Shawn Spears Proposes Exciting Royal Rumble Concept in WWE

Late to the Party: Shawn Spears’ Missed Royal Rumble Opportunity

Shawn Spears, the seasoned wrestler known for his stints in various promotions, including AEW, attempted a comeback at the WWE Royal Rumble in January 2024. However, as fate would have it, he felt he arrived “a little late to the party.”

Having parted ways with AEW in December 2023, Spears announced his free agency status on January 1, 2024. Despite his eagerness to make a splash in the wrestling world once again, he found himself facing timing issues.

In a candid interview with Fightful, Spears disclosed his desire to return at the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2024. He expressed his disappointment, stating, “All I will say is that I shot my shot. I just don’t think I got it in early enough. I think I was too late. But I did shoot my shot. I tried.”

Nonetheless, Spears didn’t let the setback dampen his spirits. He made a resilient return to WWE on February 27, 2024, aligning himself with the NXT brand and initiating a feud with Ridge Holland.

Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Spears remarked, “All I can do is, ‘Hey, how about this?’ and then I let it go. I let the rest play out as it can. I think I was a little late to the party.”

Despite the setback, Spears remains optimistic about the future, echoing the age-old adage, “You never know.” Indeed, in the dynamic world of professional wrestling, opportunities often present themselves when least expected.

The Royal Rumble event itself was not short of surprises, featuring the WWE debut of former AEW star Jade Cargill and a stunning appearance by TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace. Furthermore, fans witnessed CM Punk’s long-awaited return to televised WWE matches, marking his first appearance since the 2014 Royal Rumble.

Although Spears may have missed his chance at the Royal Rumble, his resilience and determination signal that his journey in the wrestling world is far from over. As he continues to carve his path in NXT, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the career of this seasoned competitor.