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{{Short description|Canadian professional wrestler (born 1981)}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=October 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Tye Dillinger
|name = <!-- This must match the article title. -->Shawn Spears
|image = ShawnSpearsSpeaks cropped.jpg
|image = Shawn Spears RCW .jpg
|caption = Arneill in 2012
|caption = Spears in July 2019
|names = Gavin Spears<ref name=OWOW/><br>'''Tye Dillinger'''<br>Shawn Spears
|names = Gavin Spears<ref name="Kapur"/><br/>'''Shawn Spears'''<br/>Stan<br/>Tye Dillinger<ref name="WWEBio"/>
|birth_name= Ronald William Arneill
|birth_name = Ronnie William Arneill
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}<ref name="WWEBio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/tye-dillinger|title=Tye Dillinger bio|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 24, 2016}}</ref>
<!-- Please don't change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. -->
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}<ref name="WWEBio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/tyedillinger|title=Tye Dillinger|website=[[WWE]]|accessdate=March 24, 2016}}</ref>
|weight = {{convert|223|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="WWEBio"/>
|weight = {{convert|223|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="WWEBio"/>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1981|2|19|mf=y}}<ref name=OWOW/>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1981|2|19|mf=yes}}
|birth_place = [[St. Catharines]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]<ref name=OWOW/>
|birth_place = [[St. Catharines]], [[Ontario]], Canada
|spouse = {{marriage|[[Peyton Royce|Cassie Lee]]|2019}}
|children = 2
|resides =
|resides =
|billed = [[Niagara Falls, Ontario]], [[Canada]]<ref name=OWOW/>
|billed = '''[[Niagara Falls, Ontario]], [[Canada]]'''<ref name=WWEBio/>
|trainer = [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]]<ref name="Kapur"/><br />Derek Wylde<ref name="Kapur"/><br />[[Cody Deaner]]<ref name="Kapur"/>
|trainer = [[Cody Deaner]]<ref name="Kapur"/><br/>Derek Wylde<ref name="Kapur"/><br />[[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]]<ref name="Kapur"/>
|debut = March 2002<ref name=Cage>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=3190|title=Shawn Spears « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref>
|debut = 2001<ref name=Cage/>
|retired =
|retired =
}}
}}
'''Ronnie William Arneill'''<ref name="Kapur">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/03/15938296.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310213209/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/03/15938296.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Spears not bitter about years in WWE developmental, brief TV time|date=November 3, 2010|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=May 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> (born February 19, 1981) is a Canadian [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and trainer. He is currently signed to [[WWE]], where he performs on the [[WWE NXT|NXT]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]] under the [[ring name]] '''Shawn Spears'''. He previously performed in WWE from 2013 to 2019 under the name '''Tye Dillinger'''. He is also known for his time in [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) from 2019 to 2023.


Having begun his career on the [[independent circuit]] in 2002 as Shawn Spears, Arneill initially joined WWE in 2006 and worked for the company between 2006 and 2009, performing in the [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territories]] [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW) and [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW) as well as briefly on the main roster brand [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW]] under the slightly modified ring name '''Gavin Spears'''. After being released from WWE in 2009, he returned to the independent scene, before rejoining WWE in 2013 where he was assigned to NXT under the new [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] of Tye Dillinger. After a rise in popularity, he was promoted to the main roster in April 2017, working on the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] brand until his second release from the company in February 2019.
'''Ronald William "Ronnie" Arneill'''<ref name=OWOW>{{Cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shawn-spears.html|title=OWOW profile|accessdate=2009-04-29|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="Kapur">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/03/15938296.html|title=Spears not bitter about years in WWE developmental, brief TV time|date=November 3, 2010|last=Kapur|first=Bob|accessdate=May 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> (born February 19, 1981) is a [[Canada|Canadian]] [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], currently signed to [[WWE]], where he performs in their [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]] [[WWE NXT|NXT]], under the [[ring name]] '''Tye Dillinger'''. Previously, Arneill worked in the independent circuit as '''Shawn Spears'''. He also worked with WWE between 2006 and 2008 as '''Gavin Spears'''.

Shortly after leaving WWE, he signed with the newly founded AEW in May 2019, reverting to his Shawn Spears name. After his AEW contract expired at the end of 2023, Arneill rejoined WWE in February 2024 and was assigned once more to the NXT brand, retaining the Shawn Spears character.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Arneill attended Laura Secord Secondary School.<ref name=NiagaraThisWeek>{{cite web |url= http://www.niagarathisweek.com/whatson/article/1505976--wrestler-set-to-return-home-for-match-in-merritton?fb_action_ids=10152096150670167&fb_action_types=og.likes&action_object_map=%7B%2210152096150670167%22%3A463714497002801%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210152096150670167%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D |title= Wrestler set to return home for match in Merritton |work=niagarathisweek.com | date= 2012-09-20 |accessdate=22 September 2012}}</ref> He played hockey for over ten years until he decided to leave the sport and enter professional wrestling.<ref name=Encyclopedia>{{cite book|title=WWE Encyclopedia|last1=Shields|first1=Brian|last2=Sullivan|first2=Kevin|page=109|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley|DK]]|year=2009|isbn=978-0-7566-4190-0}}</ref> During his childhood, he was a fan of [[Rick Rude]], [[Rick Martel]], and [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]].<ref name="Kapur"/> Arneill is a supporter of English football team [[Chelsea F.C.]]{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
Born and raised in [[St. Catharines]], [[Ontario]], Arneill attended [[Laura Secord Secondary School]].<ref name=NiagaraThisWeek>{{cite web |url= http://www.niagarathisweek.com/whatson/article/1505976--wrestler-set-to-return-home-for-match-in-merritton?fb_action_ids=10152096150670167&fb_action_types=og.likes&action_object_map=%7B%2210152096150670167%22%3A463714497002801%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210152096150670167%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D |title= Wrestler set to return home for match in Merritton |work=niagarathisweek.com | date= September 20, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2012}}</ref> He played hockey for over ten years until he decided to leave the sport and enter professional wrestling.<ref name=Encyclopedia>{{cite book|title=WWE Encyclopedia|last1=Shields|first1=Brian|last2=Sullivan|first2=Kevin|page=[https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/109 109]|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley|DK]]|year=2009|isbn=978-0-7566-4190-0|url=https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/109}}</ref> During his childhood, he was a fan of [[Rick Rude]], [[Rick Martel]], and [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]].<ref name="Kapur"/>


==Professional wrestling career==
==Professional wrestling career==


===Early career (2002–2006)===
===Early career (2002–2006)===
Arneill trained at the Hart Wrestling School in Cambridge Ontario with Smith Hart, Ike Shaw and Waldo Von Erich and then with [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]] at the WrestlePlex [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#School|school]] before receiving further training from Derek Wylde and [[Cody Deaner]].<ref name="Kapur"/> Upon wrestling his debut match in March 2002 as Shawn Spears, he began wrestling for some of the biggest independent wrestling promotions throughout Ontario and the United States, including [[Border City Wrestling]], [[World Xtreme Wrestling]], and [[BSE Pro|Blood Sweat and Ears]]. In February 2005, Arneill made an appearance on an edition of ''[[WWE Heat]]'' in a tag team match against [[Rosey and The Hurricane]].
Arneill trained at the Hart Wrestling School in Cambridge Ontario with Smith Hart, Ike Shaw and Waldo Von Erich and then with [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]] at the WrestlePlex [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#School|school]] before receiving further training from Derek Wylde and [[Cody Deaner]].<ref name="Kapur"/> Upon wrestling his debut match in March 2002 as Shawn Spears, he began wrestling for some of the biggest independent wrestling promotions throughout Ontario and the United States, including [[Border City Wrestling]], [[World Xtreme Wrestling]], and [[BSE Pro|Blood Sweat and Ears]]. On February 27, 2005, Arneill made an appearance on an edition of ''[[WWE Heat]]'', unsuccessfully teaming with Mikael Yamaha to face [[The Hurricane and Rosey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.2xzone.com/results/heat/2005.shtml#.XDBadBo_WhA|title=WWE Sunday Night Heat 2005 Results|work=2xzone.com|access-date=January 5, 2019}}</ref>


===World Wrestling Entertainment (2006–2009)===
After sending a tape to [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) officials, Arneill was called for a try-out in [[Buffalo, New York]].<ref name="Kapur"/> He was signed to a developmental contract by WWE following the tryout, on January 21, 2006.<ref name="Kapur"/> He made a cameo appearance in [[Cyber Sunday (2006)|Cyber Sunday]] as an employee who calls himself '''Stan''', as he gets superkicked by [[Shawn Michaels]] of [[D-Generation X]] upon learning that he doesn't know the meaning of the word "controversial".


After sending a tape to World Wrestling Entertainment ([[WWE]]) officials, Arneill was called for a try-out in [[Buffalo, New York]].<ref name="Kapur" /> He was signed to a developmental contract by WWE following the tryout, on January 21, 2006.<ref name="Kapur" /> [[File:ShawnSpears.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Spears with the [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] in December 2007]]
===World Wrestling Entertainment===
After signing his WWE contract, Arneill was assigned to the company's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]], [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW). He made his OVW television debut as "The Canadian Sensation" Shawn Spears, where he defeated then-[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]] superstar [[Mike Bucci|Simon Dean]]. After his victory, Dean attacked Spears until Spears was saved by [[Al Snow]], who fended off Dean with a chair. After his debut, Spears quickly made an impact in OVW with a short undefeated streak that was soon ended by [[Aron Stevens|Aaron "The Idol" Stevens]] when Stevens made Spears [[Professional wrestling#Submission|submit]]. After this, Spears formed a tag team with [[Cody Rhodes|Cody Runnels]] and they feuded with [[Deuce 'n Domino|The Throwbacks]] for the [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship|Southern Tag Team Championship]]. On November 5, 2006, Spears appeared at [[Cyber Sunday]] as a backstage producer named Stan; in a comedic segment between [[Triple H]] and Shawn Michaels, who superkicked him while discussing "controversy" with Triple H, before proceeding to superkick several more staff members, much to Triple H's amusement.<ref>{{YouTube|jzSBRQV1T40|"Shawn Michaels superkicks everyone in his path to prove he is controversial: Cyber Sunday 2006"}}</ref> On December 15, 2006, Spears and Runnels won the title from The Throwbacks.


On March 17, 2007, Spears won the [[OVW Television Championship]] from [[Santino Marella|Boris Alexiev]], his first singles title in OVW. Soon after winning the title, he became more focused on championships and even began trying to steal Runnels' [[OVW Heavyweight Championship]] opportunity. During Runnels' OVW Heavyweight Championship match, Spears interfered and performed a [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)|piledriver]] to Runnels, preventing him from winning the OVW Heavyweight Championship and thus solidifying his [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] turn. Spears then began [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuding]] with Runnels and eventually lost the OVW Television Championship to him on July 6, 2007 before winning it back one week later. He once again lost the title on September 19 to the debuting Ted "Manbeast" McNailer. Spears later regained the OVW Television Championship only to lose it to [[Colt Cabana]]. Spears then began feuding with Cabana and the pair went on to win the vacant [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] with on November 7 after defeating [[Paul Burchill]] and [[Wade Barrett|Stu Sanders]]. On December 19, Cabana and Spears' feud culminated in a [[ladder match]] in which the winner would claim the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship for themselves and choose a new partner. Spears lost to Cabana, who then chose Charles "The Hammer" Evans as his new tag team partner.
====Developmental territories (2006–2008)====
After signing his WWE contract, Arneill was assigned to the company's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]], [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW). He made his OVW television debut as "The Canadian Sensation" Shawn Spears, where he defeated then-[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]] superstar [[Mike Bucci|Simon Dean]]. After his victory, Dean attacked Spears until Spears was saved by [[Al Snow]], who fended off Dean with a chair. After his debut, Spears quickly made an impact in OVW with a short undefeated streak that was soon ended by [[Damien Sandow|Aaron "The Idol" Stevens]] when Stevens made Spears [[Professional wrestling#Submission|submit]]. After this, Spears formed a tag team with [[Cody Rhodes|Cody Runnels]] and they feuded with [[Deuce 'n Domino|The Throwbacks]] for the [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship|Southern Tag Team Championship]]. On December 15, 2006, Spears and Runnels won the title from The Throwbacks.


After OVW split with WWE, Spears debuted in WWE's new [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|development territory]], [[NXT Wrestling|Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW), and teamed up with [[Dolph Ziggler|Nic Nemeth]] to defeat The Puerto Rican Nightmares for the [[FCW Florida Tag Team Championship]] on August 17.<ref name="FCWchampionships">{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html|title=Champions Roll Call|access-date=January 1, 2011|publisher=[[Florida Championship Wrestling]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110219131349/http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html| archive-date= February 19, 2011}}</ref> Nearly a month later, Nemeth and Spears lost the title to [[Curtis Axel|Joe Hennig]] and [[Heath Slater|Heath Miller]] on September 11.<ref name="FCWchampionships"/>
On March 17, 2007, Spears won the [[OVW Television Championship|Television Championship]] from [[Santino Marella|Boris Alexiev]], his first singles title in OVW. Soon after winning the title, he became more focused on championships and even began trying to steal Runnels' [[OVW Heavyweight Championship|Heavyweight Championship]] opportunity. During Runnels' Heavyweight Title match, Spears interfered and performed a [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)|piledriver]] to Runnels, preventing him from winning the Heavyweight Championship and thus solidifying his [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] turn. Spears then began [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuding]] with Runnels and eventually lost the Television Championship to him on July 6, 2007 before winning it back one week later. He once again lost the title on September 19 to the debuting Ted "Manbeast" McNailer. Spears later regained the Television Title, only to lose it to [[Colt Cabana]]. Spears then began feuding with Cabana and the pair would go on to win the vacant Tag Team Title with on November 7 after defeating [[Paul Burchill]] and [[Wade Barrett|Stu Sanders]]. On December 19, Cabana and Spears' feud culminated in a [[ladder match]] in which the winner would claim the Tag Team titles for themselves and choose a new partner. Spears lost to Cabana, who then chose Charles "The Hammer" Evans as his new tag team partner.


On the August 19 episode of ''[[WWE ECW|ECW]]'', Spears made his WWE television debut as a heel under the name Gavin Spears as part of [[Theodore Long]]'s "New Superstar Initiative" in a losing effort to [[Ricky Ortiz]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08192008/mainarticle|title=Golden Slam|publisher=WWE|access-date=August 29, 2008}}</ref> After his [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW]] debut, Spears began splitting time between ECW and FCW. On the September 2 edition of ''ECW'', Spears was defeated by [[Super Crazy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com:80/shows/ecw/archive/09022008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503111801/http://www.wwe.com:80/shows/ecw/archive/09022008|url-status=dead|title=Dirty Scrambles|publisher=WWE|access-date=January 5, 2019|archive-date=May 3, 2009}}</ref> After a three-month absence due to competing in FCW, Spears returned to television on the December 16 episode of ''ECW'', where he lost to [[Fit Finlay|Finlay]] in what turned out to be his final match for the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/12162008/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429063442/http://www.wwe.com:80/shows/ecw/archive/12162008/|url-status=dead|title=Armageddon aftershock|publisher=WWE|access-date=January 5, 2019|archive-date=April 29, 2009}}</ref> On January 9, 2009, Arneill was released from his contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/12783-wwe-cuts-two-developmental-talents-yesterday/|title=WWE cuts two developmental talents yesterday|first=Adam|last=Martin|date=January 10, 2009|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=January 11, 2009}}</ref>
After OVW split with WWE, Spears debuted in WWE's new [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|development territory]], [[NXT Wrestling|Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW), and teamed up with [[Dolph Ziggler|Nic Nemeth]] to defeat The Puerto Rican Nightmares for the [[Florida Tag Team Championship]] on August 17.<ref name="FCWchampionships">{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html|title=Champions Roll Call|accessdate=2011-01-01|publisher=[[Florida Championship Wrestling]]|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110219131349/http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html| archivedate= 2011-02-19}}</ref> Nearly a month later, Nemeth and Spears lost the title to [[Curtis Axel|Joe Hennig]] and [[Heath Slater|Heath Miller]] on September 11.<ref name="FCWchampionships"/>


====ECW (2008–2009)====
===Independent circuit (2009–2013)===
[[File:Shawn Spears in 2011.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Spears in 2011]]
[[File:Shawn Spears in 2011.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Spears in 2011]]
The day before he had been released from WWE, Arneill had broken his hand, and was unable to wrestle for 12 weeks following his release as a result.<ref name="Kapur"/> On May 27, 2009, Spears wrestled and lost to fellow WWE alumnus [[Elijah Burke]] in a tryout dark match for [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] at their ''[[TNA Impact!|Impact!]]'' television tapings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.impactwrestling.com/Content.aspx?ID=26755 |title=*Spoilers* TNA iMPACT Tapings for June 11th and 18th, 2009 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=May 27, 2009 |website=ImpactWrestling.com |publisher= |access-date=August 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530174134/http://www.impactwrestling.com/Content.aspx?ID=26755 |archive-date=May 30, 2009}}</ref> On June 12, Spears made an appearance for [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH), where he defeated Alex Payne.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/content/2009-ring-honor-results|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113233456/http://www.rohwrestling.com/content/2009-ring-honor-results|title=2009 Ring of Honor Official results|date=September 16, 2007|archive-date=November 13, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On the August 19 episode of ''[[ECW (WWE)|ECW]]'', Spears made his WWE television debut as a heel under the name Gavin Spears as part of [[Theodore Long]]'s "New Superstar Initiative" in a losing effort to [[Richard Young (wrestler)|Ricky Ortiz]].<ref name=OWOW/> After his ECW debut, Spears began splitting time between ECW and FCW. On the September 2 edition of ''ECW'', Spears was defeated by [[Super Crazy]].<ref name=OWOW/> After a three-month absence due to competing in FCW, Spears returned to television on the December 16 episode of ''ECW'', where he lost to [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]] in what turned out to be his final match for the company. On January 19, 2009, Arneill was released from his contract.<ref name=OWOW/>


On May 16, 2010, Arneill, under his Gavin Spears ring name, teamed up with [[El Hijo de L.A. Park]] in a losing effort to Dr. Wagner III and Gigante Extassis on an Extreme Air Wrestle show in Mexico, marking his first tour of Mexico.<ref name=VivaLaLuchaMay21>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274490661|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|last=Boutwell|first=Jason|date=May 21, 2010|access-date=May 22, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> On May 28 and 29, Arneill made appearances at the 2010 [[Anime North]] convention.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gcwe.ca/events.php?eventno=100528|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120513193514/http://www.gcwe.ca/events.php?eventno=100528 |title=Events - Super Anime Extreme Wrestling|work=www.gcwe.ca|year=2012 |access-date=February 26, 2015|archive-date= May 13, 2012}}</ref>
===Independent circuit (2009–2013)===
The day before he had been released from WWE, Arneill had broken his hand, and was unable to wrestle for 12 weeks following his release as a result.<ref name="Kapur"/> On May 27, 2009, Spears wrestled and lost to fellow WWE alumnus [[Elijah Burke]] in a tryout dark match for [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] at their ''[[Impact Wrestling|Impact!]]'' television tapings.<ref>http://www.impactwrestling.com/Content.aspx?ID=26755</ref> On June 12, Arneill wrestled at a [[Ring of Honor]] show, where he defeated Alex Payne. On August 15, he teamed up with [[Damien Sandow|Idol Stevens]] to capture the [[WWC World Tag Team Championship]] after defeating [[Thunder and Lightning (professional wrestling)|Thunder and Lighting]]. On October 31, Spears and Stevens lost the World Tag Team Title back to Thunder and Lightning.


On August 15, he teamed up with [[Aron Stevens|Idol Stevens]] to capture the [[WWC World Tag Team Championship]] after defeating [[Thunder and Lightning (professional wrestling)|Thunder and Lightning]]. On October 31, Spears and Stevens lost the World Tag Team Title back to Thunder and Lightning.
On May 16, 2010, Arneill, under his Gavin Spears ring name, teamed up with [[El Hijo de L.A. Park]] in a losing effort to Dr. Wagner III and Gigante Extassis on an Extreme Air Wrestle show in Mexico, marking his first tour of Mexico.<ref name=VivaLaLuchaMay21>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274490661|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|last=Boutwell|first=Jason|date=May 21, 2010|accessdate=May 22, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> On May 28 and 29, Arneill made appearances at the 2010 [[Anime North]] convention.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gcwe.ca/events.php?eventno=100528|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120513193514/http://www.gcwe.ca/events.php?eventno=100528 |title=Events - Super Anime Extreme Wrestling|work=www.gcwe.ca|year=2012 |accessdate=26 February 2015|archivedate= 2012-05-13}}</ref>


===Return to WWE===
===Return to WWE (2013–2019)===
====NXT (2013–present)====
====NXT (2013–2017)====
On September 15, 2013, it was reported that Spears had re-signed with [[WWE]], and he was assigned to WWE's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]] [[WWE NXT|NXT]] under the ring name '''Tye Dillinger'''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/33132-sun-update-night-of-champions-preview-mayweather-fallout-surprising-challenge-wsof-fight-canceled-last-minute-riddick-bowe-pro-wrestling-debut-and-rips-konnan-watson-off-ufc-in-uk-big-total-divas-episode-wwe-name-birthday- |title=SUN UPDATE: Night of Champions preview, Mayweather fallout, surprising challenge, WSOF fight canceled last minute, Riddick Bowe pro wrestling debut and rips Konnan, Watson off UFC in UK, Big Total Divas episode, WWE name birthday |first= Dave|last= Meltzer|work=f4wonline.com |date= 2013-09-15|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> He made his televised ''NXT'' debut in a losing effort against [[Mojo Rawley]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWETVreports/article10034273.shtml |title=Gutteridge's WWE NXT Review: Kassius Ohno main events against Luke Harper, Mojo Rawley vs. Tye Dillinger (a/k/a Gavin Spears), Alexander Rusev vs. Sylvester Lefort, and Leo Kruger vs. El Local |first= Darren|last= Gutteridge |work=prowrestling.net |date= 2013-11-11 |accessdate=23 December 2013}}</ref> In early-2014, Dillinger formed a tag team with [[Jason Jordan]], with the two described as a pair of [[Blue chip (sports)|blue chip]] athletes. The team of Dillinger and Jordan got their first televised win on the April 17 episode of ''NXT'', defeating [[Baron Corbin]] and [[Sawyer Fulton]]. On the June 5 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger and Jordan defeated [[Job (professional wrestling)|local competitors]]. On the August 7 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger and Jordan lost in the first round of a [[NXT Tag Team Championship]] tournament to [[Enzo and Cass|Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady]]. Dillinger and Jordan then appeared infrequently together, with Dillinger mostly being used as [[job (professional wrestling)|enhancement talent]]. On the February 25, 2015 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger's partnership with Jordan officially ended when Jordan unhappy with his partner not initially tagging him in, jumped off the apron and walked out on Dillinger just as he went to make the tag.<ref name=WWEResults20150223>{{cite web |url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2015-02-23/wwe-nxt-results-2015-02-25-27143452 |title=WWE NXT results - Feb. 25, 2015: Finn Bálor battles The Brian Kendrick, Kevin Owens attacks Alex Riley|first= Bobby|last= Melok|work=wwe.com |date= 2015-02-25|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> After the match, an enraged Dillinger called out his old partner but instead was met with a quick loss to [[Baron Corbin]].<ref name=WWEResults20150223/>
On September 15, 2013, it was reported that Spears had re-signed with [[WWE]], and he was assigned to WWE's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]] [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] under the ring name Tye Dillinger.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/33132-sun-update-night-of-champions-preview-mayweather-fallout-surprising-challenge-wsof-fight-canceled-last-minute-riddick-bowe-pro-wrestling-debut-and-rips-konnan-watson-off-ufc-in-uk-big-total-divas-episode-wwe-name-birthday- |title=SUN UPDATE: Night of Champions preview, Mayweather fallout, surprising challenge, WSOF fight canceled last minute, Riddick Bowe pro wrestling debut and rips Konnan, Watson off UFC in UK, Big Total Divas episode, WWE name birthday |first= Dave|last= Meltzer|work=f4wonline.com |date= September 15, 2013|access-date=February 26, 2015}}</ref> He made his televised ''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]'' debut in a losing effort against [[Mojo Rawley]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWETVreports/article10034273.shtml |title=Gutteridge's WWE NXT Review: Kassius Ohno main events against Luke Harper, Mojo Rawley vs. Tye Dillinger (a/k/a Gavin Spears), Alexander Rusev vs. Sylvester Lefort, and Leo Kruger vs. El Local |first= Darren|last= Gutteridge |work=prowrestling.net |date= November 11, 2013 |access-date=December 23, 2013}}</ref> In early 2014, Dillinger formed a tag team with [[Jason Jordan]], with the two described as a pair of [[Blue chip (sports)|blue chip]] athletes. The team of Dillinger and Jordan got their first televised win on the April 17 episode of ''NXT'', defeating [[Baron Corbin]] and [[Sawyer Fulton]]. On the June 5 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger and Jordan defeated [[Job (professional wrestling)|local competitors]]. On the August 7 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger and Jordan lost in the first round of a [[NXT Tag Team Championship]] tournament to [[Enzo and Cass|Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady]]. Dillinger and Jordan then appeared infrequently together, with Dillinger mostly being used as [[job (professional wrestling)|enhancement talent]]. On the February 25, 2015 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger's partnership with Jordan officially ended when Jordan, unhappy with his partner not initially tagging him in, jumped off the apron and walked out on Dillinger just as he went to make the tag.<ref name=WWEResults20150223>{{cite web |url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2015-02-23/wwe-nxt-results-2015-02-25-27143452 |title=WWE NXT results - Feb. 25, 2015: Finn Bálor battles The Brian Kendrick, Kevin Owens attacks Alex Riley|first= Bobby|last= Melok|work=wwe.com |date= February 25, 2015|access-date=February 26, 2015}}</ref> After the match, an enraged Dillinger called out his old partner but instead was met with a quick loss to Baron Corbin.<ref name=WWEResults20150223/>


On the August 12 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger debuted a new [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] as the "Perfect 10", and defeated [[Sami Callihan|Solomon Crowe]]. At [[NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn]], Dillinger faced the debuting [[Apollo Crews]] in a losing effort. On the April 27, 2016 episode of ''NXT'', he defeated [[Buddy Murphy]], and was scheduled to face the debuting [[La Sombra (wrestler)|Andrade "Cien" Almas]] at [[NXT TakeOver: The End]], where Dillinger was defeated, although he received praise for his performance.<ref name="NXTTheEnd">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=6/8 "NXT Takeover" Results – CALDWELL’S Complete Live Report on "The End"|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/08/nxtresultsjune8/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 8, 2016}}</ref>
On the August 12 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger debuted a new [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] as the "Perfect 10" and defeated [[Sami Callihan|Solomon Crowe]]. He faced the debuting [[Apollo Crews]] at [[NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn]] and another debuting [[Andrade El Idolo|Andrade "Cien" Almas]] at [[NXT TakeOver: The End]], but he lost both matches.<ref name="NXTTheEnd">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=6/8 "NXT Takeover" Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report on "The End"|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/08/nxtresultsjune8/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 8, 2016}}</ref> On the September 28, 2016 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger was approached by [[Bobby Roode]], who proposed the two team up for the [[Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic]], which Dillinger accepted. On the October 12 episode of ''NXT'', Roode walked out on Dillinger during a tag team match against [[Sanity (professional wrestling)|SAnitY]] ([[Alexander Wolfe (wrestler)|Alexander Wolfe]] and Sawyer Fulton), resulting in the team losing in the first round. The following week on ''NXT'', Dillinger called out Roode for a match at [[NXT TakeOver: Toronto (2016)|NXT TakeOver: Toronto]], thus turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] in the process. At the event, Dillinger lost to Roode.


On the December 14 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger defeated [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]] by disqualification in a number one contender's Fatal 4-Way qualifying match. At [[NXT TakeOver: San Antonio]], Dillinger was defeated by Young following a distraction from Alexander Wolfe and [[Killian Dain]]. At [[NXT TakeOver: Orlando]], Dillinger teamed up with [[Roderick Strong]], [[Chris Hero|Kassius Ohno]] and [[Ruby Soho (wrestler)|Ruby Riot]] to take on SAnitY in an 8-person [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Mixed tag team match|mixed tag team match]] in a losing effort. Dillinger made his last NXT appearance on the April 5 tapings, closing out the event by winning a [[Steel Cage match]] against Eric Young.
On the September 28 episode of ''NXT'', after defeating [[Angelo Dawkins]], Dillinger was approached by [[Bobby Roode]], who proposed the two team up for the [[Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic|2016 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic]], which Dillinger accepted. The following week, Dillinger and Roode took on [[Sanity (professional wrestling)|SAnitY]] ([[Axel Tischer|Alexander Wolfe]] and [[Sawyer Fulton]]). During the match, Roode walked out on Dillinger, resulting in the team losing in the first round. The following week on October 19, Dillinger called out Roode for a match at [[NXT TakeOver: Toronto]], which Roode would win. On the December 14 episode of ''NXT'', Dillinger defeated [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]] by disqualification in a #1 contender Fatal 4-Way qualifying match. At [[NXT TakeOver: San Antonio]], Dillinger was defeated by Young following a distraction from Alexander Wolfe and [[Damian O'Connor|Killian Dain]].


====SmackDown (2017–2019)====
On January 29, 2017, Dillinger was a surprise entrant during the [[Royal Rumble (2017)|2017 Royal Rumble]] [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|pay–per–view]] as part of the [[Royal Rumble#Match|eponymous match]]. He entered at number ten and lasted five minutes before being eliminated by [[Braun Strowman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=107410&p=3|title=AND YOUR ROYAL RUMBLE WINNER IS, GOLDBERG DOES IT TO BROCK AGAIN, AT 26 HERE COMES THE PAIN, BRAUN STROWMAN KICKS BUTT UNTIL THE NUMBERS GAME CATCHES HIM, NXT STAR DEBUTS AT NUMBER 10, NUMBER ONE AND TWO ARE THE RUMBLE ARE, JOHN CENA AND AJ STYLES DELIVER ANOTHER CLASSIC IN THE RING, NEVILLE AND SWANN DELIVER, REIGNS VS. OWENS KILL EACH OTHER, CHARLOTTE VS. BAYLEY WILL START THE NIGHT, SHAWN MICHAELS APPEARS - ONGOING ROYAL RUMBLE PPV BLOG!|author=Dave Scherer|date=January 29, 2017|accessdate=January 29, 2017|publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref>
On January 29, 2017, at [[Royal Rumble (2017)|Royal Rumble]], Dillinger was a surprise entrant in the [[Royal Rumble match]], entering at number 10 but was eliminated by [[Braun Strowman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=107410&p=3|title=And Your Royal Rumble Winner is, Goldberg Does it to Brock Again, at 26 Here Comes The Pain, Braun Strowman Kicks Butt Until the Numbers Game Catches Him, NXT Star Debuts at Number 10, Number One and Two are The Rumble Are, John Cena and AJ Styles Deliver Another Classic in the Ring, Neville And Swann Deliver, Reigns vs. Owens Kill Each Other, Charlotte vs. Bayley Will Start The Night, Shawn Michaels Appears - Ongoing Royal Rumble PPV Blog!|author=Dave Scherer|date=January 29, 2017|access-date=January 29, 2017|publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> On the April 4 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown Live]]'', Dillinger made his main roster debut, defeating [[Brian Myers|Curt Hawkins]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-04-03/article/tye-dillinger-def-curt-hawkins|title=Tye Dillinger def. Curt Hawkins|work=WWE|first=Ryan|last=Pappolla|date=April 4, 2017|access-date=January 5, 2019}}</ref> Dillinger entered a short feud with [[Matthew Rehwoldt|Aiden English]], defeating him on various episodes of ''SmackDown Live'', leading to a match at [[Backlash (2017)|Backlash]], where Dillinger once again defeated English to end their feud.<ref>{{cite web|last=Melok|first=Bobby|title=Tye Dillinger def. Aiden English (Kickoff Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/tye-dillinger-aiden-english-results|work=WWE|access-date=May 21, 2017}}</ref>


On the July 4 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Dillinger competed in an [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]] [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|Battle Royal]] to determine the number one contender to the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]], lasting until the final three before being eliminated by [[Sami Zayn]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/04/mcneills-wwe-smackdown-report-74-john-cena-returns-rap-battle-naomi-lana-iii-battle-royal/|title=McNEILL'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 7/4: John Cena Returns, Rap Battle, Naomi-Lana III & Battle Royal|date=July 4, 2017|last=McNeill|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 4, 2017}}</ref> At [[Battleground (2017)|Battleground]], Dillinger briefly reignited his feud with English, with Dillinger facing him in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=7/23 Powell's WWE Battleground Kickoff Show: Tye Dillinger vs. Aiden English|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/23/723-powells-wwe-battleground-kickoff-show-tye-dillinger-vs-aiden-english/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 23, 2017|date=July 23, 2017}}</ref> On the August 29 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Dillinger confronted and brawled with [[Baron Corbin]], who was about to answer an open challenge set by [[AJ Styles]] for the United States Championship. After Dillinger fought off Corbin, he took on Styles' challenge in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/29/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-829-jinder-rusev-vs-orton-nakamura-headlines-plus-j-styles-u-s-title-open-challenge-shelton-gable/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/29: Jinder & Rusev vs. Orton & Nakamura headlines, plus A.J. Styles U.S. Title Open Challenge, Shelton & Gable|date=August 29, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 30, 2017}}</ref> On the September 12 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Dillinger received another shot at the title against Styles, once again in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/12: Vince McMahon appears to address Shane being suspended and Owens threatening to sue|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/12/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-912-vince-mcmahon-appears-address-shane-suspended-owens-threatening-sue/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 12, 2017}}</ref> After trading victories with Corbin on various episodes of ''SmackDown Live'', both Dillinger and Corbin challenged Styles for the United States Championship at [[Hell in a Cell (2017)|Hell in a Cell]] in a triple threat match, in which Corbin won the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/article/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2017-results|title=Hell in a Cell 2017 Results|website=WWE|access-date=September 25, 2018}}</ref> On the December 26 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Dillinger competed in a [[WWE tournaments#United States Championship Tournament (2017–2018)|United States Championship tournament]], after former champion [[Dolph Ziggler]] vacated the title the week before; [[Jinder Mahal]] defeated Dillinger in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/95295-wwe-smackdown-results-december-26-2017/|title=WWE Smackdown Results - 12/26/17 (WWE Championship, Royal Rumble hype)|first=Mike|last=Tedesco|date=December 26, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref>
==In wrestling==
[[File:ShawnSpearsFinisher cropped.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Spears performing a [[Professional wrestling throws#Death Valley driver|running Death Valley driver]]]]
[[File:Shawn Spears back suplex cropped.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Spears performing a [[Suplex#Belly-to-back suplex|belly to back suplex]] in December 2011]]
*'''Finishing moves'''
**''Perfect 10'' ([[Professional wrestling throws#Facebreaker|Single knee facebreaker]] to a kneeling opponent) – 2015
**''Tye Breaker'' ([[Neckbreaker#Fireman.27s carry neckbreaker|Fireman's carry neckbreaker]]) – 2015–present
*'''Signature moves'''
**[[Suplex#Belly-to-belly suplex|Belly to belly suplex]]<ref name=OWOW/>
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Frog splash|Frog splash]]<ref name=OWOW/>
**[[Neckbreaker#Shoulder neckbreaker|Hangman's neckbreaker]]<ref name=OWOW/>
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Lariat|Lariat]]<ref name=OWOW/>
**[[Powerbomb]]<ref name=OWOW/>
**[[Professional wrestling throws#Death Valley driver|Running Death Valley driver]]-used as a finisher from 2001-2015
**[[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)|Sharpshooter]]<ref name=OWOW/>
**[[Backbreaker#Pendulum backbreaker|Spinning backbreaker]]<ref name=OWOW/>
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Superkick|Superkick]]
**[[Suplex#Superplex|Superplex]]<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''[[Nickname]]s'''
**"The Canadian Bad Boy"<ref name=Cage>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=3190|title=Cagematch profile}}</ref>
**"The Canadian Sensation"<ref name=ACW>{{Cite web|url=http://acwunderground.com/news.html|title=American Combat Wrestling news}}</ref>
**'''"The Perfect 10"'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-nxt-house-show-results-5-29-15-citrus-springs-florida/|title=WWE NXT House Show Results 5.29.15 – Citrus Springs, Florida May 30, 2015 Posted by Jeffrey Harris }}</ref>
* '''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]'''
**"[[I Believe In A Thing Called Love]]" by [[The Darkness (band)|The Darkness]] ([[Ohio Valley Wrestling|OVW]]; 2006 - 2007)
**"20/20" (Instrumental Version) by Chris Goulstone ([[Florida Championship Wrestling|FCW]]/[[WWE]]; 2007 - 2009)
**"Hollow Tip in the Clip" by Rudiment The Producer ([[WWE NXT|NXT]]; 2014 - 2015; used while teaming with [[Jason Jordan]])
**"City Invasion" by Kosinus (NXT; 2015)
**'''"Ten"''' by [[CFO$]] (NXT/WWE; 2015–present)


At [[Royal Rumble (2018)|Royal Rumble]], Dillinger was to be the number 10 entrant in the Royal Rumble match but was attacked backstage by [[Kevin Owens]] and Sami Zayn, with Zayn taking his spot.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble 2018 live review: Men's and Women's Royal Rumble matches, Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman vs. Kane for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a handicap match for the WWE Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-2018-live-review-mens-womens-royal-rumble-matches-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-vs-kane-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-han/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 28, 2018|date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> At [[Fastlane (2018)|Fastlane]], Dillinger teamed with Breezango ([[Fandango (wrestler)|Fandango]] and [[Tyler Breeze]]), defeating the team of [[Chad Gable]], [[Shelton Benjamin]] and [[Mojo Rawley]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Breezango & Tye Dillinger def. Mojo Rawley, Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2018/six-man-tag-team-match-results|work=WWE|access-date=March 11, 2018}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 34]], Dillinger competed in the [[André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal]], where he was eliminated by [[Matt Hardy]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WrestleMania 34 Kickoff Show live review: WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal, Cedric Alexander vs. Mustfa Ali for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/08/powells-wrestlemania-34-kickoff-show-live-review-wrestlemania-womens-battle-royal-cedric-alexander-vs-mustfa-ali-for-the-wwe-cruiserweight-championship-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 8, 2018|date=April 8, 2018}}</ref> In his final pay-per-view appearance, Dillinger competed in the [[Greatest Royal Rumble]], where he entered at number 42, but was quickly eliminated by [[Braun Strowman]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Greatest Royal Rumble live review: 50-man Royal Rumble match, Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns in a cage match for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, John Cena vs. Triple H, Undertaker vs. Rusev in a casket match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/27/powells-wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-live-review-50-man-royal-rumble-match-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-in-a-cage-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-ww/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 27, 2018|date=April 27, 2018}}</ref> On the July 10 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Dillinger was scheduled to face [[Samoa Joe]], but Joe attacked him after the match. This led to the next week where Dillinger challenged Joe in a losing effort. At a WWE [[House show|live event]] on August 13, Dillinger was injured in a match with [[Shelton Benjamin]]. The referee called for the end of the match, giving Benjamin the win via [[Professional wrestling#Countout|count out]]. Dillinger was promptly escorted backstage by officials.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-tye-dillinger-possibly-injured-wwe-live-event|title=Tye Dillinger Suffers Possible Injury At Live Event|website=411mania|first=Joseph|last=Lee|date=August 13, 2018|access-date=September 9, 2018}}</ref> Dillinger returned on the September 25 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', challenging [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] for the WWE United States Championship; however, he was attacked during the match by [[Randy Orton]], in what was Dillinger's last televised match with the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/115123-september-25-denver-contract-signing-aj-styles-samoa-joe/|title=WWE Smackdown Results - 9/25/18 (Contract Signing, Nakamura vs. Dillinger)|website=WrestleView|first=Roy|last=Nemer|date=September 25, 2018|access-date=September 28, 2018}}</ref>
==Championships and accomplishments==

[[File:ShawnSpears.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Shawn Spears in December 2007]]
Dillinger suffered a hand injury in October 2018 which kept him out of action for several months. He returned to in-ring competition at a [[house show]] on February 9, 2019; however, he was still not used on television. On February 19, 2019, Dillinger announced in a [[Twitter]] statement that he had requested his release from WWE and was granted on February 22, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/tye-dillinger-requests-release-wwe-277431|title=Tye Dillinger requests release from WWE|date=February 19, 2019|website=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/tye-dillinger-released|title=Tye Dillinger released|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
*'''Adrenaline Live Wrestling'''

**ALW Georgian Bay Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
=== Return to independent circuit (2019) ===
After his release from WWE, Arneill reverted to using the ring name, Shawn Spears once again. On March 1, 2019, he announced on Twitter that he will be accepting bookings on the independent circuit starting May 31.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Perfec10n/status/1101514648346603520|title=Ok, under 2 weeks out and my excitement is already building. So, Let's get to work. NOW accepting bookings for shows after May. 31st, 2019 and available now for select signings and appearances. Email: SpearsBookings@gmail.com Thank you all and I look forward to this.|date=March 1, 2019|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> On the June 5 episode of Beyond Wrestling's weekly show, Spears debuted for the promotion defeating [[Orange Cassidy]] in the main event.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/beyond-wrestling-uncharted-territory-results-ep-10-shawn-spears-headlines-against-orange-cassidy |title = Beyond Wrestling - Uncharted Territory Results (Ep. 10): Shawn Spears Headlines Against Orange Cassidy &#124; Fightful Wrestling}}</ref>

===All Elite Wrestling (2019–2023)===

==== "The Chairman of AEW" (2019–2020) ====
Arneill, under his previous name of Shawn Spears, debuted for [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) at their inaugural pay-per-view event [[Double or Nothing (2019)|Double or Nothing]], competing in the pre-show [[Battle royal#Casino Battle Royale|Casino Battle Royale]] that [[Adam Page]] won.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 25, 2019 |title=AEW The Buy In pre-show results: Powell's live review of the Casino Battle Royale, Kip Sabian vs. Sammy Guevara |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/25/aew-the-buy-in-pre-show-results-powells-live-review-of-the-casino-battle-royale-kip-sabian-vs-sammy-guevara/ |access-date=May 25, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', Spears stated he would be appearing with the promotion going forward.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |date=May 21, 2019 |title=Shawn Spears Debuting for AEW Saturday at Double or Nothing |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/05/21/shawn-spears-tye-dillinger-aew-debut-double-or-nothing |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> AEW officially announced his signing on June 12.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shawn Spears (Tye Dillinger) Officially Signs With All Elite Wrestling &#124; Fightful Wrestling |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/shawn-spears-officially-signs-all-elite-wrestling |access-date=January 22, 2020 |website=www.fightful.com}}</ref> At [[Fyter Fest (2019)|Fyter Fest]] in June, Spears established himself as a heel after hitting [[Cody Rhodes|Cody]] with a steel chair shot to the top of the head.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 29, 2019 |title=6/29 AEW Fyter Fest results: Powell's live review of Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks vs. Pentagon Jr., Fenix, and Laredo Kid, Jon Moxley vs. Joey Janela in an unsanctioned match, Cody vs. Darby Allin, Cima vs. Christopher Daniels |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/29/6-29-aew-fyter-fest-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-and-the-young-bucks-vs-pentagon-jr-fenix-and-laredo-kid-jon-moxley-vs-joey-janela-in-an-unsanctioned-match-cody-vs-darby-allin/ |access-date=June 29, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Going forward he began calling himself "The Chairman of AEW". At [[All Out (2019)|All Out]] on August 31, Spears unsuccessfully faced Cody in a singles match.<ref name="All Out2">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 31, 2019 |title=AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of Chris Jericho vs. Hangman Page to become the first AEW Champion, Pentagon Jr. and Fenix vs. The Young Bucks in a ladder match for the AAA Tag Titles, Cody vs. Shawn Spears, Kenny Omega vs. Pac |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/31/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-chris-jericho-vs-hangman-page-to-become-the-first-aew-champion-pentagon-jr-and-fenix-vs-the-young-bucks-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-aaa-tag-titles-cody/ |access-date=August 31, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Leading to All Out, Spears aligned with [[Tully Blanchard]], who began acting as his manager.<ref>{{cite video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8sKy0veFfY |title=AEW - The Road to All Out - Episode 01 |date=July 17, 2019 |author=All Elite Wrestling |publisher=[[YouTube]] |author-link=All Elite Wrestling |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/C8sKy0veFfY |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Spears then started a feud with [[Joey Janela]], after Janela had disrespected Blanchard.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Full Gear Live On PPV November 9th, 2019 {{!}} AEW {{!}} Official Website |url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-full-gear |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014183400/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-full-gear |archive-date=October 14, 2019 |access-date=November 8, 2019 |website=All Elite Wrestling |language=en}}</ref> At [[AEW Full Gear|Full Gear]] on November 9, Spears defeated Janela.<ref name="Full Gear2">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 9, 2019 |title=AEW Full Gear results: Powell's live review of Chris Jericho vs. Cody for the AEW Championship, Kenny Omega vs. Jon Moxley, Hangman Page vs. Pac, Riho vs. Emi Sakura for the AEW Women's Championship, The Young Bucks vs. Santana and Ortiz |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/09/aew-full-gear-results-powells-live-review-of-chris-jericho-vs-cody-for-the-aew-championship-kenny-omega-vs-jon-moxley-hangman-page-vs-pac-riho-vs-emi-sakura-for-the-aew-womens-championship/ |access-date=November 9, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> In February 2020, Blanchard and Spears began a campaign to recruit a new tag team partner for Spears. However, the angle was soon dropped due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Shortly after, Spears was used primarily in a comedic role as he mocked [[Dustin Rhodes]] and the Rhodes family in a news report parody segment and challenged Dustin Rhodes to a match at [[Double or Nothing (2020)|Double or Nothing]]. At Double or Nothing, Spears had his clothes ripped off and was defeated by Dustin Rhodes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AEW Double or Nothing 2020 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2893131-aew-double-or-nothing-2020-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights |website=Wrestling Inc}}</ref>

On the June 3 episode of ''Dynamite'', Blanchard returned and berated Spears for making a joke out of himself at Double or Nothing. He then presented him with a black glove, similar to the one worn by [[Blackjack Mulligan]] and [[Ted DiBiase]], that can be illegally loaded with a metal slug.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 3, 2020 |title=AEW Dynamite Results: Cody Defends TNT Title, Hangman Page And Kenny Omega In Action, FTR |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/06/aew-dynamite-live-coverage-cody-defends-tnt-title-671025/ |website=Wrestling Inc}}</ref> Spears made his in-ring return on the June 16 edition of ''[[AEW Dark|Dark]]'' wearing the black glove, scoring a submission victory over Lee Johnson after applying the [[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)|Sharpshooter]] on Johnson.<ref>{{cite web |last=Huie |first=Jordan |date=June 16, 2020 |title=Shawn Spears def. Lee Johnson {{!}} AEW Dark Results (June 16, 2020) {{!}} All Elite Wrestling |url=https://theovertimer.com/2020/06/shawn-spears-def-lee-johnson-aew-dark-results-6-16-2020-all-elite-wrestling/ |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=TheOvertimer}}</ref> Over the months, Spears claimed victories over various competitors, then knocked them out with his loaded black glove. He later disposed of the glove after an interview with AEW commentator [[Tony Schiavone]]. In October, Spears began a short feud against [[Scorpio Sky]] after taunting him several times before his matches. On the November 11 episode of ''Dynamite'', Spears defeated Sky, ending their feud.

==== The Pinnacle, sporadic appearances and departure (2020–2023) ====
{{See also|The Pinnacle (professional wrestling)}}
After the December 23 episode of ''Dynamite'', Spears was absent from AEW television, but was present on the stage for the [[ten-bell salute]] during the [[Brodie Lee Celebration of Life]] on December 30. He made his return on March 3, reuniting with Blanchard and [[FTR (professional wrestling)|FTR]] by helping them defeat [[Luchasaurus|Jurassic Express]].<ref>{{cite news |date=March 4, 2021 |title=Shawn Spears regresa a AEW Dynamite |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/96566-shawn-spears-regresa-aew-dynamite |access-date=March 11, 2021 |work=Solowrestling |language=es}}</ref> On March 10, Spears, Blanchard and FTR joined a faction led by MJF,<ref>{{cite news |last=Defelice |first=Robert |date=March 10, 2021 |title=MJF Swerves The Inner Circle, Forms New Faction And Leaves Chris Jericho Bloodied |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mjf-swerves-inner-circle-forms-new-faction-and-leaves-chris-jericho-bloodied |accessdate=March 11, 2021 |publisher=Fightful.com}}</ref> later known as [[The Pinnacle (professional wrestling)|The Pinnacle]]. The Pinnacle began a feud with [[The Inner Circle (professional wrestling)|The Inner Circle]], defeating them in a [[Blood and Guts match]] at [[AEW Blood and Guts|Blood and Guts]] before losing in a [[Stadium Stampede match]] at [[Double or Nothing (2021)|Double or Nothing]]. In early 2022, the Pinnacle began to dissolve. Spears continued aligning himself with MJF in the latter's feud against Wardlow. Spears lost to Wardlow on the May 25 episode of ''Dynamite'' in a steel cage match, with MJF as special guest referee.

Spears returned on the October 12 episode of ''Dynamite'' in Toronto as a face, reverting to his "Perfect 10" gimmick from WWE. During the ''Zero Hour'' pre-show of [[All Out 2023]], he participated in the Over The Budget Battle Royal, but was eliminated by Aussie Open. On December 23, Spears announced his departure from AEW, becoming a free agent on January 1, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 28, 2023 |title=Shawn Spears Announces Departure From AEW |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/wrestling/news/1462724-shawn-spears-announces-departure-from-aew |access-date=December 29, 2023 |publisher=Coming Soon.net |language=EN}}</ref>

===Second return to WWE (2024–present)===
At [[NXT Vengeance Day (2024)|NXT Vengeance Day]] on February 4, 2024, a mysterious vignette was played. Arneill made his return to WWE in the February 27 episode of ''NXT'', attacking [[Ridge Holland]] with a steel chair. Instead of returning as Tye Dillinger, he kept the Shawn Spears name as well as his "Chairman" gimmick from AEW.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/shawn-spears-returns-wwe-attacks-ridge-holland-steel-chair-227-wwe-nxt|title=Shawn Spears Returns To WWE, Attacks Ridge Holland With Steel Chair On 2/27 WWE NXT|date=February 27, 2024|last=Defelice|first=Robert|work=Fightful|access-date=February 27, 2024}}</ref> Spears defeated [[Brogan Finlay|Uriah Connors]] on March 5 at [[NXT Roadblock (2024)|''NXT'': Roadblock]]. After the match, Spears cut a promo on Holland, leading to Spears getting attacked by Holland.<ref name="Roadblock2024">{{cite news|last=Moore|first=John|title=NXT TV results (3/5): Moore’s review of NXT Roadblock with Carmelo Hayes vs. Tony D’Angelo for a shot at the NXT Title, Kabuki Warriors vs. Lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley for the WWE Women’s Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/05/nxt-tv-results-3-5-moores-review-of-nxt-roadblock-with-carmelo-hayes-vs-tony-dangelo-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-title-kabuki-warriors-vs-lyra-valkyria-and-tatum-paxley-for-the-wwe-womens-tag-ti/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 5, 2024|access-date=March 5, 2024}}</ref> On the June 25 episode of ''NXT'', Spears defeated [[NXT Championship|NXT Champion]] [[Trick Williams]] in a non-title match. NXT General Manager [[Ava (wrestler)|Ava]] then announced that Spears, along with [[Je'Von Evans]] (who had won a 25-man battle royal for a title shot) and [[Ethan Page]] (who later defeated Evans), will face Williams for the NXT Championship in a [[fatal four-way match]] at [[NXT Heatwave (2024)|NXT Heatwave]].<ref name="NXT06252024">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/25/nxt-tv-results-6-25-moores-review-of-tag-team-turmoil-for-a-shot-at-the-nxt-tag-titles-nxt-champion-trick-williams-vs-shawn-spears-in-a-non-title-match-tony-dangelo-vs-nathan-frazer-for-the/|title=NXT TV results (6/25): Moore's review of Tag Team Turmoil for a shot at the NXT Tag Titles, NXT Champion Trick Williams vs. Shawn Spears in a non-title match, Tony D'Angelo vs. Nathan Frazer for the NXT Heritage Cup|date=June 25, 2024|last=Moore|first=John|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=June 26, 2024}}</ref> At the event on July 7, Spears failed to capture the NXT Championship, which was won by Page.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 7, 2024 |title=NXT Heatwave results: Moore's live review of Trick Williams vs. Ethan Page vs. Je'Von Evans vs. Shawn Spears for the NXT Championship, Roxanne Perez vs. Lola Vice for the NXT Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/07/07/nxt-heatwave-results-moores-live-review-of-trick-williams-vs-ethan-page-vs-jevon-evans-vs-shawn-spears-for-the-nxt-championship-roxanne-perez-vs-lola-vice-for-the-nxt-womens-championship/ |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=}}</ref>

On the July 23 episode of ''NXT'', Spears interfered in the No Disqualification match between [[Brooks Jensen]] and [[Josh Briggs]] where he helped Jensen to win.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 23, 2024 |title=WWE NXT results, July 23, 2024: The Rascalz score another major Six-Man Tag Team Match victory |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2024-07-23 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |website=[[WWE]] |language=}}</ref> On the August 13 episode of ''NXT'', Jensen acknowledged Spears as his mentor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=August 13, 2024 |title=NXT TV results (8/13): Moore's review of Nathan Frazer and Axiom vs. Andre Chase and Ridge Holland for the NXT Tag Titles, Oba Femi's open challenge for the NXT North American Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/13/nxt-tv-results-8-13-moores-review-of-nathan-frazer-and-axiom-vs-andre-chase-and-ridge-holland-for-the-nxt-tag-titles-oba-femis-open-challenge-for-the-nxt-north-american-championship/ |access-date=August 16, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=}}</ref>

==Other media==
Arneill, as Tye Dillinger, appears in the video games ''[[WWE 2K17]]'' (as [[downloadable content]]), ''[[WWE 2K18]]'' and ''[[WWE 2K19]]'' as a playable character.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wwe-2k17-all-the-dlc-revealed/1100-6443828/|title=WWE 2K17: All the DLC Revealed|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=September 22, 2016|access-date=September 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k18-roster/|title=WWE 2K18: all 187 confirmed wrestlers profiled, including DLC (Hardy Boyz, Elias and more)|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|date=September 28, 2017|access-date=September 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/wwe-2k19-roster-confirmed-all-200-superstars-and-w/2900-2163/|title=WWE 2K19 Roster Confirmed: All 200+ Superstars & Wrestlers, including DLC|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=September 29, 2018}}</ref>

==Personal life==
In August 2019, Arneill married Australian professional wrestler [[Cassandra McIntosh]], best known by her ring name Cassie Lee in Impact Wrestling and as Peyton Royce in WWE.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DeAnge |first1=Dominic |title=Shawn Spears Details His WWE Release & Support From Peyton Royce |url=https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1102371-shawn-spears-wwe-release-aew |access-date=July 5, 2019 |work=Wrestlezone |date=June 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Peyton Royce gets married |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/peyton-royce-gets-married |website=WWE |access-date=August 26, 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |title=WWE, AEW STARS GET MARRIED {{!}} PWInsider.com |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/129062/wwe-aew-stars-get-married.html?p=1 |access-date=August 26, 2019 |work=www.pwinsider.com |date=August 26, 2019}}</ref>

It was announced on August 3, 2022, that he and McIntosh were expecting their first child together.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dosdossolodos.com/2022/08/03/cassie-lee-y-shawn-spears-seran-padres/|title=Cassie Lee y Shawn Spears serán padres y se llenan de felicitaciones|publisher= dosdossolodos.com|language= ES|date= August 3, 2022|access-date= August 3, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHVwrMe0Odk&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling|title=Exclusive: An Emotional Shawn Spears on Where He's Been & His Future - AEW Rampage, 10/14/22 - YouTube|date=October 15, 2022|author=All Elite Wrestling|author-link=All Elite Wrestling|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=October 18, 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On January 17, 2023, they welcomed their son Austin Jay Arneill.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/01/19/cassie-lee-shawn-spears-welcome-their-child-into-the-world/|title=Cassie Lee & Shawn Spears welcome their child into the world|publisher= Postwrestling.com|language=EN|date=January 19, 2023|access-date=January 19, 2023}}</ref> On December 24, 2023, he and McIntosh announced they are expecting their second child, also a boy, Harley Dean Arneill who was born on June 21, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/cassie-lee-shawn-spears-expecting-their-second-child-in-2024#:~:text=Pro%20Wrestling%20couple%20Cassie%20Lee,in%20January%20of%20this%20year.|title=Cassie Lee & Shawn Spears Expecting Their Second Child in 2024|publisher=Sescoops.com|language=EN|date=December 25, 2023|access-date=December 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C8kpRIhPeu-|title=Harley Dean, you complete us 🩵6.21.24|author=Cassie Lee|date=June 23, 2024|access-date=June 24, 2024|website=Instagram}}</ref>

Arneill along with fellow wrestler and compatriot [[Tyler Breeze|Mattias Clement]] (better known as Tyler Breeze) run a wrestling school in [[Apopka, Florida]], called Flatbacks Wrestling.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=126481|title=TYLER BREEZE, TYE DILLINGER OPENING WRESTLING SCHOOL - PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref>

== Championship and accomplishments ==
*'''American Combat Wrestling'''
*'''American Combat Wrestling'''
**ACW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=ACW>{{Cite web|url=http://acwunderground.com/news.html|title=American Combat Wrestling news|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818081115/http://acwunderground.com/news.html|archive-date=August 18, 2009}}</ref>
**ACW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=ACW/>
**King Of Florida (2010)
*'''Canadian Independent Wrestling Alliance'''
*'''[[Deadlock Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**CIWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
**DPW Awards (1 time)
***Match of the Year (2023) {{small|vs. Chris Danger at World's Strongest}}
*'''[[Florida Championship Wrestling]]'''
*'''[[Florida Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[FCW Florida Tag Team Championship]] ([[FCW Florida Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Dolph Ziggler|Nic Nemeth]]<ref name="FCWchampionships"/>
**[[FCW Florida Tag Team Championship]] ([[FCW Florida Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Dolph Ziggler|Nic Nemeth]]<ref name="FCWchampionships"/>
*'''Florida Underground Wrestling'''
*'''Florida Underground Wrestling'''
**FUW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kenny Kendrick<ref name="cagematch.net">http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=65839</ref>
**FUW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kenny Kendrick<ref name="cagematch.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=65839|title=FUW « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=August 24, 2017}}</ref>
*'''Ground Breaking Pro Wrestling'''
*'''Ground Breaking Pro Wrestling'''
**GBPW Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gbpwrestling.com/|title=Ground Breaking Pro Wrestling history page}}</ref>
**GBPW Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gbpwrestling.com/|title=Ground Breaking Pro Wrestling history page|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912190424/http://gbpwrestling.com/|archive-date=September 12, 2010}}</ref>
*'''Great Lakes Championship Wrestling'''
*'''Great Lakes Championship Wrestling'''
**GLCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |title=GLCW Heavyweight Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=5374 |website=www.cagematch.net |access-date=February 28, 2024}}</ref>
**GLCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Flexx Falcone<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''Neo Spirit Pro Wrestling'''
*'''NEO Pro Wrestling'''
**NSPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with J.T. Playa<ref name=OWOW/>
**NEO Grand Independent Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/GoNeoPro/status/1660424418231721984}}</ref>
*'''[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]'''
*'''[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]'''
**[[OVW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[OVW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shawn |first1=Spears |title=AEW Unrestricted Podcast |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyjPPFiaLrI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/hyjPPFiaLrI |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|publisher=TNT}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
**[[OVW Television Championship]] ([[OVW Television Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=OVWtitles/>
**[[OVW Television Championship]] ([[OVW Television Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=OVWtitles/>
**[[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Cody Rhodes|Cody Runnels]] (2) and [[Colt Cabana]] (1)<ref name=OVWtitles>{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles|title=OVW championship histories}}</ref>
**[[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Cody Rhodes|Cody Runnels]] (2) and [[Colt Cabana]] (1)<ref name=OVWtitles>{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles|title=OVW championship histories|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles|archive-date=April 5, 2011}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
*'''[[Prairie Wrestling Alliance]]'''
**PWA Commonwealth Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |title=PWA Commonwealth Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=2643 |website=www.cagematch.net |access-date=September 27, 2019}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him #'''180''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2012.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2012|accessdate=2012-08-25|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 114 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2017.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2017|access-date=August 31, 2017|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''Pure Wrestling Association'''
*'''Pure Wrestling Association'''
**PWA Pure Wrestling Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
**PWA Pure Wrestling Championship (1 time)
*'''Tri-City Wrestling'''
*'''Tri-City Wrestling'''
**TCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="cagematch.net"/>
**TCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="cagematch.net"/>
*'''[[World Series Wrestling]]
**[[WSW World Heavyweight Championship (title)|WSW World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WSW World Heavyweight Championship (title)#Reigns|1 time]])<ref name="WSW">{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wsw-full-throttle-results-106-shawn-spears-faces-matt-cardona-cassie-lee-returns-ring|title=WSW Full Throttle Results (10/6): Shawn Spears Faces Matt Cardona, Cassie Lee Returns To The Ring|work=Fightful|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|date=8 October 2023|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008155607/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wsw-full-throttle-results-106-shawn-spears-faces-matt-cardona-cassie-lee-returns-ring|archive-date=8 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''[[World Wrestling Council]]'''
*'''[[World Wrestling Council]]'''
**[[WWC World Tag Team Championship]] ([[WWC World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Damien Sandow|Idol Stevens]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/pr/wwc/wwc-t.html|title=WWC World Tag Team Championship history}}</ref>
**[[WWC World Tag Team Championship]] ([[WWC World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Damien Sandow|Idol Stevens]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/pr/wwc/wwc-t.html|title=WWC World Tag Team Title (Puerto Rico)|website=Wrestling-Titles.com|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Portal|Professional wrestling}}
* {{Official website|https://www.flatbackswrestlingschool.com/|Flatbacks Wrestling School}}
{{Commons category|Shawn Spears}}
* {{Twitch|thesweetzlive|The Sweetz}}
*[http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shawn-spears.html Online World of Wrestling profile]
* {{IMDb name|name=Ronnie Arneill}}
* {{WWE superstars}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles|wrestlingdata=1607|iwd=shawn-spears-3238}}


{{WWE personnel}}
{{OVW Television Championship}}
{{FCW Florida Tag Team Championship}}
{{FCW Florida Tag Team Championship}}
{{OVW Television Championship}}
{{OVW Tag Team Championship}}
{{WWC World Tag Team Championship}}
{{WWE personnel}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Dillinger, Tye}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Spears, Shawn}}
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:Canadian expatriate professional wrestling people in the United States]]
[[Category:Canadian expatriate professional wrestlers in the United States]]
[[Category:Canadian male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Canadian male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Ontario]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Ontario]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from St. Catharines]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling trainers]]
[[Category:People from St. Catharines]]
[[Category:Canadian Twitch (service) streamers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:FCW Florida Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:OVW Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:OVW Television Champions]]
[[Category:WWC World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 23:47, 26 October 2024

Shawn Spears
Spears in July 2019
Birth nameRonnie William Arneill
Born (1981-02-19) February 19, 1981 (age 43)
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Spouse(s)
(m. 2019)
Children2
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Gavin Spears[1]
Shawn Spears
Stan
Tye Dillinger[2]
Billed height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[2]
Billed weight223 lb (101 kg)[2]
Billed fromNiagara Falls, Ontario, Canada[2]
Trained byCody Deaner[1]
Derek Wylde[1]
Eric Young[1]
DebutMarch 2002[3]

Ronnie William Arneill[1] (born February 19, 1981) is a Canadian professional wrestler and trainer. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the NXT brand under the ring name Shawn Spears. He previously performed in WWE from 2013 to 2019 under the name Tye Dillinger. He is also known for his time in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) from 2019 to 2023.

Having begun his career on the independent circuit in 2002 as Shawn Spears, Arneill initially joined WWE in 2006 and worked for the company between 2006 and 2009, performing in the developmental territories Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) and Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) as well as briefly on the main roster brand ECW under the slightly modified ring name Gavin Spears. After being released from WWE in 2009, he returned to the independent scene, before rejoining WWE in 2013 where he was assigned to NXT under the new gimmick of Tye Dillinger. After a rise in popularity, he was promoted to the main roster in April 2017, working on the SmackDown brand until his second release from the company in February 2019.

Shortly after leaving WWE, he signed with the newly founded AEW in May 2019, reverting to his Shawn Spears name. After his AEW contract expired at the end of 2023, Arneill rejoined WWE in February 2024 and was assigned once more to the NXT brand, retaining the Shawn Spears character.

Early life

[edit]

Born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Arneill attended Laura Secord Secondary School.[4] He played hockey for over ten years until he decided to leave the sport and enter professional wrestling.[5] During his childhood, he was a fan of Rick Rude, Rick Martel, and Mr. Perfect.[1]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career (2002–2006)

[edit]

Arneill trained at the Hart Wrestling School in Cambridge Ontario with Smith Hart, Ike Shaw and Waldo Von Erich and then with Eric Young at the WrestlePlex school before receiving further training from Derek Wylde and Cody Deaner.[1] Upon wrestling his debut match in March 2002 as Shawn Spears, he began wrestling for some of the biggest independent wrestling promotions throughout Ontario and the United States, including Border City Wrestling, World Xtreme Wrestling, and Blood Sweat and Ears. On February 27, 2005, Arneill made an appearance on an edition of WWE Heat, unsuccessfully teaming with Mikael Yamaha to face The Hurricane and Rosey.[6]

World Wrestling Entertainment (2006–2009)

[edit]

After sending a tape to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) officials, Arneill was called for a try-out in Buffalo, New York.[1] He was signed to a developmental contract by WWE following the tryout, on January 21, 2006.[1]

Spears with the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship in December 2007

After signing his WWE contract, Arneill was assigned to the company's developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). He made his OVW television debut as "The Canadian Sensation" Shawn Spears, where he defeated then-SmackDown! superstar Simon Dean. After his victory, Dean attacked Spears until Spears was saved by Al Snow, who fended off Dean with a chair. After his debut, Spears quickly made an impact in OVW with a short undefeated streak that was soon ended by Aaron "The Idol" Stevens when Stevens made Spears submit. After this, Spears formed a tag team with Cody Runnels and they feuded with The Throwbacks for the Southern Tag Team Championship. On November 5, 2006, Spears appeared at Cyber Sunday as a backstage producer named Stan; in a comedic segment between Triple H and Shawn Michaels, who superkicked him while discussing "controversy" with Triple H, before proceeding to superkick several more staff members, much to Triple H's amusement.[7] On December 15, 2006, Spears and Runnels won the title from The Throwbacks.

On March 17, 2007, Spears won the OVW Television Championship from Boris Alexiev, his first singles title in OVW. Soon after winning the title, he became more focused on championships and even began trying to steal Runnels' OVW Heavyweight Championship opportunity. During Runnels' OVW Heavyweight Championship match, Spears interfered and performed a piledriver to Runnels, preventing him from winning the OVW Heavyweight Championship and thus solidifying his heel turn. Spears then began feuding with Runnels and eventually lost the OVW Television Championship to him on July 6, 2007 before winning it back one week later. He once again lost the title on September 19 to the debuting Ted "Manbeast" McNailer. Spears later regained the OVW Television Championship only to lose it to Colt Cabana. Spears then began feuding with Cabana and the pair went on to win the vacant OVW Southern Tag Team Championship with on November 7 after defeating Paul Burchill and Stu Sanders. On December 19, Cabana and Spears' feud culminated in a ladder match in which the winner would claim the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship for themselves and choose a new partner. Spears lost to Cabana, who then chose Charles "The Hammer" Evans as his new tag team partner.

After OVW split with WWE, Spears debuted in WWE's new development territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), and teamed up with Nic Nemeth to defeat The Puerto Rican Nightmares for the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship on August 17.[8] Nearly a month later, Nemeth and Spears lost the title to Joe Hennig and Heath Miller on September 11.[8]

On the August 19 episode of ECW, Spears made his WWE television debut as a heel under the name Gavin Spears as part of Theodore Long's "New Superstar Initiative" in a losing effort to Ricky Ortiz.[9] After his ECW debut, Spears began splitting time between ECW and FCW. On the September 2 edition of ECW, Spears was defeated by Super Crazy.[10] After a three-month absence due to competing in FCW, Spears returned to television on the December 16 episode of ECW, where he lost to Finlay in what turned out to be his final match for the company.[11] On January 9, 2009, Arneill was released from his contract.[12]

Independent circuit (2009–2013)

[edit]
Spears in 2011

The day before he had been released from WWE, Arneill had broken his hand, and was unable to wrestle for 12 weeks following his release as a result.[1] On May 27, 2009, Spears wrestled and lost to fellow WWE alumnus Elijah Burke in a tryout dark match for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling at their Impact! television tapings.[13] On June 12, Spears made an appearance for Ring of Honor (ROH), where he defeated Alex Payne.[14]

On May 16, 2010, Arneill, under his Gavin Spears ring name, teamed up with El Hijo de L.A. Park in a losing effort to Dr. Wagner III and Gigante Extassis on an Extreme Air Wrestle show in Mexico, marking his first tour of Mexico.[15] On May 28 and 29, Arneill made appearances at the 2010 Anime North convention.[16]

On August 15, he teamed up with Idol Stevens to capture the WWC World Tag Team Championship after defeating Thunder and Lightning. On October 31, Spears and Stevens lost the World Tag Team Title back to Thunder and Lightning.

Return to WWE (2013–2019)

[edit]

NXT (2013–2017)

[edit]

On September 15, 2013, it was reported that Spears had re-signed with WWE, and he was assigned to WWE's developmental territory NXT under the ring name Tye Dillinger.[17] He made his televised NXT debut in a losing effort against Mojo Rawley.[18] In early 2014, Dillinger formed a tag team with Jason Jordan, with the two described as a pair of blue chip athletes. The team of Dillinger and Jordan got their first televised win on the April 17 episode of NXT, defeating Baron Corbin and Sawyer Fulton. On the June 5 episode of NXT, Dillinger and Jordan defeated local competitors. On the August 7 episode of NXT, Dillinger and Jordan lost in the first round of a NXT Tag Team Championship tournament to Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady. Dillinger and Jordan then appeared infrequently together, with Dillinger mostly being used as enhancement talent. On the February 25, 2015 episode of NXT, Dillinger's partnership with Jordan officially ended when Jordan, unhappy with his partner not initially tagging him in, jumped off the apron and walked out on Dillinger just as he went to make the tag.[19] After the match, an enraged Dillinger called out his old partner but instead was met with a quick loss to Baron Corbin.[19]

On the August 12 episode of NXT, Dillinger debuted a new gimmick as the "Perfect 10" and defeated Solomon Crowe. He faced the debuting Apollo Crews at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn and another debuting Andrade "Cien" Almas at NXT TakeOver: The End, but he lost both matches.[20] On the September 28, 2016 episode of NXT, Dillinger was approached by Bobby Roode, who proposed the two team up for the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, which Dillinger accepted. On the October 12 episode of NXT, Roode walked out on Dillinger during a tag team match against SAnitY (Alexander Wolfe and Sawyer Fulton), resulting in the team losing in the first round. The following week on NXT, Dillinger called out Roode for a match at NXT TakeOver: Toronto, thus turning face in the process. At the event, Dillinger lost to Roode.

On the December 14 episode of NXT, Dillinger defeated Eric Young by disqualification in a number one contender's Fatal 4-Way qualifying match. At NXT TakeOver: San Antonio, Dillinger was defeated by Young following a distraction from Alexander Wolfe and Killian Dain. At NXT TakeOver: Orlando, Dillinger teamed up with Roderick Strong, Kassius Ohno and Ruby Riot to take on SAnitY in an 8-person mixed tag team match in a losing effort. Dillinger made his last NXT appearance on the April 5 tapings, closing out the event by winning a Steel Cage match against Eric Young.

SmackDown (2017–2019)

[edit]

On January 29, 2017, at Royal Rumble, Dillinger was a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble match, entering at number 10 but was eliminated by Braun Strowman.[21] On the April 4 episode of SmackDown Live, Dillinger made his main roster debut, defeating Curt Hawkins.[22] Dillinger entered a short feud with Aiden English, defeating him on various episodes of SmackDown Live, leading to a match at Backlash, where Dillinger once again defeated English to end their feud.[23]

On the July 4 episode of SmackDown Live, Dillinger competed in an Independence Day Battle Royal to determine the number one contender to the United States Championship, lasting until the final three before being eliminated by Sami Zayn.[24] At Battleground, Dillinger briefly reignited his feud with English, with Dillinger facing him in a losing effort.[25] On the August 29 episode of SmackDown Live, Dillinger confronted and brawled with Baron Corbin, who was about to answer an open challenge set by AJ Styles for the United States Championship. After Dillinger fought off Corbin, he took on Styles' challenge in a losing effort.[26] On the September 12 episode of SmackDown Live, Dillinger received another shot at the title against Styles, once again in a losing effort.[27] After trading victories with Corbin on various episodes of SmackDown Live, both Dillinger and Corbin challenged Styles for the United States Championship at Hell in a Cell in a triple threat match, in which Corbin won the title.[28] On the December 26 episode of SmackDown Live, Dillinger competed in a United States Championship tournament, after former champion Dolph Ziggler vacated the title the week before; Jinder Mahal defeated Dillinger in the first round.[29]

At Royal Rumble, Dillinger was to be the number 10 entrant in the Royal Rumble match but was attacked backstage by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, with Zayn taking his spot.[30] At Fastlane, Dillinger teamed with Breezango (Fandango and Tyler Breeze), defeating the team of Chad Gable, Shelton Benjamin and Mojo Rawley.[31] At WrestleMania 34, Dillinger competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, where he was eliminated by Matt Hardy.[32] In his final pay-per-view appearance, Dillinger competed in the Greatest Royal Rumble, where he entered at number 42, but was quickly eliminated by Braun Strowman.[33] On the July 10 episode of SmackDown Live, Dillinger was scheduled to face Samoa Joe, but Joe attacked him after the match. This led to the next week where Dillinger challenged Joe in a losing effort. At a WWE live event on August 13, Dillinger was injured in a match with Shelton Benjamin. The referee called for the end of the match, giving Benjamin the win via count out. Dillinger was promptly escorted backstage by officials.[34] Dillinger returned on the September 25 episode of SmackDown Live, challenging Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE United States Championship; however, he was attacked during the match by Randy Orton, in what was Dillinger's last televised match with the company.[35]

Dillinger suffered a hand injury in October 2018 which kept him out of action for several months. He returned to in-ring competition at a house show on February 9, 2019; however, he was still not used on television. On February 19, 2019, Dillinger announced in a Twitter statement that he had requested his release from WWE and was granted on February 22, 2019.[36][37]

Return to independent circuit (2019)

[edit]

After his release from WWE, Arneill reverted to using the ring name, Shawn Spears once again. On March 1, 2019, he announced on Twitter that he will be accepting bookings on the independent circuit starting May 31.[38] On the June 5 episode of Beyond Wrestling's weekly show, Spears debuted for the promotion defeating Orange Cassidy in the main event.[39]

All Elite Wrestling (2019–2023)

[edit]

"The Chairman of AEW" (2019–2020)

[edit]

Arneill, under his previous name of Shawn Spears, debuted for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at their inaugural pay-per-view event Double or Nothing, competing in the pre-show Casino Battle Royale that Adam Page won.[40] In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Spears stated he would be appearing with the promotion going forward.[41] AEW officially announced his signing on June 12.[42] At Fyter Fest in June, Spears established himself as a heel after hitting Cody with a steel chair shot to the top of the head.[43] Going forward he began calling himself "The Chairman of AEW". At All Out on August 31, Spears unsuccessfully faced Cody in a singles match.[44] Leading to All Out, Spears aligned with Tully Blanchard, who began acting as his manager.[45] Spears then started a feud with Joey Janela, after Janela had disrespected Blanchard.[46] At Full Gear on November 9, Spears defeated Janela.[47] In February 2020, Blanchard and Spears began a campaign to recruit a new tag team partner for Spears. However, the angle was soon dropped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after, Spears was used primarily in a comedic role as he mocked Dustin Rhodes and the Rhodes family in a news report parody segment and challenged Dustin Rhodes to a match at Double or Nothing. At Double or Nothing, Spears had his clothes ripped off and was defeated by Dustin Rhodes.[48]

On the June 3 episode of Dynamite, Blanchard returned and berated Spears for making a joke out of himself at Double or Nothing. He then presented him with a black glove, similar to the one worn by Blackjack Mulligan and Ted DiBiase, that can be illegally loaded with a metal slug.[49] Spears made his in-ring return on the June 16 edition of Dark wearing the black glove, scoring a submission victory over Lee Johnson after applying the Sharpshooter on Johnson.[50] Over the months, Spears claimed victories over various competitors, then knocked them out with his loaded black glove. He later disposed of the glove after an interview with AEW commentator Tony Schiavone. In October, Spears began a short feud against Scorpio Sky after taunting him several times before his matches. On the November 11 episode of Dynamite, Spears defeated Sky, ending their feud.

The Pinnacle, sporadic appearances and departure (2020–2023)

[edit]

After the December 23 episode of Dynamite, Spears was absent from AEW television, but was present on the stage for the ten-bell salute during the Brodie Lee Celebration of Life on December 30. He made his return on March 3, reuniting with Blanchard and FTR by helping them defeat Jurassic Express.[51] On March 10, Spears, Blanchard and FTR joined a faction led by MJF,[52] later known as The Pinnacle. The Pinnacle began a feud with The Inner Circle, defeating them in a Blood and Guts match at Blood and Guts before losing in a Stadium Stampede match at Double or Nothing. In early 2022, the Pinnacle began to dissolve. Spears continued aligning himself with MJF in the latter's feud against Wardlow. Spears lost to Wardlow on the May 25 episode of Dynamite in a steel cage match, with MJF as special guest referee.

Spears returned on the October 12 episode of Dynamite in Toronto as a face, reverting to his "Perfect 10" gimmick from WWE. During the Zero Hour pre-show of All Out 2023, he participated in the Over The Budget Battle Royal, but was eliminated by Aussie Open. On December 23, Spears announced his departure from AEW, becoming a free agent on January 1, 2024.[53]

Second return to WWE (2024–present)

[edit]

At NXT Vengeance Day on February 4, 2024, a mysterious vignette was played. Arneill made his return to WWE in the February 27 episode of NXT, attacking Ridge Holland with a steel chair. Instead of returning as Tye Dillinger, he kept the Shawn Spears name as well as his "Chairman" gimmick from AEW.[54] Spears defeated Uriah Connors on March 5 at NXT: Roadblock. After the match, Spears cut a promo on Holland, leading to Spears getting attacked by Holland.[55] On the June 25 episode of NXT, Spears defeated NXT Champion Trick Williams in a non-title match. NXT General Manager Ava then announced that Spears, along with Je'Von Evans (who had won a 25-man battle royal for a title shot) and Ethan Page (who later defeated Evans), will face Williams for the NXT Championship in a fatal four-way match at NXT Heatwave.[56] At the event on July 7, Spears failed to capture the NXT Championship, which was won by Page.[57]

On the July 23 episode of NXT, Spears interfered in the No Disqualification match between Brooks Jensen and Josh Briggs where he helped Jensen to win.[58] On the August 13 episode of NXT, Jensen acknowledged Spears as his mentor.[59]

Other media

[edit]

Arneill, as Tye Dillinger, appears in the video games WWE 2K17 (as downloadable content), WWE 2K18 and WWE 2K19 as a playable character.[60][61][62]

Personal life

[edit]

In August 2019, Arneill married Australian professional wrestler Cassandra McIntosh, best known by her ring name Cassie Lee in Impact Wrestling and as Peyton Royce in WWE.[63][64][65]

It was announced on August 3, 2022, that he and McIntosh were expecting their first child together.[66][67] On January 17, 2023, they welcomed their son Austin Jay Arneill.[68] On December 24, 2023, he and McIntosh announced they are expecting their second child, also a boy, Harley Dean Arneill who was born on June 21, 2024.[69][70]

Arneill along with fellow wrestler and compatriot Mattias Clement (better known as Tyler Breeze) run a wrestling school in Apopka, Florida, called Flatbacks Wrestling.[71]

Championship and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kapur, Bob (November 3, 2010). "Spears not bitter about years in WWE developmental, brief TV time". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d "Tye Dillinger bio". WWE. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  3. ^ "Shawn Spears « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  4. ^ "Wrestler set to return home for match in Merritton". niagarathisweek.com. September 20, 2012. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
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  17. ^ Meltzer, Dave (September 15, 2013). "SUN UPDATE: Night of Champions preview, Mayweather fallout, surprising challenge, WSOF fight canceled last minute, Riddick Bowe pro wrestling debut and rips Konnan, Watson off UFC in UK, Big Total Divas episode, WWE name birthday". f4wonline.com. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
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  30. ^ Powell, Jason (January 28, 2018). "WWE Royal Rumble 2018 live review: Men's and Women's Royal Rumble matches, Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman vs. Kane for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a handicap match for the WWE Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  31. ^ Benigno, Anthony. "Breezango & Tye Dillinger def. Mojo Rawley, Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin". WWE. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
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  33. ^ Powell, Jason (April 27, 2018). "Powell's WWE Greatest Royal Rumble live review: 50-man Royal Rumble match, Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns in a cage match for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, John Cena vs. Triple H, Undertaker vs. Rusev in a casket match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  34. ^ Lee, Joseph (August 13, 2018). "Tye Dillinger Suffers Possible Injury At Live Event". 411mania. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  35. ^ Nemer, Roy (September 25, 2018). "WWE Smackdown Results - 9/25/18 (Contract Signing, Nakamura vs. Dillinger)". WrestleView. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  36. ^ "Tye Dillinger requests release from WWE". WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results. February 19, 2019. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  37. ^ "Tye Dillinger released". WWE.
  38. ^ "Ok, under 2 weeks out and my excitement is already building. So, Let's get to work. NOW accepting bookings for shows after May. 31st, 2019 and available now for select signings and appearances. Email: SpearsBookings@gmail.com Thank you all and I look forward to this". March 1, 2019. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  39. ^ "Beyond Wrestling - Uncharted Territory Results (Ep. 10): Shawn Spears Headlines Against Orange Cassidy | Fightful Wrestling".
  40. ^ Powell, Jason (May 25, 2019). "AEW The Buy In pre-show results: Powell's live review of the Casino Battle Royale, Kip Sabian vs. Sammy Guevara". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
  41. ^ Barrasso, Justin (May 21, 2019). "Shawn Spears Debuting for AEW Saturday at Double or Nothing". Sports Illustrated.
  42. ^ "Shawn Spears (Tye Dillinger) Officially Signs With All Elite Wrestling | Fightful Wrestling". www.fightful.com. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  43. ^ Powell, Jason (June 29, 2019). "6/29 AEW Fyter Fest results: Powell's live review of Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks vs. Pentagon Jr., Fenix, and Laredo Kid, Jon Moxley vs. Joey Janela in an unsanctioned match, Cody vs. Darby Allin, Cima vs. Christopher Daniels". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  44. ^ Powell, Jason (August 31, 2019). "AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of Chris Jericho vs. Hangman Page to become the first AEW Champion, Pentagon Jr. and Fenix vs. The Young Bucks in a ladder match for the AAA Tag Titles, Cody vs. Shawn Spears, Kenny Omega vs. Pac". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
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  48. ^ "AEW Double or Nothing 2020 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights". Wrestling Inc.
  49. ^ "AEW Dynamite Results: Cody Defends TNT Title, Hangman Page And Kenny Omega In Action, FTR". Wrestling Inc. June 3, 2020.
  50. ^ Huie, Jordan (June 16, 2020). "Shawn Spears def. Lee Johnson | AEW Dark Results (June 16, 2020) | All Elite Wrestling". TheOvertimer. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  51. ^ "Shawn Spears regresa a AEW Dynamite". Solowrestling (in Spanish). March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  52. ^ Defelice, Robert (March 10, 2021). "MJF Swerves The Inner Circle, Forms New Faction And Leaves Chris Jericho Bloodied". Fightful.com. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  53. ^ "Shawn Spears Announces Departure From AEW". Coming Soon.net. December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
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