5 Biggest Winners & Losers From WWE Raw (19 Sept)

5. Loser: TJ Perkins

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WWE.com

Okay, WWE: how do you debut a new division without even having the champion appear on the show?

TJ Perkins was nowhere to be found on last night’s Raw. After show-stealing performances against Kota Ibushi and Gran Metalik in the Cruiserweight Classic final, the champion’s Raw contributions were limited to a Skype call on the pre-show, and brief interview on WWE’s YouTube channel.

That’s it. No match, no promo, no staredown with his new number one contender. Nothing.

Him and Brian Kendrick will likely have a great match at Clash of Champions, but that’s beside the point. As the Cruiserweight Division takes shape, its champion should be immediately established in a position of importance. Mick Foley mentioned his name, but that’s all the exposure TJP got throughout the three-hour broadcast, and he’s made the coldest possible start as Cruiserweight Champion.

Perkins is a fantastic all-round competitor who should make a great division figurehead. Quite why WWE decided to undermine his status by not having him appear on Raw proper is anyone’s guess.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.