Former AEW TNT Champion Jack Perry made a surprising heel turn during AEW’s 2023 Forbidden Door pay-per-view, sparking intense rivalries. However, his run was cut short after a backstage altercation with CM Punk at AEW All In, which led to Perry’s apparent suspension and Punk’s removal from the event. Following this incident, Perry became a target of fan criticism, who blamed him for Punk’s exit. In response, Perry crafted a scapegoat persona that he showcased in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
In an interview on “Close Up with Rene Paquette,” Perry shared how he developed the scapegoat character, admitting that while he always knew the term, he didn’t fully grasp its meaning initially. He found the idea intriguing and embraced it as a compelling image. Perry also revealed that he took this character to NJPW because he wanted to compete in Japan, especially at Wrestle Kingdom. He viewed the gimmick as a way to engage with the audience and observe their reactions, particularly from fans who might be concerned about recent events. Perry mentioned that he had long aspired to join NJPW and that he and Hook had once planned to wrestle in Japan together as a tag team. He first introduced this character change in the U.S. before debuting it in Japan. Though returning to wrestling after some time off was challenging physically, Perry expressed that he thoroughly enjoyed his experience in Japan.
Fan Take:
This development is significant for AEW fans because it demonstrates how wrestlers can reinvent themselves after controversies, maintaining relevance and fan interest. Perry’s journey to NJPW and adoption of a new persona could open fresh storytelling opportunities and deepen the connection between AEW and international wrestling promotions.
