Shawn Spears (aka Tye Dillinger), made his surprise return to WWE on Tuesday night’s NXT, attacking Ridge Holland. Spears was behind the “Three Faces” cryptic vignettes that have been airing on NXT television.
Spears, under the name of Gavin Spears, first signed a developmental with WWE in 2006. He worked in OVW, FCW, and on the WWE version of ECW. He was released from WWE in 2009. Spears then returned to WWE in 2013 and was given the new name of Tye Dillinger and was assigned to the NXT brand. He was called up to the main roster and appeared on SmackDown as the “Perfect 10” Tye Dillinger up until his release in 2019.
Spears announced in December 2023 that he was leaving AEW. He became a free agent on January 1, 2024. Spears and his wife Cassie Lee (former WWE Superstar Peyton Royce), are expecting their second child.
Fightful Select is reporting only a few within WWE and the NXT talent roster knew ahead of time that spears was going to return on Tuesday night. One NXT talent said that some on the roster were in “complete shock” when he was revealed as the one behind the “Three Faces” vignettes. Spears was reportedly not listed on NXT’s internal run sheet for Tuesday night’s episode. It was also noted as it pertained to rehearsals, Shawn Michaels played the role of Spears when Holland was rehearsing for the segment earlier in the day.
The report also states that Spears was signed to a new deal to return to NXT before the first of the three “Three Faces” cryptic vignettes aired. Spears was well hidden backstage and his return was said to be have been well received backstage after the segment took place.
A mysterious beach vignette also appeared on Tuesday night’s episode.
Who ever this is, they will be appearing at next Tuesday’s Roadblock episode as teased at the end of the clip.
NXT Quick Results And Match Highlights – 2/27
Kiana James defeated Kelani Jordan
The OC (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) defeated Edris Enofe and Malik Blade
Roxanne Perez defeated Jakara Jackson
Dijak defeated Luca Crusifino
Von Wagner defeated Lexis King
Jaida Parker pinned Gigi Dolan
Charlie Dempsey defeated Heritage Cup Champion Noam Dar to win the trophy
Full Segment – Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes discuss the NXT Championship