Cody Rhodes also mentioned a former AEW star, Shawn Spears, who has also returned to WWE, as someone he would’ve loved to share the ring with when celebrating his title victory over Reigns. “The American Nightmare” thanked Spears for teaching him wrestling fundamentals throughout his career and wishes he was given more credit. 

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“Shawn (Spears) was there to lead me through it and he does not get enough credit from me for how special he is. He is the only person that I regret I didn’t have in the ring after WrestleMania because I saw him that day and we just took a picture together and he was just like he always was, he knew what this day was … gosh, dude, I wouldn’t be where I’m at without Shawn Spears. He is a blessing to the business and I’m so glad to see him in NXT.”

Spears and Rhodes share a long history, having been together in a tag team when they started off in OVW, WWE’s then-developmental territory, at the beginning of their WWE careers. Over a decade later, the two had their first feud with each other, this time over in AEW, in 2019 and 2020, putting a ribbon on their story. 

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If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “The Babyfaces Podcast” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.