Sheamus Reportedly Set To Leave WWE After Turning Down New Contract Offer

A major chapter in WWE history may be coming to an end.

According to Fightful Select, former WWE Champion Sheamus is expected to leave WWE once his current contract expires. The report states that WWE recently approached the veteran star with a restructured contract extension, but Sheamus reportedly declined the offer and chose not to sign a new deal.

If the departure becomes official, it would mark the first time in nearly two decades that Sheamus has been a free agent in professional wrestling.

Further fueling speculation, Sheamus has reportedly already been moved to WWE’s alumni section on the company’s official website, a move that often signals a talent’s departure from the promotion.

Sheamus originally signed with WWE in 2007 after impressing officials during a tryout. After developing in the company’s developmental system, he quickly rose through the ranks and became one of WWE’s biggest success stories.

His breakout moment came in 2009 when he defeated John Cena at TLC to capture his first WWE Championship. Over the years, Sheamus established himself as one of WWE’s most decorated stars, winning multiple world championships, United States Championships, and tag team titles. He also added a Royal Rumble victory, a Money in the Bank win, and a King of the Ring crown to his resume.

Despite those accomplishments, one goal remained elusive throughout his career: winning the Intercontinental Championship and completing the Grand Slam.

Sheamus’ most recent WWE match took place on the November 17, 2025 edition of Raw, where he teamed with John Cena and Rey Mysterio against The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, and JD McDonagh. Shortly afterward, a shoulder injury forced him to undergo surgery and withdraw from WWE’s “The Last Time Is Now” tournament.

The report also comes amid ongoing stories regarding WWE’s efforts to restructure several talent contracts in recent months. According to previous reports, some performers accepted revised deals in order to remain with the company, while others pushed back against proposed pay reductions.

For many fans, the news is particularly disappointing given Sheamus’ long-standing commitment to WWE. Throughout nearly 20 years with the company, he remained a reliable performer, consistently delivering standout matches and helping elevate younger talent whenever called upon.

His pursuit of the Intercontinental Championship became one of the defining stories of the latter part of his career. Despite receiving several opportunities over the last few years, the title remained just out of reach, preventing him from achieving Grand Slam status before his reported departure.

As of now, neither WWE nor Sheamus has publicly commented on the report. If his WWE run has indeed come to an end, Sheamus will leave behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished and respected stars of his generation, while opening the door to the next chapter of his wrestling career.

WWE SmackDown Preview 7/3/2026

WWE SmackDown airs tonight at 8/7c on the USA Network in the US and on Netflix for international fans. This episode was taped this past Monday at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

  • More fallout from Night of Champions
  • Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green vs. Jade Cargill, B-Fab and Michin
  • AAA Cruiserweight Championship Match: Rey Fenix (c) vs. El Hijo del Vikingo
  • Newly crowned Undisputed WWE SmackDown Sami Zayn to speak
  • Brie Bella vs. Lainey Reid

Report: ESPN Requested WWE Add More Matches To Premium Live Events

WWE’s Premium Live Events have become known for featuring smaller match cards in recent years, but a new report suggests one of the company’s broadcast partners would like to see more action included on future shows.

According to WrestleVotes via Fightful Select, ESPN requested that WWE add more matches to Night of Champions, which took place last month in Saudi Arabia. The report states that ESPN wanted the event’s main broadcast to feature six matches, leading WWE to expand the card beyond the four- and five-match format that has become common for many PLEs.

The request reportedly focused on the paid portion of the broadcast, not the free first hour that airs on ESPN before the main show begins.

Night of Champions ultimately featured six matches on the main card, making it one of the more stacked PLE lineups WWE has presented this year. The event included both the men’s and women’s King of the Ring tournament finals, several championship matches, and a historic main event that saw Sami Zayn capture the Undisputed WWE Championship for the first time in his career.

The report is notable because WWE has largely moved away from lengthy PLE cards outside of its biggest annual events. In 2026, only Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, Backlash, and Clash in Italy featured between four and five matches, while WrestleMania and Night of Champions were the only events to include six or more bouts.

Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber traditionally dedicate significant portions of their runtime to the signature matches that give the events their names, which naturally limits the number of additional contests that can be featured. However, WWE’s overall trend toward shorter cards has been a noticeable shift compared to previous eras.

The report could indicate that ESPN sees value in presenting more matches during the premium portion of WWE events, particularly as the partnership between the two companies continues to grow.

Over the last year, WWE and ESPN have worked closely together on a variety of promotional initiatives. Numerous WWE stars have appeared across ESPN programming to promote upcoming events, while crossover appearances have become increasingly common. One recent example saw Danhausen become involved in ESPN coverage surrounding the New York Knicks’ NBA Championship pursuit.

It remains to be seen whether WWE will continue expanding its PLE cards moving forward, but if ESPN’s request carries weight, fans could see more matches featured on future premium live event broadcasts.

Report: Eric Young Granted Release From TNA, Expected To Join WWE NXT In Player-Coach Role

TNA announced on Wednesday that they granted veteran star Eric Young his release from the company. Young may already have his next destination lined up.

Initial reports suggested Young had been working under a short-term agreement, but the former TNA World Champion quickly disputed that claim, stating that he had been under a “binding contract the entire time.”

While Young’s future has not been officially confirmed, new reports indicate that a return to WWE is expected.

Speaking on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez noted that Young’s next move remains unclear publicly, though WWE is widely viewed as the likely landing spot. Dave Meltzer added that WWE officials have discussed a role for Young that would mirror the position currently held by Shawn Spears in NXT.

“He’ll be on NXT as a player/coach is what I was told,” Meltzer said. “I heard September, but that could be wrong, but it was from people in WWE. But yeah, player/coach in NXT is the current plan for him.”

The report suggests Young would both wrestle and help mentor younger talent within WWE’s developmental system.

Young is no stranger to WWE. He originally joined the company in 2016 and became a featured performer in NXT before later moving to the main roster as part of the Sanity faction. His first WWE run came to an end in 2020 when he was released during the wave of talent cuts that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He briefly returned to WWE in 2022 and was reportedly set to be part of television plans. However, Young requested his release before making an on-screen return following Vince McMahon’s return to the company. Reports at the time indicated that Young signed a non-disclosure agreement as part of his departure.

After leaving WWE, Young returned to TNA Wrestling, where he resumed his role as one of the promotion’s most recognizable veterans. During his career, he has captured the TNA World Championship twice and remained a key figure both on-screen and behind the scenes.

If the reported plans come to fruition, Young would bring decades of experience back to WWE while helping develop the next generation of NXT talent. Neither WWE nor Young has publicly confirmed the move at this time.

Report: Big Bill Gives Notice To AEW, WWE Reunion With Enzo Amore Expected

A familiar tag team could soon be making its way back to WWE.

According to a report from Fightful Select, Big Bill has informed AEW that he will not be remaining with the company once his contract expires. The report notes that Bill’s deal is set to run out within the next week, effectively bringing an end to his four-year run with AEW.

The former AEW World Tag Team Champion has been rumored as a potential WWE return candidate for months, and the latest report indicates that WWE is expected to be his next destination.

Perhaps even more interesting is who may be joining him.

Fightful reports that Enzo Amore is also expected to sign with WWE, setting the stage for a reunion of one of the company’s most popular tag teams from the mid-2010s. The duo rose to prominence in NXT before becoming fan favorites on the main roster as Enzo and Cass.

Despite their popularity, the team never captured WWE Tag Team Championship gold before splitting in 2017. Their partnership came to an end when Big Cass turned on Enzo, leading to a brief singles run before injuries and other circumstances ultimately led to both men’s departures from WWE.

While Enzo has been a free agent and available to sign for some time, the report states that WWE intentionally waited for Bill’s contractual situation to be resolved before moving forward. The goal reportedly was to secure both talents at the same time rather than bringing one in without the other.

Big Bill joined AEW in 2022 after previously wrestling for Impact Wrestling and on the independent scene. During his AEW tenure, he enjoyed a successful run alongside Ricky Starks, with the pair capturing the AEW World Tag Team Championship. He later aligned with Chris Jericho as part of The Learning Tree faction and remained a regular presence on AEW programming.

At this stage, it remains unclear where the reunited duo would debut. WWE could opt to bring them back through NXT, where they first became stars, or place them directly on the main roster.

Neither WWE nor AEW has officially commented on the report, but if the move becomes official, fans may soon be hearing one of the most recognizable catchphrases of the past decade back on WWE television.

Jerry Lawler And Jimmy Hart Set For Memphis Wrestling Reunion Benefiting St. Jude

Two of the most iconic figures in Memphis wrestling history will reunite this summer for a special event supporting a worthy cause.

Memphis Wrestling has announced that WWE Hall of Famers Jerry “The King” Lawler and Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart will appear together at the Memphis Wrestling Tupelo SuperShow on August 21, 2026, at the Tupelo Furniture Market in Tupelo, Mississippi.

The event is being presented in partnership with the Pontotoc Run Club, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Lawler and Hart remain synonymous with the glory days of Memphis wrestling and both have deep ties to the Mid-South region. Their appearance at the Tupelo SuperShow brings together two legendary personalities who helped define an era of professional wrestling that remains beloved by fans decades later.

Memphis Wrestling owner and host Dustin Starr expressed his excitement about welcoming the Hall of Famers to the annual fundraising event.

“We’re honored to welcome Jerry Lawler and Jimmy Hart to this year’s Tupelo SuperShow,” Starr said. “They inspired generations of wrestling fans, including me, and having them join us in raising money for St. Jude makes this event even more special.”

The Tupelo area played an important role in the history of the Memphis territory during the 1970s and 1980s. Fans may remember classic events held in the city, including the legendary Tupelo Concession Stand Brawl in 1979.

The annual fundraiser has continued to grow over the years. Organizers reported that the event raised more than $15,000 in 2023, followed by more than $19,000 in 2024. Last year’s event set a new record by generating $25,005 for St. Jude, and organizers are hoping to surpass that total in 2026.

Pontotoc Run Club founder Murray Collum, known to many as Coach Pillar, has been a driving force behind the fundraising efforts. Since its founding in 2019, the organization has raised more than $55,000 for St. Jude and related charitable projects, while North Mississippi St. Jude Heroes have collectively contributed more than $300,000 to support the hospital’s mission.

Tickets for the Memphis Wrestling Tupelo SuperShow are currently available through Memphis Wrestling’s official website.

The event promises not only a rare reunion between Lawler and Hart but also another opportunity for the wrestling community to come together in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the families it serves.

WWE NXT Preview 6/30/2026

WWE NXT tonight at 8/7c on The CW and Netflix internationally.

  • AAA Latin American Championship Match: El Hijo del Vikingo (c) vs. EK Prosper
  • NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Vanity Project (c) vs. El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. & Galeno
  • Mason Rook vs. Jackson Drake
  • Jaida Parker vs. Karmen Petrovic

WWE Raw Preview 6/29/2026

WWE Raw live on Netflix from the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, with a special start time of 6:00 pm ET/3:00 pm PT.

  • Fallout from Night of Champions
  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns to appear
  • 2026 King of the Ring Oba Femi to appear
  • Chad Gable vs JD McDonagh

AJ Styles’ Son Made Pro Wrestling Debut

WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles’ 19-year-old son, Avery Styles, made his professional wrestling debut on June 26, 2026, at a Squared Circle Action (SCA) event in Royston, Georgia. Avery wrestled Ashton Martin in the main event, winning the match with his father’s signature finishing move, the Styles Clash.

AJ Styles, who recently retired from in-ring competition, was in his son’s corner for the event and even stepped into the ring to personally count the 1-2-3 pinfall. Viral footage of the moment shows Avery performing his father’s iconic slide under the ropes into a Phenomenal Forearm before hitting the match-winning finisher

AJ later praised the bout, noting the in-ring chemistry and pacing both young athletes displayed.

WWE NXT The Great American Bash 2026 Results

WWE presented NXT The Great American Bash 2026 featuring several championship matches, the continued fallout from recent rivalries, and a major title change in the night’s main event.

By the end of the show, Kendal Grey reached the top of the NXT women’s division, while Tony D’Angelo, Zaria, Myles Borne, and Wren Sinclair successfully defended their championships.

Here are the full results and highlights.


NXT Championship

Tony D’Angelo (c) def. Naraku

Despite entering the match with a heavily bandaged eye following Naraku’s fireball attack earlier in the week, Tony D’Angelo refused to back down from the challenge.

The champion started aggressively, even spearing Naraku through the wall of The Perch area before the action officially settled inside the ring. Naraku targeted the injured eye throughout the contest and nearly forced the referee to stop the match due to D’Angelo’s condition.

Tony battled through the punishment and rallied late with a series of suplexes and power moves. After surviving a German suplex, D’Angelo connected with Dead to Rights to secure the victory.

Winner and Still NXT Champion: Tony D’Angelo


NXT Women’s North American Championship

Zaria (c) def. Tatum Paxley

Tatum Paxley pushed Zaria to her limits in one of the most competitive matches of the night.

The challenger came within inches of capturing the championship after delivering multiple Cemetery Drives, including one on the floor and another inside the ring. Despite the relentless attack, Zaria refused to stay down.

After surviving Tatum’s best offense, the champion regained control with a spear and eventually delivered a snap F-5 to retain the title.

Winner and Still NXT Women’s North American Champion: Zaria

Following the match, a frustrated Paxley was confronted backstage by Kelani Jordan, leading to a heated altercation that required security intervention.


Shiloh Hill def. Tristan Angels

Shiloh Hill and Tristan Angels delivered one of the more unusual matches of the evening, complete with a bizarre sequence underneath the ring involving mysterious voices and masked appearances.

Once the action returned to normal, Hill used the steel steps to his advantage before finishing Angels with Whisper of the Beast.

Winner: Shiloh Hill

After the match, Hill proudly celebrated while wearing his Mr. NXT sash.


Women’s Speed Championship

Wren Sinclair (c) def. Arianna Grace

With a strict five-minute time limit, Wren Sinclair and Arianna Grace wasted little time getting down to business.

Grace controlled portions of the match by targeting Sinclair’s previously injured knee, but the champion remained resilient. As the clock ticked down, Wren fought back and trapped Grace in the Final Wren-ch submission hold.

Grace tapped out before time expired, allowing Sinclair to retain.

Winner and Still Women’s Speed Champion: Wren Sinclair


Saquon Shugars def. Dion Lennox

Former DarkState allies collided in a heated grudge match.

The rivalry continued to intensify throughout the bout, with Cutler James and Osiris Griffin appearing at ringside despite both men seemingly dealing with injuries. Their presence created a distraction, but Shugars still found a way to overcome Lennox.

After a back-and-forth battle, Shugars scored the victory with an inverted splash.

Winner: Saquon Shugars

The celebration was short-lived, however, as James and Griffin revealed they were fully healthy before launching a post-match assault. The trio left Shugars laid out following a devastating DarkState powerbomb.


NXT North American Championship

Myles Borne (c) def. Tavion Heights

Myles Borne and Tavion Heights showcased their amateur wrestling backgrounds in a highly technical championship match.

The two competitors traded submissions, suplexes, and counters throughout the contest, with Heights nearly capturing the title after a series of impressive power moves and submission holds.

Borne ultimately found an opening late in the match, escaping a fireman’s carry and delivering Borne Again for the victory.

Winner and Still NXT North American Champion: Myles Borne

Following the match, Borne praised Heights while promising that his title reign is far from over.


NXT Women’s Championship

Kendal Grey def. Lola Vice (c)

The main event saw Lola Vice defend the NXT Women’s Championship against Kendal Grey.

The match featured strong grappling exchanges, submission counters, and momentum swings from both competitors. Grey repeatedly targeted Vice’s leg with ankle lock attempts, while the champion responded with her trademark strikes and submission offense.

Outside interference briefly came into play when Kelani Jordan attempted to get involved, only for Wren Sinclair to neutralize her and remove the distraction.

As the match entered its final moments, both women exchanged near falls and submission reversals before Grey delivered a massive middle-rope Shades of Grey to score the decisive victory.

Winner and NEW NXT Women’s Champion: Kendal Grey

After the match, Wren Sinclair joined her longtime friend in the ring to celebrate the championship victory. Lola Vice showed respect to the new champion before leaving the ringside area.


WWE NXT The Great American Bash 2026 Results

  • Tony D’Angelo (c) def. Naraku – NXT Championship
  • Zaria (c) def. Tatum Paxley – NXT Women’s North American Championship
  • Shiloh Hill def. Tristan Angels
  • Wren Sinclair (c) def. Arianna Grace – Women’s Speed Championship
  • Saquon Shugars def. Dion Lennox
  • Myles Borne (c) def. Tavion Heights – NXT North American Championship
  • Kendal Grey def. Lola Vice (c) – NEW NXT Women’s Champion

The Great American Bash delivered several standout performances, but the biggest story of the night was Kendal Grey’s championship victory. Grey closed the show by capturing the NXT Women’s Championship, while Tony D’Angelo survived a brutal challenge from Naraku and the rest of NXT’s champions successfully defended their titles