Former WWE Champion Sheamus made a surprise return to Monday Night Raw on 5 May, marking his first appearance since competing in the Royal Rumble earlier this year.
The returning Celtic Warrior shocked fans at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, when he was revealed as the mystery opponent in a match initially requested by Grayson Waller.
Waller had approached WWE official Adam Pearce last week to request a singles match on this week’s show. However, during a backstage segment on Monday, Waller appeared to be having second thoughts after learning the identity of his potential opponent.
In a seemingly generous gesture, Waller offered the match opportunity to his tag team partner, Austin Theory. When Theory asked who he would be facing, Waller coyly replied that it would be better as a surprise.
The “surprise” turned out to be Sheamus, who received a strong reaction from the live crowd upon his entrance. Theory quickly realised he had been set up by Waller, who was clearly attempting to dodge the challenge of the returning veteran.
Despite the short notice, Theory put up a strong fight in a competitive match. However, Sheamus showed no signs of ring rust and sealed the victory with his signature Brogue Kick.
The match marked Sheamus’s first televised bout since his participation in the 2025 Royal Rumble in February.
When Did Sheamus Last Compete In A WWE Ring?
Sheamus last competed in a WWE ring on a house show tour of the UK in March 2025. “The Celtic Warrior” first competed on March 22, 2025, against Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship. He then wrestled Breakker again the next night for the IC Title in Nottingham.