NXT General Manager William Regal surprised longtime members of the WWE Universe last week when he revealed that The Brian Kendrick would make his return in an NXT ring tonight. The world-travelled competitor follows in the big footsteps of Rhyno as the latest WWE Alumni to step between the yellow ropes to try and rekindle his career.

Newer fans may not be familiar with the cocky Californian, but they shouldn’t take the cruiserweight with a larger-than-life personality lightly. Kendrick broke into the business at WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels’ wrestling academy, learning the tricks of the trade alongside the leader of the “Yes!” Movement, Daniel Bryan. After working around the country on the independents and traveling to Japan, Kendrick joined WWE in 2003, earning his spot on the roster after taking part in several stunts to try and catch on – one which included delivering a singing telegram to The Undertaker.

Check out photos of The Brian Kendrick

After engaging in a brief rivalry with John Cena, Kendrick left WWE in 2004 to broaden his horizons, returning to Japan and the independent scene. That extra seasoning helped Kendrick when he returned to WWE in summer 2005. Teaming with another Shawn Michaels trainee, Paul London, the duo dazzled the WWE Universe with their fast-paced, high flying arsenal of moves.

Kendrick & London defeated MNM to capture the WWE Tag Team Championship at Judgment Day 2006, and held onto the titles for 331 days, a record-setting reign that still stands. The duo also briefly captured the World Tag Team Titles after being drafted to Raw in 2007.

In 2008, after the WWE Draft split him and London up, Kendrick unleashed his mean streak. Claiming to walk the line between genius and insanity, he demanded to be called The Brian Kendrick and set his sights on the WWE Championship. Though he came close to capturing the title in a Championship Scramble Match, Kendrick’s waist remained bare until he left WWE in 2009.

Now, almost six years later, Kendrick is back in NXT to start climbing his way back to the top. Whomever Regal has chosen to take on the eccentric Superstar is definitely in for a big-time fight on this week’s episode of NXT.