High-Level Member of WWE Office Reportedly Went To Bat for Sheamus With TKO

As previously reported, the pro wrestling world was rocked by the recent news of Sheamus exiting WWE. WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select has more details regarding the former WWE Champion’s surprising exit.

According to the report, a high-level member of the WWE office went to bat for Sheamus in a recent conversation with WWE parent company TKO. Additionally, another source who is close to Sheamus believes the wrestler would be open to working for AEW, even if it would potentially be on a short-term basis.

As previously noted, Bryan Alvarez recently reported on Wrestling Observer Live that some people in AEW weren’t thrilled about the idea of AEW bringing in The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and now potentially Sheamus as well.

Sheamus’ exit was reportedly brought on by WWE approaching the 48-year-old wrestler with a “restructured contract” while he was sidelined due to injury. However, Sheamus rejected the restructuring offer.

The former WWE Champion last wrestled on the November 17 edition of Monday Night Raw, teaming with John Cena and Rey Mysterio against The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio, Finn Bálor, and JD McDonagh. The bout was Cena’s final match on Raw.

In the lead-up to his WWE departure, Sheamus had a high-level member of the office who went to "bat for him" with TKO, @WrestleVotes Radio on @FightfulSelect has learned.

Another close source to Sheamus believes he would welcome an opportunity to work for AEW, even on a… pic.twitter.com/xix9jAThAE

— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) July 9, 2026