Sheamus was among the top candidates TNA considered to face Moose at Bound For Glory. The promotion ultimately went with Max Caster, who made his TNA debut.
False Finish reported that Sheamus was the promotion’s first choice to answer Moose’s open challenge.
“Before Max Caster accepted Moose’s open challenge, sources indicate to False Finish that Sheamus (Stephen Farrelly) was the primary name that TNA was considering for the spot.”
Sheamus became an option for TNA as he was leaving WWE. His contract expired on October 1 after the company decided not to renew it. He was already free to negotiate with other promotions and began using the name S. Farrelly professionally, but TNA was not able to sign him in time.
Moose issued the open challenge during TNA iMPACT! on October 8. Caster, who also became a free agent when his AEW contract ended, accepted it the next day.
Sheamus has not wrestled since the November 17, 2025, episode of Raw. He underwent shoulder surgery the following month. AEW is also interested in signing him, but his next move is still undecided.