AEW All Out preview: Cody vs. Shawn Spears

The most personal feud in AEW history comes to a head in Chicago as Cody takes on former tag partner and friend, Shawn Spears, at All Out on August 31.

It’s a tale as old as time. Former tag partners going to war with each other over petty disagreements. But this feud is a little different due to the sheer violent nature of the heel turn on Shawn Spears’ part.

Spears made his AEW debut at Double or Nothing in the Casino Battle Royal where he didn’t make much of a showing and was eliminated by Dustin Thomas. Cody had been hyping his friend signing with AEW by talking up his skills and referring to him as a “good hand.”

Spears apparently took offense to Cody’s description of him, which is a wrestling term for a solid worker who stays in the middle of the card. Spears took out his anger about the situation by blasting Cody with an unprotected chair shot at Fyter Fest. The chair spot went awry as Cody was legitimately busted open and received several stitches afterwards.

Spears explained to AEW commentator Jim Ross that he felt disrespected by Cody and that is why he attacked him. He also revealed that he was working with a new manager, wrestling legend Tully Blanchard.

Cody seemed as if he wasn’t allowing himself to fully embrace his anger as he refused to engage with Spears at their contract signing. Cody looked as if he wouldn’t even come into contact with Spears until All Out. That is until C4 Wrestling’s Fighting Back 9 event.

Cody and MJF had a showcase tag match for the Canadian promotion, but Spears slinked out to the ring after the match and attempted to jump Cody but “The American Nightmare” was ready for him. The two men brawled until Cody gained the upper hand and Spears retreated.

Cody is looking to defend his family name, his company and gain some form of revenge on his former friend while Spears is looking to showcase his talents, get some warped sense of revenge on Cody and prove he’s better than his former partner.

Both men seem to be taking this match deathly seriously and are training their hearts out for their impending clash. Cody has a track record of stealing the show so far in AEW, so fans should not be surprised if this match finds its way to being the best match on the All Out card.