TJ Perkins Returns to WWE as Guest Coach at Performance Center

Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins is at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando this week serving as a guest coach, marking his first official involvement with the company since his release in 2019. Perkins, who now competes primarily for New Japan Pro Wrestling and on the independent circuit, is participating in the Performance Center's program that brings experienced professionals into WWE's developmental environment to work with NXT talent.

Perkins rose to wider prominence in WWE after winning the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic in 2016 and becoming the first champion on the revived 205 Live brand. His return in a coaching capacity comes after nearly six years away from the company, during which he has worked globally for promotions including NJPW, CMLL, Major League Wrestling and Impact Wrestling. He is currently a member of NJPW's United Empire faction and, with partner Templario, holds the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship, a reign that began in May 2025.

WWE has recently increased the number of guest coaches at its Performance Center, bringing in former champions and long‑time veterans to supplement the full‑time coaching staff. In recent weeks, former...