Fil-Am star TJ Perkins (right) made Germany’s Da Mack tap out to his kneebar to advance to the second round of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic. Photo by WWE.com
Motivated to make a mark in the big stage, Fil-Am TJ Perkins took the first step in achieving that dream, advancing in the second round of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic Wednesday (Thursday Manila time).
The 31-year-old put his technical prowess in full display as he faced off against Da Mack of Germany.
After a grueling exchange, Perkins caught Da Mack in a body scissors and transitioned it to his signature kneebar.
He will next face the winner of the first round match between tag team partners Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa.
Perkins joined Japanese buzzsaw Tajiri, Puerto Rican luchador Lince Dorado, and Japanese hardhitter Akira Tozawa in the second batch of stars to advance in the 32-man tourney.
Other early winners in the first round include Gran Metalik of Mexico, Ho Ho Lun of Hong Kong, Cedric Alexander of USA, and Kota Ibushi of Japan.