Add as a preferred source on Google Sheamus has not officially wrapped up his WWE run yet, but his name is already starting to make the rounds backstage in AEW.
According to Fightful Select, AEW sources said they had no idea the Irish star was close to leaving WWE. Even so, Claudio Castagnoli is expected to be one of the names pushing for Tony Khan’s company to bring him in.
The connection between the two goes back years. Sheamus and Claudio, then known as Cesaro, formed The Bar in WWE, one of the company’s top tag teams in the late 2010s. The two have remained close behind the scenes, which makes a possible internal push for a reunion feel natural.
However, Sheamus going to AEW should not be treated as a done deal. One source within the company indicated that CMLL and other promotions outside AEW would also be possible routes for Sheamus and Claudio to work together again.
AEW sources had no idea Sheamus was departing WWE.
— PW Chronicle (@_PWChronicle) July 7, 2026
Claudio Castagnoli is expected to be one of many to push for Sheamus in AEW. It was noted by one AEW source that CMLL and outside of AEW are options for them to continue to work together.
– per @FightfulSelect pic.twitter.com/HztvKRjJME
Not everyone backstage is said to be excited about the idea, either. Bryan Alvarez reported that some people in AEW like Sheamus personally, but question the idea of signing another veteran to an already crowded roster.
Sheamus’ WWE exit comes after he turned down a restructured contract extension. The key point is that he was not released. Since his deal is nearing its expiration, there will be no traditional 90-day non-compete clause, leaving him free to negotiate immediately once the contract expires.
Sheamus has not wrestled since the Nov. 17, 2025 episode of RAW, when he teamed with John Cena and Rey Mysterio against Dominik Mysterio, Finn Bálor, and JD McDonagh. He underwent shoulder surgery in December.