In order to improve the excavation efficiency and geological adaptability of the tunnel boring machine （TBM）, we studied the rock breaking performance of the TBM cutter and the selection of its evaluation indexes. Based on existing literature and expert opinions, we selected 13 indexes affecting the performance of TBM cutter to establish a rock breaking model. The weight of individual evaluation indexes was calculated using improved group analytic hierarchy process (IGAHP) and criteria improved through inter-criteria correlation (CRICTIC). According to the literature analysis, the membership functions of the 13 evaluation indexes were determined. The membership matrix of rock breaking performance of TBM construction was calculated and the rock breaking performance grade of TBM cutter was determined using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. In this paper, the rock breaking performance of the TBM cutter in four sections of a diversion tunnel in Xinjiang was evaluated using this model and then coMPared with the actual construction. The results show that the evaluation results of the model are basically in line with the actual situation, and the feasibility of the evaluation method is demonstrated. This method can provide some guidance for TBM selection and hob design optimization.