Add as a preferred source on Google Sheamus has closed the book on a nearly 20-year run with WWE, and he’s already at the center of speculation about a possible move to AEW. One of the names most directly tied to that conversation is Claudio Castagnoli, his former tag team partner in The Bar.
The Irishman made his exit official on July 10, just days after it was reported that he had turned down a restructured contract extension. Since the deal simply expired rather than ending in a release, he’s free to negotiate with any promotion right away.
In a recent interview with the Daily Star, Castagnoli steered clear of speaking on Sheamus’ future, but revealed that the two are still training together and have remained close friends outside the ring.
“Me and him have been doing a lot of training together, a lot of further education if you will… and what we eventually would really like to do is get our refereeing degree and then become the VAR.
I’ve stayed friends with him throughout. Of course, I would like to see my friends on a more regular basis, of course. But I do feel that is his to answer when he’s ready for it. I feel that’s not for me to talk about. I feel that is for him to talk about when he’s ready for it.”
Despite Castagnoli’s caution, recent rumors suggest Sheamus would be open to working with AEW for the right offer, even on a short-term basis. One possibility that’s been floated is a reunion with Claudio outside the company, including appearances in CMLL.
Jim Ross has also publicly backed the signing, saying a Sheamus-Castagnoli reunion would immediately strengthen AEW’s tag team division.
In WWE, the two turned a Best-of-Seven Series into the formation of The Bar. The team went on to capture five championships, four Raw Tag Team Championship reigns and one SmackDown Tag Team Championship.
As of now, Sheamus hasn’t revealed what’s next for his career.