Sometimes the most honest assessments come from those who lived through the experience firsthand. Shawn Spears, now making waves back in WWE’s NXT brand, recently opened up about one of AEW’s most intriguing “what if” scenarios. When pressed by a fan about why The Pinnacle never reached its full potential as a dominant heel faction, the veteran wrestler’s response was both simple and telling.
The Pinnacle’s Unfulfilled Promise
During a candid Q&A session with fans, Spears addressed the elephant in the room regarding his former AEW stable. The Pinnacle, which featured an impressive roster including MJF, FTR, Wardlow, and Spears himself, seemed destined for greatness on paper. Yet the group’s trajectory fell short of expectations, leading to questions that persist among wrestling fans today.
When directly asked why The Pinnacle never became one of wrestling’s all-time great heel factions, Spears didn’t mince words or offer excuses. His response was refreshingly straightforward and spoke volumes about missed opportunities.
“Easily should have been.”
From Perfect 10 to Pinnacle Member
Spears’ wrestling journey reads like a tale of reinvention and resilience. Originally known as Tye Dillinger in WWE NXT, he built a cult following with his “Perfect 10” gimmick before his 2019 release opened new doors. His transition to AEW marked a significant chapter, beginning with a memorable debut that saw him attack Cody Rhodes.
That surprise assault set the stage for their encounter at AEW All Out, establishing Spears as a serious player in the promotion’s early landscape. However, it was his eventual inclusion in The Pinnacle that represented his highest-profile role during his AEW tenure.
The Inner Circle Rivalry That Defined 2021
The Pinnacle’s primary storyline revolved around their intense feud with Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle throughout 2021. This rivalry showcased some of AEW’s most compelling faction warfare, with both groups delivering memorable segments and matches. The contrast between the two stables created natural drama that captivated audiences week after week.
Despite the quality of their performances and the star power within their ranks, The Pinnacle’s run came to an abrupt and understated conclusion. The group quietly disbanded without the explosive breakup or definitive ending that many expected from such a high-profile stable.
Building The Culling in NXT
Spears’ return to WWE in May 2024 brought him full circle, though his reappearance was anything but subtle. Armed with a steel chair, he targeted Ridge Holland upon his NXT comeback, immediately establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with once again.
His current project involves leading The Culling, a new stable featuring Brooks Jensen, Niko Vance, and Izzi Dame. Recent developments have seen Jensen removed from the group, suggesting ongoing evolution in the faction’s dynamics. This new leadership role gives Spears another opportunity to guide a stable toward the success that eluded The Pinnacle.
Wrestling’s Greatest What-If Scenarios
The wrestling industry is filled with stories of unrealized potential, but few sting quite like The Pinnacle’s unfulfilled promise. With MJF’s exceptional mic skills, FTR’s tag team excellence, Wardlow’s raw power, and Spears’ veteran presence, the ingredients for greatness were undeniably present.
Spears’ honest reflection on the situation provides rare insight into how wrestlers themselves view their past work. His acknowledgment that the group “easily should have been” one of the best serves as both a testament to their potential and a reminder of how quickly opportunities can slip away in professional wrestling.
As Spears continues building The Culling in NXT, wrestling fans can’t help but wonder: will he apply the lessons learned from The Pinnacle’s unfulfilled run to create something truly special this time around?
