Izzi Dame: “I Think Shawn Spears Single-Handedly Changed The Course Of My Career”

Shawn Spears on the receiving end of more praise from NXT talents.

The likes of former NXT Women’s Champion Kendal Grey and others have spoken highly of their experiences learning from wrestler/coach Shawn Spears.

Izzi Dame, who spent time with Spears on and off-screen as a member of The Culling, gave him his props while she was on Busted Open. She credited Spears for changing the course of her career.

“I will give credit where credit is due. I think Shawn Spears single-handedly changed the course of my career. I will forever give him credit for — I just feel like he spoke to me in a way that made wrestling make sense. So being able to go under his wing for the short period of time till we had to, you know, end him (a) couple months ago, was probably some of the most beneficial — one of the most beneficial times in my career. He really did teach me so much about the ins and the outs and the psychology of everything so, I will give him credit for that.”

Back in June 2026, Dame and Niko Vance kicked Spears out of The Culling.

If the quote in this article is used, please credit Busted Open with an H/T to Fightful for the transcription.