5 WWE Performance Center Guest Coaches you didn't know about

#3 The Blade (now of AEW) was once a guest coach at the WWE Performance Center

Thank you to these coaches, the staff, the talent, everybody at the @WWE #PerformanceCenter for having me as a guest coach this past week. The amount of hard work & positive energy that place puts out on a daily basis could light the city of Orlando ! pic.twitter.com/cXQzYoMgIS

— The Blade (@BraxtonSutter) July 15, 2018

Respected independent wrestling veteran Pepper Parks spent a week as a guest coach at the WWE Performance Center in July 2018.

The 40-year-old, who now goes under the name of The Blade in AEW, brought his vast knowledge and experience to Orlando for a one-week stint - shortly after leaving IMPACT Wrestling.

Having worked in a number of promotions over the years, WWE clearly valued the input of Parks, with several notable names from the world of professional wrestling also tweeting in support of him.

WWE Superstar Drake Maverick called Parks "one of the good guys" on Twitter, while his trainer Les Thatcher gave further praise, writing, "A class young man and proud to say one of "my kids." Much love and respect."

Ultimately, Parks' spell at the WWE Performance Center did not lead to further employment with the company. However, the following year, he did debut in AEW as one half of the Butcher and the Blade tag team - accompanied by his real-life wife Allie as a valet.

The Butcher & The Blade with the distraction on the outside! Can #LanceArcher maintain his composure?WATCH #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama@MadKing1981 @LanceHoyt pic.twitter.com/eDAmnzCBDS

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 28, 2021

An ongoing theme throughout all of these guest coaching spots is that each of the individuals asked to come to the WWE Performance Center are highly thought of in the industry.

A guest trainer gig may not directly lead to a high-paying role in WWE, but it is a very public vote of confidence in the ability of those who are selected.