Another wrestler who has been with AEW since 2019 is set to leave at the end of the year.
Taking to social media to publicly announce his upcoming exit, Shawn Spears thanked the company, staff and fans for everything they have done in the past 5 years:
What a wonderful time it has been. Thank you @AEW for allowing me to be there from the ground level. It’s been a fantastic 5 years of growth and personal development. This is a personal choice and one that is best for me and my family at this time. Thank you to all, staff and talent alike for the memories #10
Most importantly, to the incredible fans of ALL professional wrestling: I love you guys. I really do.
Spears debuted for the promotion at Double or Nothing 2019, announced as an entrant in the Casino Battle Royal. After the show, it was revealed that he had signed with AEW. One month later at Fyter Fest, Spears most infamous moment in the company took place when he struck Cody Rhodes in the head with a steel chair, busting The American Nightmare open.
Spears would later be associated with MJF, Wardlow and FTR as they formed The Pinnacle faction, going on to compete in the first Blood and Guts match against The Inner Circle in 2021.
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. Spears is the latest member of the roster to publicly announce their departure from AEW following QT Marshall posting a similar update earlier in the year.
When Does Shawn Spears’ AEW Contract Expire?
As reported by Fightful Select, Spears will become a free agent on January 1st and the departure was described as “amicable.” Spears is married to Cassie Lee [known as Peyton Royce in WWE], who recently announced that they are expecting their second child together.
Now back in WWE, Shawn Spears had a different plan in mind for his return than what was seen on NXT.