TJ Perkins Discusses CWC: “I Had Never Been Put In The Ring And Been Told To Be Myself”

TJ Perkins is tremendously talented. That much was clear in TNA and has continued to be true during his time in the “Cruiserweight Classic” on the WWE Network.

After last night, TJP has the unique pleasure of facing Kota Ibushi in the semifinals of the tournament, which is going to be a great match between two great competitors.

Recently, Perkins spoke with the TJRPodcast to discuss all things CWC, including what the experience has been like, representing The Philippines, and facing Kota Ibushi next week.

You can listen to the full podcast right here. Below are some of the highlights:

What has the freedom been like in the CWC?

“It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. In 18 years, I had never been put in the ring and basically told just be yourself. It was the first time in two decades that’s ever happened. It was cool to go in there and what people got to see was just very raw, like pure, organic me. It showed because you can tell I’m having fun and it just felt a lot different. It opened up a lot of people’s perception of me.”

What are his thoughts heading into the semifinals against Kota Ibushi? 

“We’ve never wrestled before and he’s amazing. He’s world class – an elite guy. It is the biggest situation I’ve ever been in mostly because it just seems un-winnable for a guy like me because he is who he is. It’s the biggest match I’ve been able to be a part of because of the social significance among wrestling fans.”

Source: Wrestlezone.com

Who do you think will win the Cruiserweight Classic?