"The Wrestling Yoda" competes on Raw for the first time, taking on Tony Nese.

The Cruiserweight division is still a relatively narrow field, which means WWE Cruiserweight Champion T.J. Perkins is beset by enemies from all sides. But (Yoda voice) more than up to the task, “The Wrestling Yoda” is. Perkins brought his title onto Raw for the first time and gave the Team Red audience a taste of his skills, knocking off debuting Cruiserweight Tony Nese in a non-title match that, to Nese’s credit, was far from a walk for the reigning titleholder. In fact, “The Premier Athlete” made a big statement at the champion’s expense thanks to an escape of the Kneebar and an over-the-top-rope dive.

When Perkins rallied, Nese was right there with him, reversing a tornado DDT to drape the champion over the ropes and knee him in the side of the head. But Perkins would not be denied, unleashing a last-minute flurry to lock in the Kneebar and tap Nese out. He’ll need it, too: Brian Kendrick is coming for a fight next week.