Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJP (Theodore James Perkins) is reportedly set to return to the WWE Performance Center later this month in a guest coaching role, according to a report from PWInsider.com. The report states that WWE has been looking to bring the New Japan Pro-Wrestling star in for the temporary role.
This would mark a return to the WWE environment for Perkins, who was released from the company in February 2019. Since his departure, TJP has competed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he is a member of the United Empire stable and is currently one-half of the Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions. He is also a three-time former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion.
TJP’s first run with WWE began in 2016 when he participated in the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic tournament. Perkins, competing as T.J. Perkins, won the 32-man tournament by defeating Gran Metalik in the finals, which also made him the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Champion for the 205 Live brand.
Prior to his time in WWE, Perkins began training at the age of 13 and made his debut in 1998. He trained at the New Japan Pro-Wrestling dojo in Los Angeles and wrestled for the promotion in the early 2000s under the masked gimmick of Puma.
He also spent time in TNA, where he performed under the masked persona of Manik, a character based on the Suicide gimmick. During his TNA tenure, he won the TNA X Division Championship on two occasions. Throughout his career, Perkins has competed for promotions around the world, including Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Ring of Honor, Major League Wrestling, and Evolve.
