Shawn Spears
A resilient veteran of the ring who transformed from the popular 'Perfect 10' Tye Dillinger into the menacing leader of The Culling in NXT.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Canadian professional wrestler·Birthday: February 19·Millennials
Biography
Shawn Spears, born Ronnie Arneill, has built a career on reinvention and resilience. First gaining attention on the independent circuit, his initial WWE run saw him connect with audiences as the fan-favorite 'Perfect 10,' Tye Dillinger, a character built on crowd participation. After a pivotal stint in All Elite Wrestling, where he showcased a darker edge, he returned to WWE's NXT brand not as a nostalgia act but as a calculated villain. Now leading the faction The Culling and holding the NXT North American Championship, Spears has evolved from a charismatic undercard player into a central, intimidating force, proving his longevity in a demanding industry.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Shawn was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Shawn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Shawn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NXT North American Championship, a major singles title in WWE's developmental brand.
- Performed at AEW's inaugural pay-per-view, Double or Nothing, in 2019.
- Led the faction known as The Culling in NXT.
Did You Know?
He is a trained wrestler who also works as a trainer for upcoming talent.
His 'Perfect 10' gimmick involved fans holding up scorecards with the number 10.
He is married to fellow professional wrestler Cassie Lee (formerly Peyton Royce in WWE).
“In this business, you either adapt or you get left behind.”
