Sheamus’ WWE run is coming to an end, and this one isn’t being framed as a release.
Fightful Select reports that Sheamus is set to leave WWE after his contract expired. The big point here is that Sheamus turned down a contract extension, so WWE didn’t cut him loose. He chose not to re-up.
WWE apparently approached Sheamus about a restructured deal while he was out with an injury. Sheamus rejected it pretty quickly. His contract was already set to expire within months anyway, so there was no reason for WWE to release him and trigger the usual 90-day waiting period. There is no exact expiration date out there right now, but the word is that it is happening soon.
The timing is hard to ignore, because this comes only two months after WWE was said to be renegotiating deals with several talents in a pretty aggressive way. Back in May, it was reported that WWE approached numerous wrestlers about taking less money in order to stay with the company. If they didn’t want to take the new terms, they could walk.
Sheamus has been with WWE for almost 19 years, so this isn’t some random mid-card exit. The guy has been part of the company for nearly two decades and built a Hall of Fame-level resume along the way. During his WWE run, Sheamus became a four-time world champion, won the 2010 King of the Ring tournament, won the 2012 Royal Rumble, and grabbed the Money in the Bank briefcase in 2015. He also held the United States Title and had a major tag team run with Cesaro as part of The Bar.
Sheamus came into WWE as a hard-hitting Irish powerhouse and stayed relevant through multiple eras. He worked with names like John Cena, Randy Orton, Triple H, Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Drew McIntyre, Cesaro, Gunther, and plenty more.
Now, unless something changes, that long WWE chapter is wrapping up on his terms. This also makes things interesting fast, because Sheamus leaving WWE as a free agent would get attention anywhere. AEW, TNA, NJPW, international promotions, and the independent scene would all have a reason to at least look his way if he wants to keep wrestling.
Ringside News will continue to keep you updated if his status changes or more information about his WWE departure becomes available.
What do you think about Sheamus leaving WWE after nearly 19 years? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you think The Celtic Warrior should go next.
