What’s the story?
As noticed on RAW, TJ Perkins has undergone a slight name change. An edict from the WWE office came down instructing the announcers call TJ Perkins by the initials TJP going forward.
In case you didn’t know...
TJ Perkins is the real name of the former Cruiserweight Champion and his full name is Theodore James Perkins. Though he is 32 years old, he has been in the professional wrestling business for nearly 20 years and has wrestled for TNA under the Suicide moniker.
The heart of the matter...
The process of shortening the names of WWE Superstars is a very common process. Some of the current WWE Superstars who have undergone the same change include Antonio Cesaro, Big E Langston, and Alexander Rusev.
TJP was said several times during the broadcast; while TJ Perkins was never spoken. Even the TitanTron was updated this week as well. The match photos and videos on the WWE website also have TJP mentioned, confirming the change. For what it’s worth, TJP is the heel name used by Perkins during his time in Evolve.
What’s next?
TJP recently turned heel after his attack on Austin Aries a couple weeks back and is currently aligned with current WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville. With Neville intentionally getting disqualified in the title match at Payback against Aries, you can expect the feud with these three to continue.
Author’s take...
I believe there truly is no rhyme or reason as to why Vince McMahon decides to shorten names. More likely it’s his feeling towards the reception of the fans as many don't have shortened names.
I’m perfectly fine with TJP as opposed to TJ Perkins and don’t have a strong feeling, either way, to be honest.
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