Backstage Details On Who Knew About Shawn Spears WWE Return

WWE

New backstage details have been released regarding former AEW star Shawn Spears’ surprise WWE return on last night’s NXT (February 27).

After weeks of mysterious vignettes on NXT TV, the man behind the “three faces” was revealed to be none other than ‘The Chairman’ Shawn Spears.

Spears made an immediate stamp on his former home of NXT by interrupting Ridge Holland’s promo segment, emerging from the darkness to strike the Englishman with a chair shot from behind.

For those wondering, he was repeatedly referred to as Shawn Spears on commentary, not his former WWE name Tye Dillinger, so Spears is the name he’ll be using going forward – WWE has also used that name on social media platforms since his return.

With Spears now back in WWE, fans will now be interested to find out a few backstage details regarding his return – which have now been provided courtesy of a new report from Fightful Select.

Spears’ return was confirmed by Fightful to have been agreed long before the NXT vignettes began airing.

However, despite it long being in the works, few in NXT were actually aware of Spears making his return – with the 43-year-old “hidden backstage” prior to appearing during Holland’s promo.

One unnamed talent stated that Spears showing up in NXT was a “complete shock”, with nobody else listed to take part in Holland’s segment aside from someone listed as “quote man”.

The segment was even reportedly rehearsed with NXT boss Shawn Michaels in his place – with Spears not listed on internal documents for the show as late as 8pm.

Despite the whole thing being one big secret from talent, Spears’ return was reportedly received well backstage.

Spears’ known good friend Cody Rhodes would also seem to be glad to see the former AEW star return to the company – posting a tweet in reference to the moment.

Spears departed AEW in December 2023 at what was assumed to be the end of his contract, however Fightful Select confirmed this was actually not the case as AEW sources indicated that Spears had instead been let out of his deal with the company early.

This latest WWE run will actually be Spears’ third of his career, having spent three years in the company between 2006-2009 and then another six in his second run between 2013-2019.

To find out what Spears himself had to say following his WWE return follow this link here.

For all other NXT news from last night’s episode check here.

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• Shawn Spears
• Return
• AEW
• nxt
• wwe

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