Shawn Spears makes surprise return to WWE NXT

Originally posted on F4WOnline.com | By Ethan Renner | Last updated 2/27/24

Shawn Spears made a surprise return to WWE NXT TV on Tuesday's episode.

As Ridge Holland delivered a promo in the ring, the arena lights were turned down and a vignette played on the video walls in the style of the mystery messages that began airing at Vengeance Day earlier this month. A hooded figure then attacked Holland with a chair before briefly revealing himself as Spears.

On commentary, Vic Joseph referred to the attacker as Spears, the ring name that the former Tye Dillinger used in AEW and elsewhere in his career.

Later on Tuesday's show, Spears cut a backstage promo and promised to show up at next week's Roadblock episode.

"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

Spears has had two previous runs with WWE. He signed a developmental deal with the company in 2006 and was used in OVW, FCW, and briefly on the ECW brand before being released in 2009. He returned to the company in 2013 on another developmental deal and worked primarily in NXT from 2013 to 2017. He was called up to the SmackDown brand in 2017 and was used there until his 2019 release.

Spears announced last December that he was leaving AEW after nearly five years with the company, including appearing on the promotion's first event in 2019. Spears had his most high-profile match with AEW in the company's first year, a singles match with Cody Rhodes at the All Out pay-per-view.

In his final AEW appearance, Spears took part in a battle royale at on the All Out pre-show last September. He has since worked a handful of independent dates.

Spears and his wife Cassie Lee (formerly Peyton Royce in WWE) are currently expecting their second child.

Video of Spears' return to NXT is embedded below.