Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Returns to Performance Center

Former WWE Superstar TJ Perkins has returned to WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, for a guest coaching stint. According to a report from PWInsider, the appearance was followed by several other stars’ returns.

Theodore James Perkins, better known as TJP, is spending the week mentoring NXT’s developmental talent as part of WWE’s ongoing guest coach program. The initiative regularly brings in experienced veterans to help shape the next generation of superstars through hands-on training and in-ring workshops.

Alongside TJP, the Performance Center recently welcomed former Women’s Champion Jazz and TNA producer Ace Steel as guest coaches. Their collective expertise supports the company’s mission to expose NXT talent to diverse wrestling styles and philosophies.

TJ Perkins is at the WWE Performance Center this week, working as a guest coach

Jazz was at the PC last week, also as a guest coach

Ace Steel has been at the PC lately as well

(PWInsider) pic.twitter.com/UVySqvXPuo

— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) October 20, 2025

This marks TJP’s first official involvement with WWE since his release in 2019. Fans will remember him as the winner of the 2016 Cruiserweight Classic, where he defeated Gran Metalik in the finals to become the first-ever WWE Cruiserweight Champion on 205 Live.

Since departing WWE, TJP has built an impressive résumé across the global wrestling scene. He became a standout in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), joining Will Ospreay’s United Empire and capturing multiple titles, including the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.

TJP’s coaching stint highlights WWE’s continued investment in nurturing its future stars, bringing seasoned professionals back to inspire and elevate the next wave of in-ring performers.