Last night’s edition of WWE NXT saw the surprise return of AEW original Shawn Spears to the promotion. Spears, known during his initial WWE run as Tye Dillinger, was revealed to be the figure behind the mysterious ‘Three Faces’ vignettes which have featured regularly on the black and gold brand since NXT Vengeance Day earlier this month – this marked Spears’ first appearance on WWE programming in over five years.
As Ridge Holland was cutting a promo on the recent goings-on in NXT, the venue lights went out before messages similar to those in the vignettes appeared across all the screens in the arena. Suddenly, a hooded figure appeared in the ring with a chair and struck Holland from behind. They then proceeded to remove the hood, revealing themself to be Spears. Interestingly, it appears he will be using his AEW name, instead of Tye Dillinger, as he was referred to as Shawn Spears during a backstage segment later in the show.
Shortly after NXT went off the air, Spears took to his X account to address his shock return to WWE – simply writing, “I’m back.”
Fightful Select later confirmed that he will be going by Shawn Spears during this run and reported that his appearance was a surprise to many backstage – with one talent reportedly stating that it was a “complete shock.” He was not listed in internal documents when the show began and during rehearsals that took place earlier in the day, Shawn Michaels himself is said to have taken on Spears’ role.
Two months ago, Spears announced that he would be departing AEW after five years with the promotion. Sources within the company have since noted to Fightful that he was let out of his deal with the company early. A WWE source is also said to have noted that Spears signed with the company sometime before the first of the ‘Three Faces’ vignette aired.