Backstage response in AEW to Sheamus leaving WWE

A report has just come in regarding AEW’s internal reactions to Sheamus’ departure from WWE. It seems that despite the buzz surrounding a potential move, some within the company are not completely on board.

Yesterday, it was reported that the Celtic Warrior was set to leave the Stamford-based promotion after almost two decades as he elected not to re-sign with the company. Since he was not released, he is not subject to the 90-day no-compete clause.

Sheamus has been linked to AEW, especially since he is close with Claudio Castagnoli. But Bryan Alvarez brought up another angle during the recent Wrestling Observer Live. He claimed that after speaking to some within the company, he was well-liked, but some had hesitations about bringing him in, due to the number of talent who were already signed to the promotion.

“I did talk to a lot of people today in AEW who were like, ‘Are we really gonna take this guy? And let me make this abundantly clear, everybody I talked to, to a person, was like, ‘I really like Sheamus. I really like him.’ But the basic gist of it is, ‘There are so many people under contract, and there are so many people that already can’t even get on TV, and we’re gonna hire another 48 year old?”

He continued by mentioning that with the New Day possibly set to join the promotion as well, they would be taking three main spots that could have gone to other names on the roster.

“Everyone’s got ideas like Sheamus & Cesaro, being in the Death Riders, which would be great. Nobody had anything against Sheamus personally. It was just sort of like, ‘Here comes another one.’ Because the New Day’s probably coming in, Sheamus would be coming in. And that’s three more slots that people who have been there for a long time or who should be on the way up, they’re gonna be iced out again. People weren’t really thrilled about that idea.”

Reason for the failure of negotiations between Sheamus and WWE

Reports about the former WWE Champion’s contract situation came out and how his departure was similar to that of the New Day. He was also asked to restructure his contract, but he did not accept the terms. Since his deal was expiring, he was not released by the promotion.

Dave Meltzer explained TKO’s recent approach to contracts and how those they perceived to be stars would get better deals, while those on the older side would have to take a pay cut or leave. They focused on the talent with better upside.

“But when it’s older wrestlers who they perceive as being on their downside and have big contracts, they’re very much like an NFL team that will go, rather than pay a guy a giant salary who’s on the downside, we would rather spend our resources on somebody younger, who also we can pay less too. So, that offer to Sheamus really doesn’t surprise me at all. He would be a guy I would expect something like this to happen.” [H/T: WrestleTalk]

Fans should stay tuned for more developments in this situation as the Celtic Warrior may be on the move soon. It remains to be seen if he’ll sign with AEW or another major promotion.