SHAWN SPEARS

Regardless of what happens, when I'm seventy years old, I can look back and say that I did this the way I wanted to, on my terms, and I gave it everything I got.

But, a lot of people thought that I came into AEW to go right into the main event and right to the top of the mountain and get all the titles thrown on you and push, push, push, push. Not the case, exactly.

A lot of people will say they strive and drive to be the best in the industry and I get that, but for me, I think I'm just pushing to be the best version of myself that I can be.

When it's silent or when that energy of the audience isn't there, you feel the bumps a little more. You feel yourself losing breath a little quicker.

Talent needs credibility.

In terms of the coaching aspect and things like that, I've always been someone that prides themselves in helping young talent.

The day leading up to the Royal Rumble was pretty routine. I got up early, went to the gym, got a good meal in and then packed my bags to head to the Alamodome.

Now, I don't even consider NXT a developmental system. It's its own brand. So many guys were able to develop a following while in NXT.

I'll say it loud and proud: AEW has raised the bar. Everyone is doing better, because they have come along.

My motivation level here in NXT has always been high. I believe it's one of my stronger attributes.

I'm coming to AEW because I believe in what they are doing.

The reality is if you tell people something long enough, good or bad, they're going to believe it. And for a while the picture painted was that I wasn't exactly a favorable character.

I'm not just a pretty face.

WWE asked me to be a coach 3 times before I left.

If you piled in a car and you go to an AEW show with all your buddies there, you had a beer or two, and you get to yell at whoever you want, you get to cheer for whoever you want, you get to chant, like those moments are friend making moments.

I've always said that if I can make 20 years in-ring, anything beyond that is just a cherry on top, so 2020 I'm looking to challenging and healthy so hopefully if I can do two of those things, I'm pretty sure it's going to be a good year for me.

Tyler Breeze is an incredible talent. I worked with him a little bit in NXT, but not to the level where I had hoped.

I believe in professionalism and I believe in putting on the best possible match regardless of the scenario for our audience.

I believe in giving back to the industry of professional wrestling that has given me a great deal in my life.

I believe that if you stay positive and you keep your nose to the ground and you keep working hard for every inch that eventually will pay off and something will roll your way.

I work a little bit of slower, methodical pace. I'm able to implement certain different styles depending on who my opponent is.

In order to stay ahead of the young talent, you have to pay attention. You have to see what young talents are doing, and I see what a lot of young talents are doing.

When the bell rings in between the ropes, I'm in charge. No one can touch me. That's my time, no one can touch me.

I love being out there. as an audience member. It gives the audience a little bit of something different. Like, why are these wrestlers sitting in the audience? And why are they heckling at this guy and that guy?

In terms of being able to adapt to any situation on any given night, in any given moment and that just comes with nearly twenty years of experience and paying attention to the guys that I've tried to emulate throughout my career.