasoned performers to construct a robust basis for the corporate’s future.
Do you assume TJ Perkins is the fitting match to mentor the following era of WWE Superstars? Or ought to WWE usher in different veterans to form its future expertise? Tell us your ideas within the feedback beneath.
October 20, 2025 12:53 pm
