Former AEW star Shawn Spears has returned to his former home, WWE NXT, and it seems that he will keep his name, instead of reverting to the Tye Dillinger moniker.
SHAWN SPEARS ATTACKED RIDGE HOLLAND TO MARK HIS RETURN
An odd promo, named “Three Faces”, has been running on NXT episodes over the last few weeks. The promos, featuring words of wisdom spoken by Asian philosophers, have ultimately been used as a vehicle to facilitate the return of the former NXT favourite.
As Ridge Holland interrupted the duo of Lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley and entered the ring, the lights went off. After another quote of wisdom, the lights were restored with Shawn Spears in the ring. The Chairman immediately attacked Holland with, well, a steel chair, to mark his return to WWE.
"The truth can bring you to your knees, and that's why Shawn Spears is now in NXT"
Business just picked up, @ShawnSpears is ready to take over #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/YUJw8I4FYr
— WWE (@WWE) February 28, 2024
The Chairman’s early years were spent honing his skills in independent circuits, eventually adopting the ring name Shawn Spears. During this period, he captured several titles at Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), including the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship and the prestigious OVW Heavyweight Championship on multiple occasions. These victories established him as a rising star in the wrestling world.
Spears’ journey then led him to the international stage of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2013. However, his time there unfolded under the ring name Tye Dillinger. Despite garnering a loyal fanbase who chanted “Ten!” in support of his signature ten-count punches, his opportunities remained limited. After five years with the company, he opted to leave and pursue new avenues.
10! 10! 10! 10! 10!
Shawn Spears is ready to get a win in his home providence of Ontario!
WATCH #AEWRampage on TNT!@ShawnSpears | #TheBlade pic.twitter.com/H6CFctRCYP
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 1, 2023
In 2019, Spears entered a new chapter, joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Here, he shed his WWE moniker and returned to his original ring name. He immediately made a bold statement by attacking Cody Rhodes, igniting a heated rivalry. While he ultimately fell short against Cody, Spears found a strong ally in former horseman Tully Blanchard, who became his manager.
Since then, Spears established himself as a prominent, if inconsistently used, midcard figure in AEW. He competed in various high-profile matches, but decided to let his contract expire at the end of 2023.
READ MORE: NFL competition committee decides to not change a rule despite receiving massive backlash
