WWE to AEW Transition: Unraveling Shawn Spears’ Name Choice

The wrestler formerly known as Tye Dillinger has made a triumphant return to the WWE stage, reappearing on NXT under the persona of Shawn Spears.

After departing from WWE in February 2019, he ventured into AEW where he adopted the moniker Shawn Spears for his appearances, a name he had previously used in the independent circuit.

In a recent interview with Fightful, Spears shed light on his decision to retain the name Shawn Spears upon his return to WWE.

He explained that although the option to revert to his former WWE name was discussed, he strongly felt that Shawn Spears was the most suitable choice. Moreover, receiving positive feedback from wrestling legend Shawn Michaels further solidified his decision.

Spears expressed gratitude for retaining the rights to his persona, including his name, music, and logos, allowing him to maintain continuity in his character portrayal.

Looking ahead, Spears discussed his plans to evolve his character within the WWE NXT landscape. Emphasizing his love for character-driven wrestling, he cited influences from wrestling icons like Rick Martel, Rick Rude, and Mr. Perfect.

He expressed a keen interest in enhancing his entrances, drawing inspiration from Triple H’s elaborate WrestleMania spectacles, believing that entrances are crucial for capturing audience attention and setting the stage for a compelling performance.

In a reflective moment, Spears shared his conviction that his wrestling journey will culminate within the confines of WWE. This sentiment was echoed by WWE’s recent trademark application for the term “Shawn Spears” on March 7, 2024, signaling a renewed commitment to his wrestling legacy within the organization.