Shawn Spears is back in WWE NXT.
After requesting his release from WWE in 2017, Shawn Spears made his AEW debut at the company’s inaugural Double or Nothing pay-per-view. Following an infamous chair shot to Cody Rhodes, Spears would be known as “The Chairman” in AEW.
He later aligned with Wardlow, FTR, and MJF to form The Pinnacle and played an instrumental role in the eventual feud between MJF and Wardlow.
Following multiple absences and an apparent lack of creative direction, Spears final match for the promotion saw him compete in the Over the Budget battel Royal on the All Out pre-show. Spears has made multiple appearances for independent promotion WSW since.
Shawn Spears announced in late December that his time with AEW was coming to an end, and his contract with the company reportedly expired on January 1st.
While news of the star’s future has been quiet, the February 27th episode of NXT saw him make a shocking return to the promotion, attacking Ridge Holland. Holland came to the ring to cut a promo, but the lights in the arena went off and a mysterious message connected to weeks of mystery vignettes appeared on the tron. A voice read out the words on the screen, saying:
“Truth will ultimately prevail, but there is pain bringing it to light.”
A hooded figure then hit Holland in the back with a steel chair before revealing himself to be none other than The Chairman Shawn Spears.
What Name Will Shawn Spears Use In WWE NXT?
Later, WWE posted a backstage interview with Spears on social media. After being asked why he attacked Ridge Holland, the star had this to say:
“I like Ridge Holland, but he’s been lying to himself for far too long. That jolt of pain that’s currently coursing through his body? It’s simply the truth. That’s why I struck Ridge. The truth can bring you to your knees, and that’s why Shawn Spears in now in NXT. I’ll see you next week at Roadblock.”
Fightful Select confirmed that WWE will not be going back to the Tye Dillinger name for Spears following his return.
Spears also commented on his return via social media, writing simply, “I’m back.”
Shawn Spears and his wife Cassie Lee welcomed their first child in January of 2023. The couple announced in December that Cassie Lee is once again pregnant and due to give birth to a baby boy in 2024.
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