When the lineup for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic Tournament was announced, one familiar name stood out to a lot of fans, Tajiri. The Japanese Buzzsaw is a cult figure to the WWE Universe and his green mist is iconic to fans of a certain age.
He may be 45, but Tajiri can still perform in the ring. His participation in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic Tournament will allow him to able to help younger stars like Noam Dar and Zack Sabre Jr who could be being groomed for a WWE contract in the near future.
Tajiri’s work with the WWE could be set to be much more than a stint in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic Tournament. He could be returning full time.
The WWE has made no bones about needing depth for the WWE main roster ahead of the brand split in a few weeks and Tajiri could be the first of a number of returning former superstars.
For the brand split to work, the WWE needs performers who are able to vary their work and do more than just one role. Tajiri can easily be someone they can use to help improve younger stars by putting on good matches and even working as part of a tag team.
His work in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic Tournament
Tajiri is unlikely to win the WWE Cruiserweight Classic Tournament, he’s very much a dark horse behind Kota Ibushi and Zack Sabre jr, but it’s possible he goes deep into the tournament.
The Japanese buzzsaw will put on a handful of good match ups with less experienced performers and help show them the WWE way, in the ring and how to make an impact on camera.
Other returns to the main roster
The WWE needs depth on the main roster. Tajiri may not set the world alight, but he’s the type of signing the main roster needs, a solid worker.
He already fits the mold of the reported names that the WWE have been rumored to have contacted. Superstars like MVP, Carlito, and Shelton Benjamin are all solid in-ring performers who are versatile enough to earn a return to the WWE.