It had previously been reported that both Hideo Itami and Tye Dillinger had requested their releases from the WWE in the past few weeks, and today the WWE confirmed that both WWE Superstars had in fact been granted their requests. But at the same time, the WWE also confirmed a third release, in former WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJP, also known as TJ Perkins.
WWE has come to terms on the release of Theodore Perkins (TJP).https://t.co/ah2u11ABBk
— WWE (@WWE) February 22, 2019
The 34-year old high flyer joined the WWE in 2016, when he was announced as an entrant in the 2016 WWE Cruiserweight Classic. Following a surprise win of the tournament, and the crowning of the first Cruiserweight Champion since it’s deactivation in 2007, TJP became one of the focal points of the new Cruiserweight division in the WWE and it’s subsequent brand offshoot, 205 Live. But as the years went on, TJP saw his role diminish and he soon found himself putting over newer stars than reclaiming his spot atop the division.
A protege of Christopher Daniels, TJP made his debut in 1999 and by 2001 was an emerging star on the West Coast indies, working with the likes of Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF). As Pinoy Boy, he also made his NJPW debut in 2001, and by 2002 was working for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), as well as other West Coast indies like All Pro Wrestling (APW) and Alternative Wrestling Show (AWS).
In 2003 he began working for Ring of Honor in sporadic appearances, but it was in 2013 when he first gained national attention, when he assumed the portrayal of the masked luchador Suicide with TNA/IMPACT Wrestling. Shortly after he adopted the Suicide persona, he was switched to his own character, Manik, and became an IMPACT X-Division Champion in the process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuHNMY4rE04
In 2015, he began to work with EVOLVE Wrestling, where his refined athleticism made him a breakout star on his own name, TJ Perkins, eventually joining the company’s top stable, Catch Point, with Drew Gulak, Matt Riddle Fred Yehi and “Hot Sauce” Tracy Williams. After a solid year with EVOLVE, he was signed by the WWE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNNtQ2YDv1I
