WWE has teased a mysterious Superstar during NXT for the past few weeks. We've now learned the identity of the man behind the mystery is former AEW star Shawn Spears.

After weeks of mysterious vignettes, the mystery reached its conclusion when Ridge Holland was in the ring, having previously dismissed NXT Women’s champion Lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley and addressing recent events in the black and gold brand.

The lights went out, one final cryptic message echoed throughout the arena and a hooded figure appeared. He then proceeded to knock out Holland with a chair, revealing himself, to the shock and surprise of the entire WWE Universe.


WWE cameras caught up with Spears backstage at NXT just moments after his shocking return.

Why did Shawn Spears return to NXT? Why has he been taunting the NXT roster with strange and unsettling messages? According to the man himself, he's there to deliver the truth.



Shawn Spears wrestled in WWE developmental (2006-2008) and then WWE's version of ECW for the next year before getting released.

He re-signed in 2013 and wrestled in NXT until 2017, where he was on the SmackDown brand until 2019. The 'Perfect Ten' signed with AEW later that year and gave his notice at the end of 2023.

Spears is coming up on two decades in the wrestling business. His career has come full circle and he's now back with WWE and working with up and coming talent. This time around, he brings a wealth of experience that will serve both himself and the rising stars he'll be working with.