WWE has teased a mysterious Superstar during NXT for the past few weeks. We’ve now learned the identity of the man behind the mystery is former AEW star Shawn Spears.
After weeks of mysterious vignettes, the mystery reached its conclusion when Ridge Holland was in the ring, having previously dismissed NXT Women’s champion Lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley and addressing recent events in the black and gold brand.
The lights went out, one final cryptic message echoed throughout the arena and a hooded figure appeared. He then proceeded to knock out Holland with a chair, revealing himself, to the shock and surprise of the entire WWE Universe.
Spears Comments on His WWE Return
WWE cameras caught up with Spears backstage at NXT just moments after his shocking return.
Why did Shawn Spears return to NXT? Why has he been taunting the NXT roster with strange and unsettling messages? According to the man himself, he’s there to deliver the truth.
"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
Reactions
‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes acknowledged his longtime friend’s WWE return with a simple tweet:
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— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 28, 2024
Spears’ wife and former WWE Superstar Cassie Lee also showed some love on social media:
Home sweet home @ShawnSpears @WWENXT
— Cassie Lee (@CassieLee) February 28, 2024
Shawn Spears’ Road Back to WWE
Shawn Spears wrestled in WWE developmental (2006-2008) and then WWE’s version of ECW for the next year before getting released.
He re-signed in 2013 and wrestled in NXT until 2017, where he was on the SmackDown brand until 2019. The ‘Perfect Ten’ signed with AEW later that year and gave his notice at the end of 2023.
Spears is coming up on two decades in the wrestling business. His career has come full circle and he’s now back with WWE and working with up and coming talent. This time around, he brings a wealth of experience that will serve both himself and the rising stars he’ll be working with.
