Why did Shawn Spears Leave AEW?

Publish date: 2024-06-20

Shawn Spears, the professional wrestler formerly known as Tye Dillinger, recently made headlines by leaving All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and rejoining World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), specifically the NXT brand.

In an exclusive interview with "Fightful," Spears shed light on his decision to depart from AEW and provided valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding his departure and subsequent return to WWE.

The Amicable Departure from AEW

In his interview, Shawn Spears emphasized the importance of leaving AEW on friendly terms.

He expressed his belief in the paramount significance of professionalism in the world of professional wrestling and highlighted that maintaining an amicable relationship with AEW was a priority for him.

Spears' departure from AEW was characterized by mutual respect, as he cited that it was a decision he felt was best for himself and his family.

He conveyed that despite the difficulty of such decisions, the ability to depart smoothly due to mutual respect was a crucial factor in his departure from AEW.

Reasons for Departing AEW

Spears also revealed that his decision to leave AEW was influenced by changes in his schedule within the company, as well as a perceived lack of opportunities.

He mentioned that his schedule in AEW had changed significantly, and he felt that there was no longer a spot for him within the organization.

This led him to venture into the independent wrestling scene and engage with certain stars he had been eager to wrestle.

These factors collectively contributed to his decision to part ways with AEW after a four-year association.

Return to WWE: Factors and Considerations

Shawn Spears explained that he actively reached out to WWE to gauge their interest in his return as his AEW contract was nearing its end.

He emphasized the importance of returning to WWE, citing the company's outstanding performance across various metrics such as attendance, merchandise sales, and overall market dominance.

Spears expressed his eagerness to contribute to WWE's success and regarded the opportunity to return to the company, particularly NXT, as a significant milestone in his career.

He also underscored the allure of being able to work alongside noteworthy figures such as Shawn Michaels and Matt Bloom, as well as the chance to be around his family, as influential factors in his decision to rejoin WWE.

Keeping the Return to WWE a Secret

One of the remarkable aspects of Shawn Spears' return to WWE was the secrecy surrounding the transition.

He revealed that he kept his return closely guarded, with only a select few individuals, including Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and specific team members in Orlando, being privy to the information.

Spears emphasized the importance of surprise in professional wrestling and the thrill of being able to keep his return under wraps, expressing hope that his current run in WWE would be his final stop in the world of professional wrestling.

Shawn Spears' departure from AEW and subsequent return to WWE's NXT brand were driven by multifaceted considerations, including the importance of professionalism, family priorities, and the desire to contribute to WWE's ongoing success.

His decision to leave AEW on amicable terms and the secrecy surrounding his return to WWE underscore his commitment to his career and the intricacies of the professional wrestling industry. 

Overall, Shawn Spears' departure from AEW and return to WWE represents a significant chapter in his career, reflecting the dynamic nature of professional wrestling and the personal and professional considerations that wrestlers navigate throughout their careers.

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