Sheamus hasn’t said where he’s going next, but MJF already seems ready to welcome him to AEW… or at least stir the pot.
MJF took to his Instagram story with a pretty interesting post aimed directly at the former world champion. Instead of simply reacting to the news, MJF dug up screenshots of an old exchange between the two from 2022, back when Sheamus was enjoying a major career resurgence in WWE. After posting the throwback conversation, MJF added a message that immediately got wrestling fans talking: “bring that smoke O’Shaunessy.”
The reference wasn’t random. “O’Shaunessy” was Sheamus’ ring name on the independent scene before he signed with WWE, making it a pretty deliberate nod from the Salt of the Earth. It’s enough to get people talking, but it doesn’t necessarily mean Sheamus is headed to AEW.
As previously reported, Sheamus is expected to leave WWE after his contract expires. WWE offered the veteran a contract extension while he was sidelined with an injury, but he declined the new deal. The report also noted that this is not a WWE release, but rather Sheamus choosing not to re-sign.
That report has also raised questions after Dave Meltzer previously claimed in 2024 that Sheamus had signed a new five-year WWE contract. If that report was accurate, it doesn’t line up with Sheamus becoming a free agent in 2026, leaving plenty of unanswered questions about his actual contract status.
Whether MJF knows something or is simply having fun at Sheamus’ expense is anyone’s guess. It also wouldn’t be the first time MJF has tried to get under another wrestler’s skin with a well-timed social media post.
Do you want to see Sheamus throw hands with MJF in AEW? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
