Shawn Spears is thankful for CM Punk, Cody Rhodes and others who got him a second chance in WWE’s developmental system.
Speaking on a recent edition of Cody Deaner’s “Wrestling Is, Life Is Wrestling” podcast, the AEW wrestler commented on forming connections during his first developmental run and how they helped him land future opportunities. He said,
“That’s where the professionalism aspect of what we do really really comes into play. So, I made good friends with Cody [Rhodes] who’s one of my closest friends to this day… I met guys like [CM] Punk there… [and] Joey Mercury. The reason why I bring those guys up is because in my quest to get back [to the WWE] in those 4 and a half years [after I was released the first time] I still kept in contact with the Codys and the Punks and the Mercurys… just checking in. An opportunity came up to for another tryout and the only reason I got that was because CM Punk, who was the world champion at the time, put my name [on a list]. He was asked for 10 guys on the indies who he thought should be signed and he put my name on that list.”
He continued, “I didn’t get back into that tryout because I’d been killing it on the indies. I was just pretty much primarily working in Canada. I wasn’t making waves anywhere else. I didn’t work for any other companies. I got back there because of the connections and context I had made my first time around [with guys like CM Punk].”
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Shawn Spears, a professional wrestler currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), recently expressed his gratitude towards CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and others for giving him a second chance in WWE’s developmental system. In an interview on Cody Deaner’s “Wrestling Is, Life Is Wrestling” podcast, Spears discussed the importance of forming connections during his initial run in WWE’s developmental program and how those connections played a crucial role in securing future opportunities.
Spears emphasized the significance of professionalism in the wrestling industry and highlighted the friendships he formed with individuals like Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Joey Mercury. These connections proved to be instrumental in his journey back to WWE after being released for the first time. Despite a four-and-a-half-year hiatus from the company, Spears maintained contact with Rhodes, Punk, and Mercury, regularly checking in with them.
The AEW wrestler revealed that he received another tryout opportunity due to CM Punk’s recommendation. At the time, Punk was the world champion and was asked to provide a list of ten indie wrestlers he believed should be signed by WWE. Spears was fortunate enough to have his name included on that list, which ultimately led to his second chance with the company.
Spears clarified that his return to WWE was not solely based on his success on the independent wrestling scene. He had primarily been working in Canada and had not made significant waves elsewhere or wrestled for other companies. Instead, it was the connections and relationships he had built during his first stint in WWE that opened the door for his return.
This story highlights the importance of networking and maintaining professional relationships in any industry, including professional wrestling. It demonstrates how genuine connections and friendships can lead to new opportunities and second chances. Shawn Spears’ experience serves as a reminder for aspiring wrestlers to prioritize building relationships within the industry and nurturing those connections throughout their careers.
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