Prior to signing to WWE in 2016, Perkins competed in multiple tryouts for the promotion in 2009. Perkins appeared on the October 19, 2009, episode of "Raw"; he was scheduled to face The Miz but was replaced by Marty Jannetty before the match as a part of the storyline. The following day Perkins, under the name J.T. Quinn, appeared on "ECW" in a match against Sheamus. The match resulted in a disqualification after Shelton Benjamin attacked Sheamus. He also wrestled at Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE's developmental territory multiple times that year.