Sheamus

Stephen Farrelly{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/sheamus.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429202020/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/sheamus.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 April 2015|title=Sheamus|last=Kamchen|first=Richard|access-date=6 October 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sheamus+Out+to+Slam+'em%3B+EXCLUSIVE.-a0145428261|title=Sheamus Out to Slam 'em|date=7 May 2006|last=McDonnell|first=Kevin|access-date=25 October 2008|work=Daily Mirror|publisher=TheFreeLibrary.Com|quote=Sheamus O'Shaunessy - who is nicknamed "SOS" or the Irish Curse - has vowed to take out all his opponents in his quest to be undisputed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Heavyweight king.}} was born in the Cabra suburb of Dublin on 28 January 1978. He was raised on North Great George's Street in Dublin. He speaks fluent Irish, having attended Scoil Caoimhin Primary and the Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire Secondary School. During his school years, he sang in the Palestrina Choir until the age of 13; during this time, he appeared on the Irish shows The Late Late Show and Live at 3.{{cite web|url=http://www.sosofficial.com/bio.shtml|title=The Celtic Wrestler's Biography|publisher=SOS Official|access-date=27 January 2010}} He played Gaelic football for the Erin's Isle club, where he was once proclaimed "sports star of the month". He also played rugby union for the National College of Ireland, where he gained a National Diploma. He is a former IT technician, and also worked as security for a nightclub, which led to him occasionally working as a bodyguard for Bono and Larry Mullen Jr. of U2, as well as actress Denise van Outen.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thepostgame.com/eye-performance/201602/sheamus-wwe-rugby-nfl-ncaaf-football-mike-petri-greg-buttle-new-york-jets-usa|title=Sheamus: How College Rugby In Ireland Prepared Me For WWE|work=ThePostGame.com|access-date=11 June 2018}}

Farrelly was inspired to become a professional wrestler by watching British wrestling on World of Sport and American wrestling via the WWF.{{cite web|url=http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2009/12/sheamus-wwe-tlc-celtic-warrior.php|title=Tables, Ladders & Sheamus: The WWE's Celtic Warrior|last=Porter|first=Christopher|date=10 December 2009|access-date=26 January 2012|work=Express Night Out|publisher=Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710212338/http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2009/12/sheamus-wwe-tlc-celtic-warrior.php|archive-date=10 July 2011 }} Following advice given to him by Bret Hart,{{cite web|url=http://www.sosofficial.com/fightingspirit.shtml|title=Fighting Spirit Magazine Interview|last=Denton|first=James|date=November 2006|work=Fighting Spirit Magazine|publisher=SOS Official|access-date=24 January 2010}} he began training at Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory wrestling school in April 2002, alongside Tank Toland and Cliff Compton. Six weeks later, he officially debuted as a fan favorite against Robert Pigeon under the name Sheamus O'Shaunessy. After hitting an opponent in the groin, he gained the nickname of the "Irish Curse"{{cite web|url=http://www.sosofficial.com/stats.shtml|title=Sheamus O'Shaunessy – The Statistics|publisher=SOS Official|access-date=27 January 2010}} (a reference to a slang term supposedly denoting a man's inability to perform sexually after consuming an excessive amount of whiskey).{{cite web|url=https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/the-scientific-truth-behind-whiskey-dick|title = The Scientific Truth Behind "Whiskey Dick"| date=29 June 2015 }} He soon suffered a serious neck injury after botching a hip toss, sidetracking his career for two years.

Farrelly developed his wrestling character by drawing on Celtic mythology, moving away from Irish stereotypes of lucky charms, leprechauns, and alcoholism while aiming to portray a fiann, a type of mythical Irish warrior. Having attended an Irish-speaking school, he was aware of the four cycles of Irish mythology and, inspired by the artwork of Jim Fitzpatrick, incorporated sword- and axe-wielding imagery into his gimmick. This included the design of his own pendant, the {{not a typo|crossos}}, which combines the Celtic cross with a Celtic War sword to illustrate his character's "indigenous origins with a hybrid of warrior strength matched with a strong ethical centre".

In May 2004, still using the ring name Sheamus O'Shaunessy, Farrelly returned to wrestling at the newly opened Irish Whip Wrestling (IWW) school in Dublin. He then made his debut match for the promotion at their Mount Temple show on 9 July, facing Mark Burns in a winning effort. He went on to win a battle royal the following month.

File:Sheamus O'Shaunessy Victory.jpg

O'Shaunessy spent the rest of the year engaged in a rivalry with Vid Vain after losing to his tag team partner Joey Cabray the same night he won the battle royal. On 22 and 23 October they traded wins,{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result221004.html|title=Bangor Leisure Centre, Bangor, County Down 22/10/04|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result231004.html|title=Ballynahinch Centre, County Down 23/10/04|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}} leading to O'Shaunessy recruiting help from CJ Summers to help defeat the tag team on 24 October.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result2410042.html|title=Mount Temple, County Dublin 24/10/04|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}} O'Shaunessy was still unsuccessful to defeat Vain in singles action the following day.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result251004.html|title=Portlaoise GAA Club, County Laois 25/10/04|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}} Despite these losses, his impressive showings earned him a place against Alex Shane in a guest match for the Frontier Wrestling Alliance (FWA) British Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result021204.html|title=Sarsfield, Lucan, County Dublin 02/12/04|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010|archive-date=15 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415111331/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result021204.html}} Although he put on a proficient exhibit and came close to win, his friend Red Vinny interfered in the match and cost him the championship.

In March 2005, he avenged this loss by teaming with Raven to defeat Shane and Vinny.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result240305.html|title=The Forum, Waterford City 24/03/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}} This victory was part of a winning streak over the end of March where O'Shaunessy wrestled twice a day on 24, 25, 26 – including an 11-man Rumble win – and 27 March with a standard tag match and a ten-man tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result250305.html|title=Hudson Bay Hotel, Athlone, County Roscommon 25/03/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result260305.html|title=The Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny City, Kilkenny 26/03/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result270305.html|title=The Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, County Laois 27/03/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}} This series of victories, aside from one loss by disqualification to Vain, put him to a good form for the one-day tournament held in County Kildare to crown the inaugural IWW International Heavyweight Champion. On 28 March, O'Shaunessy put an end to his main rivalries when he defeated Vinny and then Vain in the quarter and semi finals, respectively.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result2803051.html|title=Naas GAA Club, Naas, County Kildare 28/03/05 (Matinee)|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}} He met Darren Burridge in the final match and won to become IWW's first champion,{{citation needed|date=January 2020}} but had to compete again in an evening show in Dublin, defeating Burridge and Vinny once more in a tag match alongside Vain.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result2803052.html|title=Sarsfield GAA Club, Lucan, County Dublin 28/03/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}}

O'Shaunessy's first successful title defence came against Burridge the following month{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result240405.html|title=IwW GYM, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 24/04/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}} {{Dead link|date=July 2010}} but Burridge would not let his grudge rest, continuing to attack O'Shaunessy and finally costing him the title during a match against D'Lo Brown on 29 May.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result290505.html|title=D-Day, SFX Theatre, Dublin City 29/05/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}} O'Shaunessy earned revenge in July by defeating Burridge in a grudge match,{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result230705.html|title=The Moat Theatre, Naas, County Kildare 23/07/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010|archive-date=15 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415111407/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result230705.html}} though lost to him in an arm wrestling contest the following day.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result240705.html|title=IwW Gym, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 24/07/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}} Still, he continued on his quest to regain the title by winning a contendership three-way match against Vinny and Red Viper in August{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result280805.html|title=IwW Gym, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 28/08/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}} {{Dead link|date=July 2010}} setting him up to regain the International Heavyweight Championship in October from Brown in Newcastle upon Tyne in England.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/tithist.htm|title=IWW International Heavyweight Title History|access-date=16 January 2010|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608081149/http://irishwhipwrestling.com/tithist.htm|archive-date=8 June 2009}}

After defending his title against Vampiro{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result141105.html|title=SFX Theatre, Dublin City 20/03/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010|archive-date=15 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415111347/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result141105.html}} and Viper,{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result171205.html|title=Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath 17/12/05|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=24 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}} O'Shaunessy found himself embroiled in a new feud with rising Scottish wrestling star "Thee" Drew Galloway, whom he later admitted was his toughest opponent.{{cite web|url=http://www.bigtimewrestlinguk.com/index.php?id=pages/profiles/sheamusoshaunessy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021180427/http://www.bigtimewrestlinguk.com/index.php?id=pages%2Fprofiles%2Fsheamusoshaunessy|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 October 2007|title=Sheamus OShaunessy|access-date=10 January 2010|publisher=Big Time Wrestling}} On 28 January 2006, he received his first championship match, evolving their rivalry from previous non-title contests.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result280106.html|title=Stillorgan, Dublin 28/01/06|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009|archive-date=28 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228131454/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result280106.html}} The rivalry quickly took on a patriotic flavour, with Galloway's blue colours of Scotland clashing O'Shaunnesy's green colours of Ireland, mirroring the Old Firm football derby between Rangers and Celtic, respectively.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlersramblings.com/index.php/who-is-drew-mcintyre/|title=IwW promoter on WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre|last=Bullgod|first=The|publisher=Wrestler Ramblings|access-date=9 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204132613/http://www.wrestlersramblings.com/index.php/who-is-drew-mcintyre|archive-date=4 December 2008}} This football allusion became particularly prominent when the two met again at Verona Football Club again for the title, though the match changed into a Lumberjack match, the result and champion remained the same.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result190206.html|title=Verona Football Club, Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin 19/02/06|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009|archive-date=30 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060530115531/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result190206.html}}

With Galloway defeated, O'Shaunessy continued to dominate by again defending his title against Vampiro on 17 March.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result170306.html|title=IwW Gym, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 17/03/06|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060530115600/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result170306.html|archive-date=30 May 2006}} Galloway earned himself a two out of three falls match against the champion the following day, however, which O'Shaunessy won two falls to one;{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result180306.htm|title=St.Finbarr's GAA Club, Cabra, Dublin 18/03/06|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009|archive-date=30 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060530115547/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result180306.htm}} the next day produced the same result{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result190306.html|title=Skerries Community Centre, Skerries, Dublin 19/03/06|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060530115611/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result190306.html|archive-date=30 May 2006}} in a match O'Shaunessy claimed was his best on the independent circuit. With Galloway briefly answered, O'Shaunessy took on the newcomer Pierre Marcaeu and defeated him in two successive title matches only to find Galloway had earned another shot.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result230406.html|title=Clonmel GAA Centre, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary 23/04/06|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009|archive-date=30 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060530115551/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result230406.html}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result260406.html|title=Community Centre, Rathdowney, Co. Laois 26/04/06|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009|archive-date=30 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060530115543/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result260406.html}} With their rivalry intensifying, Galloway's next challenge to O'Shaunessy was given the stipulation of a Last Man Standing match. O'Shaunessy retained the title,{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result270406.html|title=M.C.R. Community Centre, Sligo Town, County Sligo 27/04/06|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009|archive-date=30 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060530115603/http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result270406.html}} as he also did in June with the same stipulation.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result170606.html|title=Combined Community Centre, Balbriggan, Dublin 17/06/06|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}} Finally, on 28 August, O'Shaunessy lost the IWW International Heavyweight Championship in a singles match to Galloway in what would be his last appearance with the promotion.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/tithist.htm|title=Title History|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608081149/http://irishwhipwrestling.com/tithist.htm|archive-date=8 June 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result270806.html|title=Combined Community Centre, Balbriggan, Dublin 27/08/06|publisher=Irish Whip Wrestling|access-date=10 December 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2010}}

As well as wrestling in Ireland, O'Shaunessy occasionally traveled to Great Britain to make appearances on the British independent circuit. In April 2006, he was brought into Wales' Celtic Wrestling promotion as a contender for their top title but was defeated by the champion, Chris Recall.{{cite web|url=http://www.celtic-wrestling.co.uk/results_2006.html|title=Celtic Wrestling – Results 2006|publisher=Celtic Wrestling|access-date=27 January 2010}} Later that year in November, he was employed by London's LDN Wrestling to appear on their Capital TV show where, after quickly defeating William Hill, he gained an LDN Championship match against Tex Benedict which ended with Benedict winning by disqualification and O'Shaunessy attacking him after the match.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025124831/http://www.ldnwrestling.com/site/news/035.htm|archive-date=25 October 2007|url=http://www.ldnwrestling.com/site/news/035.htm|title=LDN Anniversary Showdown Results|date=22 November 2006|access-date=27 January 2010|publisher=LDN Wrestling}}

During his time overseas, he worked for Brian Dixon's All Star Wrestling,{{cite web|url=http://www.bigtimewrestlinguk.com/index.php?id=pages/news/news20|title=All Star Grapplevine presented by Russell Plummer|last=Plummer|first=Russell|date=14 July 2006|publisher=All Star Wrestling|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928104628/http://www.bigtimewrestlinguk.com/index.php?id=pages%2Fnews%2Fnews20|archive-date=28 September 2011|url-status=dead}} which gave him a taste of large audiences that he had not experienced in Ireland, as well as wrestling English veteran Robbie Brookside and other British wrestlers, including Nigel McGuinness and Doug Williams. He also represented the UK in a Battle of the Nations tag team match between the UK and Austria alongside Drew McDonald and The Celtic Warrior in a losing effort against Chris Raaber, Michael Kovac, and Robert Ray Kreuzer at the European Wrestling Association's Night of Gladiators.{{cite web|url=http://www.ewa-wrestling.com/events.php|title=EWA Results|publisher=European Wrestling Association|access-date=27 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611062842/http://www.ewa-wrestling.com/events.php|archive-date=11 June 2009}}

As well as making top contender appearances based on his growing reputation, O'Shaunessy also brought with him to Britain his long-standing rivalry with Drew Galloway. He had already wrestled in Galloway's home promotion, British Championship Wrestling (BCW), twice in 2005, losing to Jay Phoenix on the day before Phoenix lost to Galloway in March,{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2005/03/18/new-beginnings-2-night-1 |title=Results: New Beginnings 2 (night 1) New |publisher=British Championship Wrestling |access-date=27 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521153317/http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2005/03/18/new-beginnings-2-night-1 |archive-date=21 May 2014 }} and returning in September to defeat one of BCW's top stars, Wolfgang, via countout.{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2005/09/17/rise-before-the-storm |title=Results: Rise Before The Storm |publisher=British Championship Wrestling |access-date=27 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521154147/http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2005/09/17/rise-before-the-storm |archive-date=21 May 2014 }} In the middle of their IWW feud the following year, O'Shaunessy went back to Scotland to take part in BCW's Path To Glory tour, defeating Galloway on the first night{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2006/05/26/path-of-glory-night-1 |title=Results: Path of Glory (night 1) |publisher=British Championship Wrestling |access-date=27 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521161054/http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2006/05/26/path-of-glory-night-1 |archive-date=21 May 2014 }} but conceding a loss to him the next night in May.{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2006/05/27/path-of-glory-night-2 |title=Results: Path of Glory (night 2) |publisher=British Championship Wrestling |access-date=27 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521153908/http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2006/05/27/path-of-glory-night-2 |archive-date=21 May 2014 }} Though their feud finished in Ireland in August 2006, it continued on across the Irish Sea when the two wrestled for the umbrella promotion Real Quality Wrestling (RQW) the following year. The two first met during April's Taking On The World show which ended in a double countout.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822180244/http://www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=16|archive-date=22 August 2007|url=http://www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=16|title=April 20th Live Event Results|publisher=Real Quality Wrestling|url-status=usurped|access-date=10 December 2009}} The lack of a decision led to a rematch in June, and one of O'Shaunessy's last on the independent circuit, where Galloway picked up the victory in a No Holds Barred match ahead of an RQW Heavyweight Championship match.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822180206/http://www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=18|archive-date=22 August 2007|url=http://www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=18|title=June 16th Live Event Results|publisher=Real Quality Wrestling|url-status=usurped|access-date=10 December 2009}}

On 13 November 2006, O'Shaunessy and English wrestler Stu Sanders appeared on the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) show Raw at the Manchester Evening News Arena, as part of the security team ejecting D-Generation X (DX) from ringside, only for O'Shaunessy to later receive a Pedigree from Triple H.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/14/2352032.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722134901/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/14/2352032.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 July 2012|title=Raw: DX have a jolly ol' time in England|last=Plummer|first=Dale|date=14 November 2006|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=27 January 2010}} The following day, he and Drew Galloway had a tryout match against each other. In April 2007, he received another set of tryout matches in Milan and London against Galloway, as well as Sanders, WWE talent Jimmy Wang Yang, and Monster Factory alumnus Domino.{{cite web|url=http://www.sosofficial.com/fights.shtml|title=Upcoming and Past Fights|publisher=SOS Official|access-date=27 January 2010}} This led to an offer and signing of a developmental contract with WWE, at which point he relocated to the United States.

File:Sheamus with an armbar on Eric Escobar.jpg, who is seen here in an armbar.]]

O'Shaunessy debuted for the WWE developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) on 2 October in a double-debut match with a win over Bryan Kelly. While wrestling regularly, he was not part of any long feuds but did wrestle with a number of short-term tag teams alongside Hade Vansen{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007|title=FCW Results 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=27 January 2010}} and Jake Hager before teaming with Kafu (and managed by Dave Taylor) in the tournament to crown the inaugural FCW Florida Tag Team Champions. They advanced past the first round after defeating The British Lions ("Thee Superstar" Christopher Gray and "The Rascal" Tommy Taylor), but lost to Brad Allen and Nick Nemeth in the second round.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=FCW Results 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=27 January 2010}}

By September, O'Shaunessy had focused his attention on singles competition and wrestled his way to the top of the card, successfully defeating former partner Hager for the Florida Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.fingal-independent.ie/sport/other-sports/sheamus-wrestles-his-way-to-the-top-1925586.html|title=Sheamus wrestles his way to the top|last=Murphy|first=Hubert|date=28 November 2009|publisher=Fingal Independent|access-date=27 January 2010}} He defended the title against Hager on 23 October and took on a number of competitors, with Eric Escobar and Joe Hennig consistently earning themselves into contention. Eventually, on 11 December, O'Shaunessy lost the title to Escobar in a four-way match also involving Hennig and Drew McIntyre (formerly Drew Galloway).

O'Shaunessy spent 2009 continuing to chase gold, earning two shots in January and February at the Florida Tag Team Champions Johnny Curtis and Tyler Reks, but he and Ryback were unsuccessful in both attempts. In March, he challenged the two for the titles again, this time with McIntyre as his partner, but could not defeat them, nor could he defeat McIntyre for the Florida Heavyweight Championship the following month. He received a series of chances throughout the rest of the year, but could not win any more titles before being called up to WWE television,{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=FCW Results 2009|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=27 January 2010}} unsuccessfully challenging Justin Angel for the Florida Heavyweight Championship in November.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39164.shtml|title=FCW TV Report 11/1: WWE developmental TV – Sheamus vs. FCW Hvt. champion Justin Angel (NXT star), Curt Hawkins vs. DiBiase, Caylen Croft vs. Rotundo|last=Endres|first=Cody|date=18 February 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=18 February 2010}}

On 22 July 2008, O'Shaunessy worked a dark match at a SmackDown taping, losing to R-Truth.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/6106/105/|title=Smackdown spoilers from Philadelphia|date=22 July 2008|last=Begley|first=Ray|access-date=25 October 2008|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} The following year in May, O'Shaunessy began appearing at the Raw brand's house shows, and on both 8 and 9 May, he defeated Jamie Noble,{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1241942817.php?style=dark|title=5/8 WWE Results: Erie, PA|date=10 May 2009|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=10 May 2009|publisher=WrestleView}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1241943798.php?style=dark|title=5/9 WWE Results: Youngstown, OH|date=10 May 2009|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=10 May 2009|publisher=WrestleView}} along with another dark match victory over Noble before an episode of Raw.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}

On the 30 June 2009 episode of ECW, Farrelly made his unannounced debut as a villain under the shortened ring name of Sheamus, quickly defeating local competitor Oliver John.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_33241.shtml|title=ECW TV Report 6/30: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Dreamer & Christian vs. Kozlov & Regal|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=30 June 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 January 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9806/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling, I mean ECW, TV report|date=30 June 2009|access-date=1 July 2009|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|archive-date=4 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704021203/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9806|url-status=dead}} Sheamus soon entered into a critically well-received rivalry with Goldust after defeating him on 29 July.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/29/10295521.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629163027/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/29/10295521.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 June 2012|title=ECW: Ryder pushes Christian to the brink|last=Bishop|first=Matt|date=29 July 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=27 January 2010}} After exchanging victories in the following weeks{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/13/10457251.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115093443/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/13/10457251.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 January 2013|title=Superstars: Goldust leads rookie to his best match on television|last=Johnson|first=Matt|date=13 August 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=27 January 2010}} they competed in a no disqualification match on 1 September which was won by Sheamus.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_34974.shtml|title=9/1 WWE ECW Hits & Misses: Abraham Washington Show, Benjamin vs. Ryder, Goldust vs. Sheamus|last=Mezzera|first=Jon|date=2 September 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 January 2010}} Sheamus then began a feud with Shelton Benjamin which was hot-shot into a deciding match on 27 October which Sheamus won.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_36394.shtml|title=10/27 WWE ECW Hits & Misses: Abraham Washington Show, Shaemus vs. Benjamin, Christian vs. Tatsu|last=Mezzera|first=Jon|date=28 October 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 January 2010}}

His rivalry with Benjamin ended prematurely when Sheamus was moved to the Raw brand. He made his Raw debut by defeating Jamie Noble on 26 October.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/27/11535426.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718214754/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/27/11535426.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=18 July 2012|title=Raw: Superstars take revenge on Big Show|date=27 October 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=27 October 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} In the following weeks, he continued to attack Noble causing him to retire,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11092009/articles/12505222|title=Jamie Noble retires|date=9 November 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=27 January 2010}} and, in lieu of competition, assaulted the timekeeper and commentator Jerry Lawler on 16 November.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/17/11770271.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718161709/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/17/11770271.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=18 July 2012|title=Raw: Smaller set, big three-way tag match at MSG|last=Writer X|date=17 November 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=27 January 2010}} The following week Sheamus appeared on his first WWE pay-per-view event, Survivor Series, on 22 November, when he was part of The Miz's team in a traditional five-on-five elimination tag team match. He eliminated fellow Irishman Finlay and made the final pinfall to eliminate the opposing captain John Morrison and survive along with The Miz and longtime former rival Drew McIntyre.

File:Sheamus WWE Champion.jpg in December 2009]]

The following night on Raw, Sheamus won a "break-through" battle royal for wrestlers who had never won a world championship, to become the number one contender to John Cena's WWE Championship. At the contract signing immediately afterward, Sheamus put Cena through the table, and the Raw guest host, Jesse Ventura, announced it would be a Tables match.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-13 |title=Sheamus' WWE Debut & First WWE Championship, Revealed - Atletifo |url=https://atletifo.com/news/sheamus-wwe-debut-first-wwe-championship-revealed/ |access-date=2023-02-13 |language=en-GB}} On 13 December at the TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view, Sheamus defeated Cena to win the WWE Championship, his first championship in WWE,{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37357.shtml|title=WWE TLC PPV Report 12/13: Complete PPV report on Cena vs. Sheamus, DX vs. JeriShow, Taker vs. Batista|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=13 December 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=14 December 2009}} making him the first Irish-born WWE Champion. He also captured the major title in just 166 days since his WWE debut, making it the third shortest time to capture a title since his WWE/ECW debut.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-world-heavyweight-title-fastest-rises/page-9|title=The 10 fastest rises to the WWE World Heavyweight Title #3 Sheamus — 166 days|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|last2=Arthus|first2=Matthew|publisher=WWE.com|access-date=11 May 2015}} The following night on Raw, Sheamus was awarded the 2009 Breakout Superstar of the Year Slammy Award. He would make his first title defense on the final Raw of 2009, getting disqualified in a rematch against Cena.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards09/|title=2009 Slammy Awards|date=14 December 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=15 December 2009}} On 31 January 2010 at the Royal Rumble, Sheamus defeated Randy Orton by disqualification to retain the WWE Championship, following interference from Orton's teammate Cody Rhodes.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12692126.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714005740/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12692126.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2012|title=The 2010 Royal Rumble is Rated R in Atlanta|date=1 February 2010|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=3 March 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On 21 February, Sheamus lost the WWE Championship at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in the Elimination Chamber match after he was eliminated by Triple H.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_39244.shtml|title=WWE Elimination Chamber PPV Results 2/21: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live event|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=21 February 2010|access-date=24 February 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} During the match, Sheamus suffered a concussion and as a result did not attend Raw the following night.{{cite web|last=Deitch|first=Charlie|title=Heavyweight Champions|url=http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid:88609|publisher=Pittsburgh City Paper|access-date=3 December 2010|date=2 December 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1266949533.php?style=dark|title=Report: Sheamus suffers concussion|date=23 February 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=27 February 2010|publisher=WrestleView}} Upon his return, he attacked Triple H in revenge, setting up a match at WrestleMania XXVI on 28 March where Sheamus lost.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/01/13076276.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717195117/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/01/13076276.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 July 2012|title=RAW: A bad trip on the Road to Wrestlemania|date=1 March 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=29 March 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1269831368 |title=Wrestlemania 26 Results – 3/28/10 |date=28 March 2010 |last=Martin |first=Adam |access-date=29 March 2010 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401034109/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1269831368 |archive-date=1 April 2010 }} At Extreme Rules on 25 April, Sheamus attacked Triple H at the beginning of the show and later defeated him in a Street Fight. After a series of kicks to the head to win, he continued his assault after the match finished resulting in Triple H being written off television for ten months.{{cite web|last=Kapur|first=Bob|title=WWE Extreme Rules features strong Mania rematches|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/25/13720306.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714201725/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/25/13720306.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=26 March 2011|date=25 April 2010}}

On 20 June at Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view, Sheamus won a fatal four-way match, following interference from The Nexus that allowed him to pin Cena, winning the WWE Championship for the second time and being named the one-hundredth WWE Champion in history.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_42085.shtml|title=WWE News: Fatal Four-Way PPV News & Notes – three new champions, bonus matches, Vince McMahon appearance|date=20 June 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=21 June 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/201003281|title=History of the WWE Championship: Sheamus (2)|date=20 June 2010|access-date=21 June 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625013320/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/201003281|archive-date=25 June 2010}} He defeated Cena in a steel cage match to retain the championship on 18 July at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view, after The Nexus interfered again.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/matches/14882700/results/|title=Bank robbery|date=18 July 2010|last=Adkins|first=Greg|access-date=21 July 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} He retained the title against Orton on 15 August at SummerSlam by disqualification.{{cite web|first1=Dale|last1=Plummer|first2=Nick|last2=Tylwalk|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html|title=Rumored return helps Team WWE fend off Nexus at SummerSlam|access-date=23 August 2010|date=15 August 2010|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|archive-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630095657/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html|url-status=usurped}} On 19 September at Night of Champions, Sheamus lost the WWE Championship to Orton in a six-pack elimination challenge, which also included Cena, Chris Jericho, Edge and Wade Barrett.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716063558/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Few gimmicks, more title changes at Night of Champions|date=20 September 2010|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=25 September 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Sheamus received his rematch for the title on 3 October at Hell in a Cell, but was again defeated by Orton in a Hell in a Cell match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/04/15570631.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714043413/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/04/15570631.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2012|title=Hell in a Cell: Betrayal, fan interference, and flying shoes|date=4 October 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=23 November 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

File:King Sheamus 2010 Tribute to the Troops.jpg King of the Ring]]

Sheamus bounced back on 29 November, with wins over Kofi Kingston and John Morrison to become the 2010 King of the Ring, after receiving a bye through the second round.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/29/16367731.html|title=Raw: King of the Ring crowned|date=29 November 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=30 November 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630092759/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/29/16367731.html|url-status=usurped}} As "King Sheamus", he faced Morrison again on 19 December at the TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view for a future WWE Championship match, but lost in a ladder match.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE TLC PPV Results 12/19: In-person "virtual-time" coverage of TLC PPV – off-air PPV notes, Miz vs. Orton, Cena vs. Barrett|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_46178.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=25 March 2011|date=19 December 2011}} Going into 2011, he continued to lose to Morrison in a mixture of singles and tag team matches.{{cite web|last=Plummer|first=Dale|title=Raw: No Nexus, no problem|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/21/16627431.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630145449/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/21/16627431.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=30 June 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=25 March 2011|date=21 December 2010}}{{cite web|last=Plummer|first=Dale|title=Raw: CM Punk thins out the ranks|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/10/16837026.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715191847/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/10/16837026.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 July 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=26 March 2011|date=10 January 2011}} Triple H returned on 28 February and took revenge for his scripted ten-month injury by putting Sheamus through the announce table.{{cite web|last=Plummer|first=Dale|title=Triple H talks Wrestlemania; The Miz loses an ally|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=26 March 2011|date=28 February 2011|archive-date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718032357/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html|url-status=usurped}}

On 7 March, after losing a match against Daniel Bryan, Sheamus challenged him to a rematch with his WWE career on the line against Bryan's United States Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1300111547|title=Sheamus no longer "King Sheamus"|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=7 June 2011|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317004548/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1300111547|archive-date=17 March 2011}} He won his match against Bryan the following week, winning his first United States title.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE Raw results 3/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw — Cena vs. Del Rio main event, U.S. Title match, two surprise returns, Snooki|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_48474.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=25 March 2011|date=14 March 2011}} The rematch between Sheamus and Bryan took place on 3 April, during the pre-show of WrestleMania XXVII, and ended in a draw after interference from the lumberjacks.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemaniaxxvii/over-the-top-rope-battle-royal |title=Results:The Great Khali won the Over-the-Top-Rope WrestleMania Battle Royal |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |access-date=5 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406032643/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemaniaxxvii/over-the-top-rope-battle-royal |archive-date=6 April 2011 }} The next night on Raw, Sheamus retained the United States Championship against Bryan in a rematch.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49042.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/4: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – The Rock & Austin live, fall-out from WrestleMania 27, Sin Cara debut|date=4 April 2011|access-date=11 July 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} In the 2011 Supplemental Draft, Sheamus was drafted to the SmackDown brand, and made his SmackDown debut on 29 April by attacking Kingston. He brought the United States Championship to SmackDown, but lost it back to the Raw brand at Extreme Rules on 1 May when Kingston defeated him in a Tables match.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_49593.shtml|title=WWE News: Full list of 2011 WWE Draft Picks (televised Raw Draft & Supplemental Draft)|date=26 April 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 April 2011}}{{cite web|title=Kofi Kingston def. Sheamus (Tables Match; New United States Champion)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2011/tables-match|access-date=2 May 2011|publisher=WWE}}

On the 3 June episode of SmackDown, Sheamus lost a World Heavyweight Championship match to Randy Orton due to biased refereeing from Christian.{{cite web|last=Burdick|first=Michael|title=SmackDown results: Deliberating the dilemma|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-06-03/25019806|publisher=WWE|access-date=5 July 2011}} Two weeks later, he lost a match to Christian, ending his chance to compete in the World Heavyweight Championship match at Capitol Punishment on 19 June.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/18/18302076.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716123804/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/18/18302076.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Fair is foul, and foul is fair|date=18 June 2014|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=29 September 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At Money in the Bank on 17 July, he competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match for a World Heavyweight Championship match contract, but lost.{{Cite web |title=Daniel Bryan won the SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2011/smackdown-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=WWE |language=en}} On the 29 July episode of SmackDown, Sheamus started a feud with Mark Henry over Henry being a bully, turning face in the process. At SummerSlam on 14 August, he lost to Henry via countout. Sheamus went on a fourteen match winning streak that ended after interference from Christian, with whom he had been feuding.{{cite web|last=Burdick|first=Michael|title=Mark Henry def. Sheamus (Count-out)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2011/sheamus-mark-henry|publisher=WWE|access-date=16 August 2011}}{{cite web|title=Did You Know – Sheamus ends long streak on Smackdown|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_54288.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=19 October 2011|date=15 October 2011}} During this time, Sheamus defeated Christian in three consecutive matches at Hell in a Cell on 2 October, Vengeance on 23 October, and on SmackDown.{{cite web|last=Burdick|first=Michael|title=Sheamus defeated Christian at Hell in a Cell|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2011/sheamus-christian}}{{cite web|last=Burdick |first=Michael|title=Sheamus defeated Christian at Vengeance|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/2011/sheamus-christian}}{{cite web|last=Burdick |first=Michael|title=Sheamus 3–0 to Christian|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-11-11/results}} He then went on a twelve match winning streak,{{cite web|title=1/16 WWE Raw box score: Snapshot of Monday's show – match times, Win/Loss Records, Titles, Streaks (rough night for Ryder & Sheamus)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwestatistics/article_57091.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=16 February 2012|date=18 January 2012}} building towards winning the Royal Rumble on 29 January 2012. He entered the match twenty-second and won by last eliminating Chris Jericho to earn a main event championship match at WrestleMania XXVIII.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=30 January 2012}}

File:Sheamus April 2012.jpg in April 2012]]

On 19 February at Elimination Chamber, Sheamus attacked World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan after Bryan retained his title, thus challenging Bryan the World Heavyweight Championship on 1 April at WrestleMania XXVIII, which Sheamus won in a record 18 seconds.{{cite web|title=World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan won the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/smackdown-elimination-chamber-2012|publisher=WWE|last=Giannini|first=Alex|date=19 February 2012|access-date=19 February 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/28/sheamus-bryan|publisher=WWE|title=Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (World Heavyweight Championship)|last=Giannini|first=Alex|date=19 February 2012|access-date=19 February 2012}} On the 6 April episode of SmackDown, Sheamus lost to Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match by disqualification, thus earning Del Rio a future title match and starting a feud between the two.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-04-06/results/page-8|title=Smackdown Results|first=Michael|last=Burdick|date=6 April 2012|publisher=WWE|access-date=7 April 2012}} On 29 April at Extreme Rules, Sheamus successfully defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Bryan in a two out-of-three falls match.{{cite web|title=World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan – 2-out-of-3 Falls Match|first=Alex|last=Giannini|date=9 April 2012|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2012/world-heavyweight-champion-sheamus-vs-daniel-bryan-submission-match|access-date=11 April 2012|publisher=WWE}} Sheamus then returned to his feud with Del Rio which eventually began to include Chris Jericho and Randy Orton.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61167.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/7: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - broken bones follow-up, Over the Limit hype|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} The rivalry between them culminated in a fatal-four-way match for the World Heavyweight Championship on 20 May at Over the Limit, where Sheamus pinned Jericho to retain the title.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/2012/fatal-4-way-match|title=Fatal-4-Way World Heavyweight Championship Match|publisher=WWE|access-date=21 May 2012}} Del Rio earned another title shot on the 25 May episode of SmackDown, but suffered a concussion a week before their match at No Way Out and was subsequently replaced by Dolph Ziggler; Sheamus retained the title in their match at the event on 17 June.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61799.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 5/25: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Triple-Threat No. 1 Contender Match|date=25 May 2012|last=Parks|first=Gred|access-date=26 May 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1339347086 |title=Alberto Del Rio suffers concussion, PPV match in doubt |date=10 June 2012 |last=Martin |first=Adam |access-date=10 June 2012 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616014519/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1339347086 |archive-date=16 June 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_62329.shtml|title=WWE News: Del Rio pulled from PPV World Title match, #1 contender match scheduled|date=11 June 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=11 June 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Vince McMahon stops by for a John Laurinaitis performance review|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/06/11/19865686.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140110122444/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/06/11/19865686.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=10 January 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=12 June 2012|date=11 June 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2012/sheamus-dolph-ziggler|title=World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler|last=Artus|first=Matthew|publisher=WWE|access-date=17 June 2012}} Sheamus went on to retain the title against Del Rio and Ziggler over the next few months, including at Money in the Bank on 15 July, SummerSlam on 19 August, and Night of Champions on 16 September.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62913.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Triple Threat match for the World Title|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_63339.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV report 7/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk vs. Bryan, Sheamus vs. Del Rio, two MITB matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=15 July 2012|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_64430.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE SummerSlam PPV report 8/19: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Lesnar vs. Triple H, Punk vs. Cena vs. Show|date=19 August 2012|access-date=20 August 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_65243.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Night of Champions PPV report 9/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk vs. Cena, six title 9e3id inik matches|date=16 September 2012|access-date=16 September 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 28 October at Hell in a Cell, Sheamus lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Big Show, ending his reign, which was the third longest in the title's history, at 210 days.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66245.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE HELL IN A CELL PPV REPORT 10/28: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Punk vs. Ryback|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}

Sheamus faced Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship on November at Survivor Series, defeating Big Show by disqualification, failing to win the title. Afterward, Sheamus repeatedly hit Big Show with a steel chair.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66714.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV REPORT 11/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Punk-Cena-Ryback|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} This led to a Chairs match on 16 December at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, where Sheamus again failed to regain the title.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_67280.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE TLC PPV RESULTS 12/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of final 2012 PPV - Cena vs. Ziggler main event, Shield makes a statement|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} On the 24 December episode of Raw, Sheamus defeated Big Show in a non-title lumberjack match.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67464.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 12/24: Christmas Eve episode features Cena vs. Del Rio cartoon brawl, Santa injury angle with "Owen Hart tone" throughout|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}

On 27 January 2013, at the Royal Rumble, Sheamus entered the Royal Rumble at number eleven, eliminating five other wrestlers before Ryback eliminated him.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68181.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE ROYAL RUMBLE PPV RESULTS 1/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Punk vs. Rock, 30-man Rumble|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} After being a frequent target of The Shield,{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68224.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 1/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Lesnar returns, Rock's first night as champ, Heyman-McMahon (updated w/Box Score)|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} Sheamus gained vengeance on the stable when he united with John Cena and Ryback to attack them.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68402.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 2/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WWE explains many things, Punk-Jericho main event, Bruno HOF Video (updated w/Box Score)|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} This culminated in a six-man tag team match at Elimination Chamber, where the Shield emerged victorious.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68713.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER PPV RESULTS 2/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Rock-Punk II, Elimination Chamber match, Shield beats Team Cena|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} In late February, Sheamus aligned himself with Randy Orton to feud with The Shield.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68918.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 2/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live & loaded Raw - Cena vs. Punk Instant Classic, Heyman-McMahon "fight," big returns, but did Taker return?|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} Over the next weeks, Sheamus and Orton saved each other from attacks by The Shield and Big Show.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69036.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/1: Complete coverage of Friday night show, including Social Media Smackdown and Big Show vs. Randy Orton|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69214.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/8: Not-quite-live, ongoing coverage of Friday show, including Ziggler vs. Del Rio|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} On the 15 March episode of SmackDown, Sheamus and Orton were then allowed to pick a third partner to face the Shield in a six-man tag team match at WrestleMania 29 and chose Ryback.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69333.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the Friday night show, including Henry vs. Ryback|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} Three days later on Raw, however, Ryback was booked for another match at WrestleMania, leaving the spot open. Later that night, Big Show saved the two from an attack by The Shield and was recruited as their partner.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69381.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 3/18: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Hunter signs WM29 contract, IC Title match, more WM29 developments|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69461.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the Friday night show, including Chris Jericho vs. Jack Swagger in a rematch from last week|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} On 7 April at WrestleMania 29, Sheamus, Orton and Big Show were defeated by The Shield, after which both men were knocked out by Big Show.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 29 PPV RESULTS: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from MetLife Stadium - Rock-Cena II, Taker-Punk, Lesnar-Hunter, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} The following night on Raw, Sheamus and Orton faced off in a match to earn a match with Big Show, however, the match ended in a no contest after Big Show interfered.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WM29 fall-out, new World Champ, no Rock, Taker live, crowd takes over|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} Sheamus and Orton then defeated Big Show in two handicap matches on SmackDown and Raw.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69993.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Dolph Ziggler's first Smackdown as champion and Triple H addresses Lesnar match|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70029.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/15: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Lesnar returns, Punk walks away, WM29 fallout, new U.S. champion, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}

File:Sheamus US Champion 2014.jpg in May 2014.]]

Later that month, Sheamus re-entered a feud with Mark Henry after the two repeatedly attacked each other backstage.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70127.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/19: Complete coverage of Friday night show, including Sheamus & Orton vs. Mark Henry & Big Show tag main event|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} Sheamus and Henry then challenged each other in tests of strength, but with Sheamus unable to best Henry, he resorted to attacking Henry.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70288.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/29 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Shield's message, Champ vs. Champ, Tug of War sponsored by Dominos|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 5/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Ryback, Kane vs. Dean Ambrose|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70373.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 June 2013}} After Sheamus attacked a commentary-bound Henry during a match, Henry whipped Sheamus with a belt, prompting a strap match on 19 May at Extreme Rules, where Sheamus emerged victorious.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70423.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/6 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Ryback vs. Kane main event, Henry whips Sheamus, how did Raw go off the air?|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Lesnar finishes off Triple H at Extreme Rules|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/05/19/20834561.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707190809/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/05/19/20834561.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=26 May 2013}} Sheamus then began feuding with Damien Sandow, when Sandow hosted a series of mental challenges on SmackDown, and Sheamus repeatedly interrupted and tried to solve the challenges. However, when Sheamus failed to solve the puzzles, he instead resorted to physical violence.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70839.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/24: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including the Intercontinental and U.S. Titles on the line, plus PPV fall-out|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70988.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Ambrose vs. Orton|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71147.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Randy Orton, Kane, Daniel Bryan on Miz TV setting up the TV main event|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} On 16 June, during the Payback pre-show, Sheamus defeated Sandow in a singles match.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71315.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE PAYBACK PPV RESULTS 6/16 (Pre-Show): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Sheamus vs. Sandow, PPV hype|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} The following night on Raw, Sheamus was defeated by Sandow and Cody Rhodes in a handicap match after Sandow pinned him with a roll-up.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71351.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/17 (Hour 1): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Payback PPV fall-out, Punk confronts new World champ, Christian returns to TV|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} The rivalry culminated in a Dublin Street Fight on the 28 June episode of SmackDown, where Sheamus emerged victorious.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71602.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Sheamus vs. Damien Sandow in a Dublin Street Fight|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} On 14 July at Money in the Bank, Sheamus competed in the WWE Championship Money in the Bank ladder match, but was unsuccessful as the match was won by Orton.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71944.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE MITB PPV RESULTS 7/14 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV - Cena vs. Henry, MITB All-Stars|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} During the match, Sheamus suffered a hematoma on his left thigh after being thrown into a horizontal ladder, which prevented him from competing that week.{{cite web|title=Sheamus gives an injury update via Rwitter|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/42652-sheamus-gives-an-injury-update-via-twitter|date=16 July 2013|first=Jason|last=Namako}} Sheamus returned to in-ring action on the 22 July episode of Raw, losing to World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72159.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/22 (Hour 1): Cena-Bryan contract signing, Del Rio vs. Sheamus, Christian, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}} On 7 August, WWE confirmed Sheamus had suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder that would require surgery, and was expected to miss between four and six months of ring action.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/sheamus-suffers-injury|title=Sheamus suffers torn labrum|website=WWE|access-date=6 January 2020}}{{cite web|title=WWE Wrestler Sheamus Sideined Four to Six Months with Injury|url=http://www.sportsmedia101.com/wrestling/2013/08/07/wwe-wrestler-sheamus-sidelined-4-6-months-with-injury/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195422/http://www.sportsmedia101.com/wrestling/2013/08/07/wwe-wrestler-sheamus-sidelined-4-6-months-with-injury/|archive-date=29 October 2013}}

On 26 January 2014, at the Royal Rumble, Sheamus returned as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble match; he was eliminated by Roman Reigns in the final three.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2014/the-2014-30-superstar-royal-rumble-match-photos|title=The 2014 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match: photos|website=WWE|access-date=6 January 2020}} The following night on Raw, Sheamus, Bryan and John Cena qualified for the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship; he was eliminated by Christian in the match. This began a brief feud leading up to WrestleMania, in which Sheamus consistently was victorious. He was part of the final four in the André the Giant Memorial battle royal at WrestleMania XXX on 6 April, before he and Del Rio eliminated each other.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/30/the-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-26193641|title=Cesaro won The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|quote=The final four – Del Rio, Big Show, Sheamus and the Swiss Superman – pulled out all the stops, ultimately resulting in The Celtic Warrior and Del Rio eliminating each other simultaneously.|access-date=13 April 2014}} On 14 April, Sheamus participated in the Intercontinental Championship number one contender tournament, which was held on Raw. He advanced to the next round by defeating Jack Swagger, before losing to Bad News Barrett in the semi-finals on 21 April.{{cite web|last=Stephens|first=David|title=WWE Raw Results – 4/14/14 (Tribute to the Ultimate Warrior)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/47946-wwe-raw-results-4-14-14-live-results-from-birmingham|access-date=23 April 2014|publisher=WrestleView|date=15 April 2014}}{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 4/21/14 (John Cena vs. Wyatt Family)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/48085-wwe-raw-results-4-21-14-live-results-from-baltimore|access-date=23 April 2014|publisher=WrestleView|date=22 April 2014}}

On the 5 May episode of Raw, Sheamus won a 20-man battle royal to win the United States Championship for the second time, last eliminating previous champion Dean Ambrose. Sheamus then began feuding with Cesaro and his manager Paul Heyman, culminating in a match between Sheamus and Cesaro for the title at Payback on 1 June, which Sheamus won. On 9 June, Sheamus defeated Bad News Barrett to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match for the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship; the match was won by Cena on 29 June.{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 6/9/14 (Rollins explains his motives)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/48930-wwe-raw-results-6-9-14-live-results-from-minneapolis|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=10 June 2014|date=10 June 2014}} Sheamus was in the Intercontinental Championship battle royal at Battleground on 20 July; the match was won by The Miz. Sheamus successfully defended the title against Cesaro at Night of Champions on 21 September, and The Miz at Hell in a Cell on 26 October.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE NoC PPV Report 9/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Lesnar vs. Cena|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80844.shtml|access-date=21 September 2014|date=21 September 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/10/26/22031761.html|title=Cena and Rollins survive Cell stipulations|date=26 October 2014|last=Asher|first=Matthew|access-date=28 October 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=28 October 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141028132337/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/10/26/22031761.html|url-status=usurped}} He lost the title to Rusev on 3 November, in a match which aired exclusively on the WWE Network ending his reign at 182 days.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/04/22049246.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141124111439/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/04/22049246.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=24 November 2014|title=Rusev wins U.S. title on WWE Network|date=4 November 2014|last1=Oliver|first1=Greg|last2=Powell|first2=John|access-date=24 November 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Following this, Sheamus was written off television when he and Big Show were attacked by Rusev and Mark Henry, allowing Sheamus time off for surgery.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/18/22078681.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141130134911/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/18/22078681.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=30 November 2014|title=Raw: Can Team Cena get to five men before Survivor Series?|date=18 November 2014|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=30 November 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/51757-sheamus-posts-twitter-photo-of-impending-surgery|title=Sheamus posts Twitter photo of impending surgery|date=20 November 2014|last=Namako|first=Jason|access-date=30 November 2014|publisher=WrestleView}}

{{Main article|The League of Nations (professional wrestling)|l1=The League of Nations}}

{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="For months, Sheamus had been in a lower-level position, sometimes comedic, sometimes in a tag team but never presented or treated as the threat-in-waiting for the champion on a consistent basis".|source=Pro Wrestling Insider writer Mike Johnson describes Sheamus' storyline position before winning the world title in 2015{{cite web|title= A deep look into what has brought WWE to where they are now, mistakes that were made (even as recently as Monday) & what needs to happen now|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=98227|access-date=8 December 2015|website=PWInsider.com}}}}

On the 30 March episode of Raw, Sheamus returned from injury, having drastically changed his look, including a mohawk and braided beard, appearing to save Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler from an attack by Bad News Barrett, but then attacked Bryan and Ziggler instead, turning heel in the process for the first time since 2011.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2015/03/30/22317816.html|title=Raw: Lesnar runs wild, as does the crowd|date=20 March 2015|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=31 March 2015|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=31 March 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150331153338/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2015/03/30/22317816.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/53827-wwe-raw-results-3-30-15-live-results-from-san-jose|title=WWE Raw Results – 3/30/15 (Night after WrestleMania 31)|date=30 March 2015|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|access-date=31 March 2015|publisher=WrestleView}} Sheamus then explained his heel turn and new attitude by claiming that "the era of underdogs is over", resulting in a feud with Ziggler.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tan74UNin2Q |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Tan74UNin2Q |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Sheamus discusses his new attitude and why the era of underdogs is over: April 22, 2015|publisher=WWE|work=YouTube|date=22 April 2015}}{{cbignore}} On the 16 April episode of SmackDown, Sheamus announced that he would face Ziggler in a Kiss Me Arse match at Extreme Rules on 26 April, which he lost.{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=Dolph Ziggler def. Sheamus (Kiss Me Arse Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2015/dolph-ziggler-vs-sheamus-27300103|publisher=WWE|access-date=26 April 2015}} However, Sheamus refused to follow the stipulation, and instead made Ziggler kiss his behind, despite losing.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's Extreme Rules PPV Report 4/26: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Rollins vs. Orton steel cage, Cena vs. Rusev, Last Man Standing, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84687.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 April 2015}} At Payback on 17 May, Sheamus defeated Ziggler in a rematch.{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/ziggler-sheamus-27379614|publisher=WWE|access-date=17 May 2015}} At Elimination Chamber on 31 May, Sheamus participated in the Elimination Chamber match for the vacant Intercontinental Championship, but was unsuccessful as the match was won by Ryback.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85340.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE E. Chamber PPV Report 5/31: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title match, Cena vs. Owens, two Elimination Chamber matches, more|first=James|last=Caldwell|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=31 May 2015|access-date=31 May 2015}} At Money in the Bank on 14 June, Sheamus won the Money in the Bank ladder match to earn a WWE World Heavyweight Championship contract.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85628.shtml#.VX6R6PlViko|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Results 6/14: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Dusty Rhodes 10-bell salute, WWE Title match, MITB match, Cena vs. Owens II, more|first=James|last=Caldwell|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=14 June 2015|access-date=15 June 2015}} Sheamus then began a feud with Randy Orton, who was also part of the ladder match, with both men attacking each other and facing off in tag-team matches. Sheamus lost to Orton at Battleground on 19 July, but defeated Orton at SummerSlam on 23 August.{{cite web|last1=Powers|first1=Kevin|title=Randy Orton def. Sheamus|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2015/randy-orton-sheamus|publisher=WWE|access-date=19 July 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=Sheamus def. Randy Orton|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2015/randy-orton-vs-sheamus-27742103|publisher=WWE|access-date=23 August 2015}}

File:WWE Raw 2016-04-04 19-20-28 ILCE-6000 2144 DxO (28102938490).jpg

In November, Sheamus competed in the tournament for the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship, being eliminated in the first round by Cesaro. At Survivor Series on 22 November, Sheamus cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and defeated newly crowned champion Roman Reigns, after he refused to shake hands with Triple H, to win the title, thus aligning with Triple H and The Authority.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2015/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship-tournament-finals-28164052|title=Roman Reigns def. Dean Ambrose in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Final Match; Sheamus cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion|date=22 November 2015|access-date=22 November 2015|author=WWE Staff|work=WWE.com|publisher=WWE}} On the 30 November episode of Raw, Sheamus announced that he had formed his own stable called The League of Nations with Alberto Del Rio, Rusev and King Barrett, with the members of which having been born outside the U.S., while remaining associated with the Authority. In addition, he proclaimed his championship reign as "Sheamus 5:15", a play on Austin 3:16 and Reigns' short-lived title reign of five minutes and 15 seconds.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestling.com/free-wwe-raw-pbp-coverage-in-progress-now-5/ |title=WWE RAW Results (11/30) – Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus, More! |first=Ryan |last=Clark |publisher=prowrestling.com |date=30 November 2015 |access-date=5 December 2015 |archive-date=3 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103140011/http://www.prowrestling.com/free-wwe-raw-pbp-coverage-in-progress-now-5/ |url-status=dead }}

At TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs on 13 December, Sheamus defeated Reigns in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match after interference from The League of Nations. After the match, Reigns attacked Sheamus and Triple H.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2015/sheamus-roman-reigns-28257957|title=WWE TLC 2015|work=WWE|access-date=12 June 2018|language=en}} This resulted in a rematch the following night on Raw for the title with the stipulation that Reigns would be fired should he lose. Despite interference from chairman Mr. McMahon, Sheamus lost the title, ending his reign at 22 days.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57159-wwe-raw-results-12-14-15-live-results-from-philadelphia|title=WWE RAW Results - 12/14/15 (New WWE Champion)|date=14 December 2015|last=Mike|first=Tedesco|access-date=15 December 2015|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On the 4 January 2016 episode of Raw, he failed to regain the title from Reigns with McMahon as special guest referee.{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results - 1/4/16 (Reigns vs. Sheamus)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57324-wwe-raw-results-1-4-16-live-results-from-san-antonio|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=4 January 2016}} On 24 January, Sheamus entered the Royal Rumble at number 29, where he made to the final four, before being eliminated by Reigns.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/10142960/wwe-royal-rumble-2016-triple-h-wins-wwe-world-heavyweight-title|newspaper=Sky Sports|title=Who won the Royal Rumble|access-date=25 January 2016}}{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|title=Triple H won the 2016 Royal Rumble Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2016/royal-rumble-match-wwe-world-heavyweight-championship|publisher=WWE|access-date=24 January 2016}}

At Fastlane on 21 February, WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) began mocking The League of Nations, calling them the "league of booty". They continued to mock The League of Nations in various segments and skits while simultaneously feuding with other teams.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2015/sheamus-roman-reigns-28257957|title=WWE TLC 2015|work=WWE|access-date=11 June 2018|language=en}} At Roadblock on 12 March, Sheamus and Barrett unsuccessfully challenged for the WWE Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|title=Heel vs. Heel title match added to WWE Roadblock special|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/08/heel-vs-heel-title-match-added-to-wwe-roadblock-special/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=8 March 2016}} The next night on Raw, The New Day defeated Del Rio and Rusev, prompting all four members of The League to attack The New Day after the match. The League of Nations then challenged and defeated The New Day in a six-man tag team match at WrestleMania 32 on 3 April. After the match, they were confronted and attacked by Mick Foley, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Shawn Michaels.{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results - 3/14/16 (Undertaker attacks Shane)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/58091-wwe-raw-results-3-14-16-live-results-from-pittsburgh|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=15 March 2016|date=15 June 2014}} The next night on Raw, Barrett and Sheamus faced The New Day in another tag team title match, in a losing effort. After the match, the League of Nations blamed Barrett for being the "weak link" and attacked him, ejecting him from the group, before the rest of the team was attacked by The Wyatt Family.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=4/4 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Report on post-WM32|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/04/april4rawresults/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=4 April 2016}} The feud was suspended within a month as Bray Wyatt suffered an injury, which led to Del Rio saying that The League might split soon as a result.{{cite web|title=Del Rio says League of Nations will be ending soon, Bray's injury sealed future|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/24/alberto-del-rio-league-of-nations-will-be-ending-soon-says-bray-wyatts-injury-sealed-future/|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=26 April 2016|date=25 April 2016|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160427005444/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/24/alberto-del-rio-league-of-nations-will-be-ending-soon-says-bray-wyatts-injury-sealed-future/|url-status=dead}}

On the 28 April episode of SmackDown, The League of Nations would compete in a six-man tag match against Sami Zayn, Cesaro and Kalisto, however, Del Rio and Rusev walked out during the match. Sheamus, who would do the same, confronted Del Rio and Rusev during a brawl, and said that the league is finished, confirming the end of the group. Del Rio would also confirm in an interview that the group was finished.{{cite web|title=Alberto Del Rio confirms plans of the League of Nations breaking up|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/701925-alberto-del-rio-confirms-plans-of-the-league-of-nations-breaking-up-reveals-why-the-faction-was-formed-how-much-time-does-he-have-left-in-wwe|access-date=29 April 2016|website=wrestlezone.com|date=25 April 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/61149-spoilers-wwe-smackdown-taping-results-manchester-new-hampshire-air-42816-week-usa-network/ |title=League of Nations dissolute |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=26 April 2016 |website=Wrestleview |access-date=1 May 2016}} At Money in the Bank on 19 June, he lost to Apollo Crews.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=6/19 WWE MITB PPV Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/19/619-wwe-mitb-ppv-results-caldwells-ongoing-live-report/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=19 June 2016}}

{{Main article|The Bar (professional wrestling)|l1=The Bar}}

On 19 July at the 2016 WWE draft, Sheamus was drafted to Raw.{{cite web|title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era|url=http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=19 July 2016}} Sheamus would then begin a rivalry with Cesaro, after losing to Cesaro on the 1 August episode of Raw, the two would continue to brawl after the match with match officials having to pull them apart.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-08-01|title=Raw: Aug. 1, 2016|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} On the 8 August episode of Raw, after losing to Cesaro in a rematch, he would later cost Cesaro the United States Championship after interfering in his main event impromptu match against Rusev.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-08-08|title=Raw: Aug. 8, 2016|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} The following week, Raw General Manager Mick Foley booked Sheamus and Cesaro in a Best of Seven Series,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-08-15|title=Raw: Aug. 15, 2016|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} with the first match taking place on 21 August on the SummerSlam kick-off show, which Sheamus won.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/cesaro-vs-sheamus-result|title=Sheamus def. Cesaro (Best of Seven Series Match No. 1)|publisher=WWE|first=Mitch|last=Passero|access-date=14 January 2025}} Sheamus would defeat Cesaro in the second and third matches,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-08-29|title=Raw: Aug. 29, 2016|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-09-05|title=Raw: Sep. 5, 2016|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} but lost to Cesaro in the fourth, fifth and sixth matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/07/97-wwe-live-london-results-owens-vs-zayn-vs-rollins-universal-title-cesaro-vs-sheamus-best-7-continues-jericho-vs-reigns/comment-page-1/|title=9/7 WWE Live in London Results – Owens vs. Zayn vs. Rollins for Universal Title, Cesaro vs. Sheamus Best-of-7 continues, Jericho vs. Reigns|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Martin|last=Turner|date=7 September 2016|access-date=14 January 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-09-12|title=Raw: Sept. 12, 2016|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-09-19|title=Raw: Sept. 19, 2016|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} At Clash of Champions on 25 September, the match ended in a no contest, leaving their series tied at 3–3.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2016/cesaro-vs-sheamus-results|title=Cesaro vs. Sheamus ended in a No Contest (Match No. 7 in Best of Seven Series)|publisher=WWE|first=Anthony|last=Benigno|date=25 September 2016|access-date=14 January 2025}} The next night on Raw, Foley decided to make the two partners to receive a future Raw Tag Team Championship opportunity.{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-news-sheamus-cesaro-getting-tag-title-shot-shield-members-close-to-grand-slam-raw-pre-show/|title=WWE News: Sheamus & Cesaro Getting Tag Title Shot, Shield Members Close to Grand Slam, Raw Pre-Show|website=411Mania.com|access-date=7 July 2017}} Later that night, they defeated a few local competitors, but still did not seem to be seeing eye to eye.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-09-26|title=Raw: Sept. 26, 2016|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} Sheamus and Cesaro defeated The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston) on the 24 October episode of Raw,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-10-24|title=Raw: Oct. 24, 2016|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} and defeated Big E and Xavier Woods by disqualification at Hell in a Cell on 30 October.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2016/new-day-vs-cesaro-sheamus-results|title=Cesaro & Sheamus def. Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day via Disqualification|publisher=WWE|first=Anthony|last=Benigno|date=30 October 2016|access-date=14 January 2025}} On the 7 November episode of Raw, Sheamus and Cesaro were announced as part of Team Raw for the 10–on–10 Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination match at Survivor Series on 20 November,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-11-07|title=Raw: Nov. 7, 2016|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} which Team Raw won with Sheamus and Cesaro being the sole survivors of their team.{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=Team Raw def. Team SmackDown LIVE in a 10-on-10 Traditional Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2016/raw-vs-smackdown-live-traditional-survivor-series-tag-team-elimination|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} The next night on Raw, Sheamus and Cesaro again failed to capture Raw Tag Team Championship from The New Day, represented by Big E and Kingston.{{cite web|title=Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day def. Cesaro & Sheamus|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-11-21/article/raw-tag-team-champions-the-new-day-def-cesaro-sheamus|access-date=26 February 2018}} After hinting at a break-up, the pair got into a bar brawl with men who offended them and finally began to cooperate with each other, thus turning Sheamus into a face.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/778719-identity-of-bar-patrons-in-cesaro-sheamus-bar-fight-segment-on-wwe-raw-rollins-ambushes-jericho-in-parking-lot-videos|title=Identity Of Bar Patrons In Cesaro / Sheamus Bar Fight Segment On WWE RAW, Rollins Ambushes Jericho In Parking Lot (Videos) - Wrestlezone|date=28 November 2016|work=Wrestlezone|access-date=11 June 2018}} On 18 December at Roadblock: End of the Line, Sheamus and Cesaro defeated Big E and Kingston to win the Raw Tag Team Championship, marking Sheamus' first tag team championship in both his WWE and entire wrestling career.{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=Cesaro & Sheamus def. The New Day to win the Raw Tag Team Championships|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/roadblockendoftheline/2016/new-day-vs-cesaro-sheamus-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} On 29 January on the Royal Rumble kickoff show, Sheamus and Cesaro lost the Raw Tag Team Championship to Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, and failed to regain them after The Hardy Boyz won the title at WrestleMania 33 on 2 April.{{cite web|last1=Adkins|first1=Greg|title=Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson def. Cesaro & Sheamus to win the Raw Tag Team Championships|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/cesaro-sheamus-vs-luke-gallows-karl-anderson-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}}{{cite web|last1=WWE.com Staff|title=The Hardy Boyz won a Fatal 4-Way Ladder Match to win the Raw Tag Team Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/raw-tag-team-championship-triple-threat-ladder-match-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}}

File:Cesaro and Sheamus 2017.jpg in May 2017]]

The following night on Raw, Sheamus and Cesaro defeated Enzo Amore and Big Cass to become the number one contenders for the Raw Tag Team Championship at Payback.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwe-raw-april-3-2017|title=Raw: Apr. 3, 2017|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} At the event on 30 April, and after failing to regain the title, both Sheamus and Cesaro turned heel by attacking The Hardy Boyz.{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=Raw Tag Team Champions The Hardy Boyz def. Sheamus & Cesaro|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2017/raw-tag-team-champions-the-hardy-boyz-vs-sheamus-cesaro-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} From there, now known as "The Bar", their entrances became further synchronized as they wore the same attire into the ring. They then won a tag team turmoil to earn another opportunity for the tag title at Extreme Rules.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Cesaro & Sheamus won a Tag Team Turmoil Match to become No. 1 contenders to the Raw Tag Team Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2017-05-08/article/cesaro-sheamus-golden-truth-tag-team-turmoil-match|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} The match was made a steel cage match after Matt Hardy defeated Sheamus on the 22 May episode of Raw, in a match where the winner chose the stipulation for their Extreme Rules bout.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Raw Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy def. Sheamus to choose the stipulation for the Raw Tag Team Title Match at Extreme Rules|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2017-05-22/article/matt-hardy-def-sheamus-extreme-rules-stipulation|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} At the event on 4 June, The Bar defeated The Hardy Boyz to win the Raw Tag Team Championship for the second time, making Cesaro a three-time champion and Sheamus a two-time champion.{{cite web|last1=Wortman|first1=Jason|title=Cesaro & Sheamus def. The Hardy Boyz to become the new Raw Tag Team Champions (Steel Cage Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2017/the-hardy-boyz-cesaro-sheamus-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} The duo made their first televised defence of the title against The Hardy Boyz on the 12 June episode of Raw in a two out of three falls match where the two teams tied at 1–1 after being counted out.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Raw Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus vs. The Hardy Boyz in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match ended in a draw|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2017-06-12/article/cesaro-sheamus-hardy-boyz-2-out-of-3-falls-match|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} They defended their title against The Hardy Boyz at the Great Balls of Fire pay-per-view on 9 July in a 30-minute Iron Man tag team match by the score 4–3.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Raw Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus def. The Hardy Boyz (30-Minute WWE Iron Man Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/great-balls-of-fire/wwe-great-balls-of-fire-2017/cesaro-sheamus-the-hardy-boyz-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} The Bar lost the Raw Tag Team Championship to Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose at SummerSlam on 20 August.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins def. Cesaro & Sheamus to become the new Raw Tag Team Champions|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/cesaro-sheamus-dean-ambrose-seth-rollins-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} The Bar lost their rematch for the title to Rollins and Ambrose at No Mercy on 24 September.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Raw Tag Team Champions Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins def. Cesaro & Sheamus|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2017/seth-rollins-dean-ambrose-cesaro-sheamus-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} On 22 October at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, they teamed with The Miz, Braun Strowman and Kane against the reunited Shield and Kurt Angle (who replaced Roman Reigns after he was not medically cleared to compete), in a five-on-three TLC match, which they went on to lose.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Kurt Angle & Raw Tag Team Champions Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins def. Intercontinental Champion The Miz, Cesaro, Sheamus, Braun Strowman & Kane (3-on-5 Handicap Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2017/kurt-angle-dean-ambrose-seth-rollins-braun-strowman-miz-kane-cesaro-sheamus|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} On the 6 November episode of Raw, the duo regained their titles from Rollins and Ambrose, winning the title for the third time.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Cesaro & Sheamus def. Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins to become the new Raw Tag Team Champions|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2017-11-06/article/shows/raw/2017-11-06/article/cesaro-sheamus-def-dean-ambrose-seth|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} At Survivor Series, on 19 November, they were defeated by The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) in an interbrand Champion vs Champion match.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos def. Raw Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/cesaro-sheamus-the-usos-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} The Bar later lost the tag team titles to the team of Rollins and Jason Jordan on the Christmas episode of Raw.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan def. Cesaro & Sheamus to become the new Raw Tag Team Champions|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2017-12-25/article/seth-rollins-jason-jordan-def-cesaro-sheamus-new-raw-tag-team-champions|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}}

File:Cesaro&Sheamus Tag Champs WM34 crop.jpg at WrestleMania 34]]

On 28 January 2018, The Bar won back the title at Royal Rumble, setting the record for the most reigns as a team at four.{{cite web|last1=Wortman|first1=Jason|title=Sheamus & Cesaro def. Raw Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/seth-rollins-jason-jordan-sheamus-cesaro-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} Earlier in the Royal Rumble match, Sheamus entered at number 11 and was quickly eliminated by Heath Slater, lasting just one second in the match.{{cite web|url=https://whatculture.com/wwe/did-heath-slater-set-new-wwe-royal-rumble-record|title=Did Heath Slater Set New WWE Royal Rumble Record?|first=Andrew|last=Murray|date=29 January 2018|website=WhatCulture.com}} Following consecutive losses to Titus Worldwide (Apollo Crews and Titus O'Neil) on Raw, they defended their title against the two at Elimination Chamber, retaining successfully at the event on 25 February.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Raw Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus def. Titus Worldwide|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/elimination-chamber-2018/cesaro-sheamus-titus-worldwide-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} On the 12 March episode of Raw, after Strowman single-handedly won a tag team battle royale to determine the number one contenders for their tag team titles at WrestleMania 34 although he lacked a partner, Angle, by then Raw General Manager, still allowed Strowman to wrestle for the titles, under the provision that he reveal his mystery partner at the event.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2018/3/12/17112694/braun-strowman-wins-battle-royal-tag-team-title-match-wrestlemania-34|title=Braun Strowman earns tag title match at WrestleMania 34|website=Cageside Seats|date=12 March 2018|access-date=14 April 2018}} At the event on 8 April, Strowman revealed his partner to be a 10 year old fan called Nicholas. The Bar was defeated by Strowman and Nicholas, therefore losing the tag team titles and in turn making Nicholas the youngest champion of any kind in WWE history.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2018/4/8/17211850/wrestlemania-34-results-braun-strowman-some-kid-win-raw-tag-team-titles-cesaro-sheamus|title=WrestleMania 34 results: Braun Strowman and some kid win Raw Tag Team Titles|website=Cageside Seats|date=8 April 2018|access-date=14 April 2018}}

On 17 April, Sheamus and Cesaro were both drafted to SmackDown as part of the Superstar Shake-up.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2018/4/17/17250172/cesaro-sheamus-smackdown-live-wwe-superstar-shakeup-2018-results|title=Cesaro & Sheamus are coming to SmackDown Live|website=Cageside Seats|date=17 April 2018|access-date=20 April 2018}} Despite the trade, they still had an opportunity to win the Raw Tag Team Championship as they faced Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt at the Greatest Royal Rumble on 27 April, but failed to win the titles.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/bray-wyatt-matt-hardy-sheamus-cesaro-results|title="Woken" Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt def. Cesaro & Sheamus (new Raw Tag Team Champions)|publisher=WWE|first=James|last=Wortman|date=27 April 2018|access-date=14 January 2025}} The Bar entered a short feud with The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), losing to Big E and Woods, and failing to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-05-15|title=SmackDown LIVE: May 15, 2018|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} After going on a hiatus, the duo returned in late July to take part in a number one contendership tournament for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship and beat The Usos to advance to the finals,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-07-31|title=SmackDown LIVE: July 31, 2018|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} where they lost to Big E and Kingston.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-08-07|title=SmackDown LIVE: August 7, 2018|publisher=WWE|access-date=14 January 2025}} After failing to become number one contenders again, the duo finally was gifted a title match. At Super Show-Down on 6 October, The Bar failed to win the titles from Kingston and Woods.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-show-down/2018-10-06/the-new-day-the-bar-results|title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day def. The Bar|publisher=WWE|first=Ralph|last=Bristout|date=6 October 2018|access-date=14 January 2025}} At SmackDown 1000, The Bar won the titles from Big E and Woods, with the help of Big Show.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/smackdown-1000-2018-10-16/article/the-bar-def-the-new-day|title=The Bar def. The New Day to win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles|website=WWE|first=Anthony|last=Benigno|date=16 October 2018|access-date=17 October 2018}} They retained against Big E and Kingston in a rematch at Crown Jewel on 2 November.{{Cite web |title=Big Show pays giant dividends for The Bar |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/the-bar-the-new-day-results |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=WWE |language=en}} The Bar lost to Raw Tag Team Champions AOP (Akam and Rezar) in an interbrand Champion vs Champion match at Survivor Series on 18 November.{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=Raw Tag Team Champions AOP def. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar (w/Big Show)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2018/authors-of-pain-the-bar-big-show-results|work=WWE|access-date=18 November 2018}} On the 27 November episode of SmackDown, they had a backstage argument with Big Show, causing him to break away from the team.{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/119346-november-27-minneapolis-styles-lynch-return/ |title = WWE Smackdown Results - 11/27/18 (Styles and Lynch return, the Bar vs. The Usos)|date = 27 November 2018}} At TLC on 16 December, they successfully defended the championship against The Usos and Kingston and Woods in a triple threat tag team match.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar def. The Usos and The New Day (Triple Threat Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2018/the-bar-the-new-day-the-usos-results|work=WWE|access-date=16 December 2018}} On the 8 January 2019 episode of SmackDown, they accepted a challenge from The Miz and Shane McMahon,{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2019/01/08/22790811.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112141825/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2019/01/08/22790811.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 January 2019|title=Smackdown: The Man stands tall heading toward the Royal Rumble|work=SLAM! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|first=Dave|last=Plummer|date=8 January 2019|access-date=16 January 2019}} which would lead to a tag team title match at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view on 27 January, where they lost the titles.{{cite web|last1=Pappolla|first1=Ryan|title=Shane McMahon & The Miz def. The Bar for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/the-bar-the-miz-shane-mcmahon-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=27 January 2019}}

The following SmackDown, they lost a number one contenders match to The Usos.{{cite web | url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-01-29/article/four-corners-elimination-match |title = The Usos def. The Bar, Heavy Machinery and the New Day to earn a SmackDown Tag Team Titles opportunity at WWE Elimination Chamber}} The Bar defeated Kingston in a handicap match at Fastlane on 10 March.{{Cite web |title=The Bar lower the boom on overmatched Kofi Kingston |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/kofi-kingston-vs-the-bar-1-on-2-handicap-match-results |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=WWE |language=en}} At WrestleMania 35 on 7 April, The Bar lost to The Usos in a fatal four-way tag team match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.{{cite web | url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/the-usos-vs-ricochet-aleister-black-vs-the-bar-vs-shinsuke |title = The Usos turn WrestleMania into the Uso Penitentiary in frantic Fatal 4-Way}} At the Raw following WrestleMania, The Bar interrupted a Winner Takes All match between Rollins and Kingston, resulting in a tag team match. This resulted in "bullshit", "AEW" and "CM Punk" chants from the crowd, voicing their displeasure in the match they were given instead.{{cite news | url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-returns-surprises-and-disappointments-after-wrestlemania-35/ |title = WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Returns, surprises and disappointments after WrestleMania 35| newspaper=Cbssports.com | date=9 April 2019 }} The next day on SmackDown, Sheamus reportedly suffered a concussion in a six-man tag team match with The New Day. Cesaro was drafted to Raw a few weeks later, and later confirmed in an interview that The Bar was over.{{cite web | url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-cesaro-moving-wwe-raw | title=Report: Cesaro Moving to WWE Raw | Fightful Wrestling}}{{cite web | url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/wwe/1127022/WWE-news-Cesaro-The-Bar-Sheamus-RAW-SmackDown-WrestleMania-35-The-Usos-The-New-Day | title=WWE news: Cesaro CONFIRMS the Bar is over and shares Sheamus health update after RAW move| date=14 May 2019}}

File:Sheamus (49562239306).jpg, where he drove the pace car for the opening laps of the event]]

On 19 September, it was reported that Sheamus was healed and ready to return to the ring.{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=19 September 2019 |title=Updates on Sheamus, the Usos, and Jason Jordan | Fightful Wrestling |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-sheamus-ready-return |access-date=September 12, 2022 |website=Fightful}} On the 29 November episode of SmackDown, Sheamus, with his old hairstyle, appeared in a vignette announcing that he will return soon.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/smackdown-features-returns-of-alexa-bliss-elias-sheamus|title=SmackDown features the returns of Alexa Bliss, Elias and Sheamus|website=WWE.com|date=30 November 2019}}

On the 3 January 2020 episode of SmackDown, Sheamus returned from injury, appearing to save Shorty G from an attack by The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson), but then delivered a Brogue Kick to Shorty G.{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |title=Shorty G def. Dash Wilder before Sheamus made an emphatic return |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2020-01-03/article/shorty-g-def-dash-wilder |website=WWE.com |access-date=3 January 2020}} Sheamus then defeated Shorty G at Royal Rumble on 26 January,{{cite web|last=Garretson|first=Jordan|title=Sheamus def. Shorty G|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2020/shorty-g-vs-sheamus-results|work=WWE|date=26 January 2020|access-date=26 January 2020}} and on the 31 January episode of SmackDown.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=1/31 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns and The Usos vs. King Corbin, Robert Roode, and Dolph Ziggler, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Braun Strowman for the Intercontinental Championship, four-way for a shot at the Smackdown Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/31/1-31-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-the-usos-vs-king-corbin-robert-roode-and-dolph-ziggler-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-intercontinental-c/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=31 January 2020|access-date=1 February 2020}} He began a feud with Jeff Hardy, insulting him for his various addiction problems, but was defeated by him in the first round of the Intercontinental Championship tournament on the 22 May episode of SmackDown.{{cite web|last1=Zak|first1=Brad|title=Jeff Hardy set to return on Friday Night SmackDown|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2020-03-13/article/jeff-hardy-set-to-return|website=wwe.com|publisher=WWE|access-date=11 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2020-03-13/article/jeff-hardy-def-elias|title=Jeff Hardy def. King Corbin|publisher=WWE|last1=Pappolla|first1=Ryan|access-date=15 March 2020}} On the 29 May episode of SmackDown, Hardy was "arrested" after crashing his car into Elias, however later in the episode, Hardy would cause a distraction for Sheamus, costing him a match against Daniel Bryan, and attacked Sheamus after the match.{{cite web|title=Friday Night SmackDown results, May 29, 2020: Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles advance to tournament finals after unexpected semifinal circumstances|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2020-05-29|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=30 May 2020}}

The feud led to a match at Backlash on 14 June, which Sheamus won.{{cite web|last1=Garretson|first1=Jordan|title=Sheamus def. Jeff Hardy|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/wwe-backlash-2020/sheamus-def-jeff-hardy|work=WWE|date=14 June 2020|access-date=14 June 2020}}{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Backlash results: Powell's review of Edge vs. Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship, Asuka vs. Nia Jax for the Raw Women's Championship, Braun Strowman vs. The Miz and John Morrison for the WWE Universal Championship, Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/14/wwe-backlash-results-powells-review-of-edge-vs-randy-orton-drew-mcintyre-vs-bobby-lashley-for-the-wwe-championship-asuka-vs-nia-jax-for-the-raw-womens-championship-braun-strowman-vs-the-mi/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=14 June 2020|access-date=14 June 2020}} On the 24 July episode of SmackDown, Sheamus lost to Hardy in a Bar Fight, ending their feud.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/07/24/7-24-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-jeff-hardy-vs-sheamus-in-a-bar-fight-naomi-on-miz-tv-sasha-banks-and-bayley-address-the-championship-landscape/|title=7/24 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus in a Bar Fight, Naomi on Miz TV, Sasha Banks and Bayley address the championship landscape|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=24 July 2020|access-date=28 July 2020}} Sheamus then started a short feud with Big E, after he wanted help from the SmackDown wrestlers against Retribution's attacks, but Sheamus denied him, before mocking him. Sheamus lost to Big E on the 21 August episode of SmackDown, at Payback on 30 August and on the 9 October episode of SmackDown, ending their feud.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/21/8-21-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-thunderdome-aj-styles-vs-jeff-hardy-for-the-intercontinental-title-shinsuke-nakamura-and-cesaro-vs-gran-metalik-and-lince-dorado-for-th/|title=8/21 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of ThunderDome, AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy for the Intercontinental Title, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro vs. Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Big E vs. Sheamus, final hype for SummerSlam|date=21 August 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=22 August 2020}}{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Payback results: Powell's review of The Fiend vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat for the WWE Universal Championship, Keith Lee vs. Randy Orton, Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, Matt Riddle vs. King Corbin|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/30/wwe-payback-results-powells-review-of-the-fiend-vs-bray-wyatt-vs-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-in-a-triple-threat-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-keith-lee-vs-randy-orton-sasha-banks-and/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=30 August 2020|access-date=30 August 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/09/10-9-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-2020-wwe-draft-night-one-bayley-vs-sasha-banks-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-the-fiend-vs-kevin-owens-big-e-vs-sheamus/|title=10/9 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the 2020 WWE Draft night one, Bayley vs. Sasha Banks for the Smackdown Women's Championship, The Fiend vs. Kevin Owens, Big E vs. Sheamus in a Falls Count Anywhere match|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=9 October 2020|access-date=9 October 2020}}

As part of the 2020 Draft in October, Sheamus was drafted to the Raw brand.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020|title=See all the results from the 2020 Draft|date=9 October 2020|author=WWE.com Staff|work=WWE|access-date=12 October 2020}} On the 26 October episode of Raw, Sheamus defeated Riddle to qualify for Team Raw at Survivor Series.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/26/10-26-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-new-wwe-champion-randy-orton-on-a-moment-of-bliss-jeff-hardy-vs-aj-styles-keith-lee-vs-elias-and-matt-riddle-vs-sheamus-in-qualifiers-for-team-raw/|title=10/26 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of new WWE Champion Randy Orton on A Moment of Bliss, Jeff Hardy vs. AJ Styles, Keith Lee vs. Elias, and Matt Riddle vs. Sheamus in qualifiers for Team Raw at Survivor Series|date=26 October 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=31 October 2020}} Later on, he was involved in a triple threat match against Keith Lee and Braun Strowman for the latter's qualification.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/02/11-02-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-jeff-hardy-vs-elias-in-a-guitar-on-a-pole-match-raw-tag-champs-kofi-kingston-and-xavier-woods-vs-cedric-alexander-and-shelton-benjamin-in-a-non/|title=11/02 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Jeff Hardy vs. Elias in a Guitar on a Pole Match, Raw Tag Champs Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin in a non-title match, Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax vs. Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke for the WWE Women's Tag Titles|date=2 November 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=3 November 2020}} He also competed in a tag team match with Strowman against Lee and Riddle in a losing effort.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/09/11-09-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-kofi-kingston-and-xavier-woods-vs-randy-orton-the-miz-and-john-morrison-raw-womens-champion-asuka-vs-nia-jax-in-a-non-title-match/|title=11/09 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods vs. Randy Orton, The Miz, and John Morrison, Raw Women's Champion Asuka vs. Nia Jax in a non-title match, Jeff Hardy vs. Elias vs. Matt Riddle in a second chance qualifier for Team Raw at Survivor Series, Ricochet vs. Mustafa Ali|first=Jason|last=Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=9 November 2020|access-date=10 November 2020}} At Survivor Series on 22 November, Team Raw defeated Team SmackDown in a clean sweep. Sheamus eliminated Seth Rollins with a Brogue Kick to score the first elimination.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Survivor Series results: Powell's review of Undertaker's Final Farewell, Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns, Asuka vs. Sasha Banks, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. The Street Profits, Bobby Lashley vs. Sami Zayn in champion vs. champion matches, Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown in Survivor Series elimination matches|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/22/wwe-survivor-series-results-powells-review-of-undertakers-final-farewell-drew-mcintyre-vs-roman-reigns-asuka-vs-sasha-banks-kofi-kingston-and-xavier-woods-vs-the-street-profits-bobby-lashl/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=22 November 2020|access-date=22 November 2020}} In November, Sheamus began a storyline with Drew McIntyre where their real-life friendship was acknowledged. On the 30 November episode of Raw, Sheamus was a guest on Miz TV, where The Miz and John Morrison berated him for his friendship with McIntyre to which Sheamus defended McIntyre from the accusations, and attempted to attack Miz, but was beat down by Miz and Morrison. Sheamus teamed with McIntyre to defeat Miz and Morrison in a tag team match later on in the night.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/30/11-30-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-aj-styles-vs-keith-lee-vs-riddle-in-a-triple-threat-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-jeff-hardy-vs-elias-in-a-symphony-of-destruction-match/|title=11/30 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of AJ Styles vs. Keith Lee vs. Riddle in a Triple Threat for a shot at the WWE Championship, Jeff Hardy vs. Elias in a Symphony of Destruction match, Alexa Bliss hosts "A Moment of Bliss" with guest Randy Orton, WWE TLC build|date=30 November 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=1 December 2020}} At the Royal Rumble on 31 January 2021, Sheamus entered at number 27, but was eliminated by Strowman.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-01-31 |title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Universal Championship, Sasha Banks vs. Carmella for the Smackdown Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/31/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-goldberg-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-wwe/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On the 1 February episode of Raw, Sheamus delivered a Brogue Kick to McIntyre after shortly confronting then Royal Rumble winner, Edge. He bemoaned the fact that he was only acknowledged as just "Drew McIntyre's friend", implying that he was overshadowed by his success as the WWE Champion. As a result, he terminated his friendship with McIntyre, and vowed to take the WWE Championship away from him.{{cite web|last=Mrosko|first=Geno|title=Sheamus finally turns on Drew McIntyre|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2021/2/1/22261473/sheamus-turns-on-drew-mcintyre-wwe-raw/|work=Cageside Seats|date=1 February 2021|access-date=1 February 2021}} At the Elimination Chamber on 21 February, Sheamus faced McIntyre, Hardy, AJ Styles, Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship. Sheamus would eliminate Kingston but would be the second to last man eliminated in the match by Styles.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-02-21 |title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston vs. AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns faces an Elimination Chamber match winner for the WWE Universal Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/21/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-vs-randy-orton-vs-kofi-kingston-vs-aj-styles-vs-jeff-hardy-in-an-elimination-chamber-match-for-the-wwe-champions/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} Following the event, Sheamus would continue to feud with McIntyre and the two faced each other on the 1 March episode of Raw, where Sheamus was defeated. The two had a rematch the following week in a No Disqualification match, where Sheamus would once again lose to McIntyre. Sheamus and McIntyre would fight once more in a No Holds Barred match at Fastlane on 21 March, with McIntyre defeating Sheamus, ending the feud.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-03-21 |title=WWE Fastlane results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Universal Championship with Edge as special enforcer, Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus in a No Holds Barred match, Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Title, Randy Orton vs. Alexa Bliss |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/21/wwe-fastlane-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-daniel-bryan-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-edge-as-special-enforcer-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-in-a-no-holds-barred-match-big/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}

On the 22 March episode of Raw, Sheamus would face WWE Champion Bobby Lashley in a losing effort and backstage, attacked United States Champion Riddle. The following week, Sheamus defeated Riddle in a non-title match to earn a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 37. On the second night of the event on 11 April, Sheamus defeated Riddle to win the United States Championship for the third time.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WrestleMania 37 results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan in a Triple Threat for the WWE Universal Championship, Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women's Championship, Big E vs. Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight for the IC Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/04/11/wrestlemania-37-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-edge-vs-daniel-bryan-in-a-triple-threat-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-asuka-vs-rhea-ripley-for-the-raw-women/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=11 April 2021|access-date=11 April 2021}} He would go on to defend the title against the likes of Humberto Carrillo and Ricochet over the next several months. At SummerSlam on 21 August, Sheamus dropped the title to Damian Priest, ending his third reign at 132 days.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. John Cena for the WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Bobby Lashley vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Edge vs. Seth Rollins, Nikki ASH vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/21/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-john-cena-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-sasha-banks-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-bobby-lashley-vs-gold/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=21 August 2021|access-date=21 August 2021}}

{{Main|The Brawling Brutes}}

File:The Brawling brutes clash at the castle 2022.jpg Ridge Holland and Butch, at the Clash at the Castle event in September 2022.]]

As part of the 2021 Draft, Sheamus was drafted to the SmackDown brand.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2021|title = See all the results from the 2021 Draft}}{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/04/10-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-two-goldberg-returns-the-build-to-wwe-crown-jewel-continues/|title=10/4 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the WWE Draft night two, Goldberg returns, the build to WWE Crown Jewel continues|date=4 October 2021|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=5 October 2021}} In November, Sheamus formed an alliance with Ridge Holland, after Holland would refer to him as his idol and help Sheamus win his matches.{{cite web|last=Elizabeth|first=Claire|date=5 November 2021|title=WWE SmackDown results, live blog (Nov. 5, 2021): The new era continues|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2021/11/5/22764889/wwe-smackdown-results-live-blog-nov-5-2021-new-era-bloodline-survivor-series-build-usos-new-day|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Cageside Seats}} At the Day 1 event on 1 January 2022, he and Holland teamed up to defeat Cesaro and Ricochet.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=1 January 2022|title=WWE Day 1 results: Powell's review of Big E vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan for the Raw Women's Championship, The Usos vs. Kofi Kingston and King Woods for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Edge vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-results-powells-review-of-big-e-vs-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship/#comment-346570|access-date=3 January 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At Royal Rumble on 29 January, Sheamus entered at No. 17 but was eliminated by Bad Bunny.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-01-30 |title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs Doudrop for the Raw Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/29/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} In March, they entered a feud with The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), where on the 11 March episode of SmackDown, Sheamus and Holland would introduce Butch as part of their stable.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-03-12 |title=3/11 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Ricochet vs. Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental Championship, Big E injured during a tag match with Kofi Kingston vs. Sheamus and Ridge Holland, Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Shayna Baszler and Natalya, Jey Uso vs. Rick Boogs |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/03/11/3-11-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-ricochet-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-intercontinental-championship-big-e-injured-during-a-tag-match-with-kofi-kingston-vs-sheamus-and-ridge-ho/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On the second night of WrestleMania 38 on April 3, Sheamus and Holland defeated Kingston and Woods in a quick match.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-04-03 |title=WrestleMania 38 results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the Unified WWE Championship, RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy for the Raw Tag Titles, Edge vs. AJ Styles, Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn in an Anything Goes match, Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/03/wrestlemania-38-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-for-the-unified-wwe-championship-rk-bro-vs-the-street-profits-vs-alpha-academy-for-the-raw-tag-titles/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} At Money in the Bank on 2 July, Sheamus competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match, which was won by Theory.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-07-02 |title=WWE Money in the Bank results: Powell's review of the MITB ladder matches, The Usos vs. The Street Profits for the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles, Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya for the Smackdown Women's Title, Bianca Belair vs. Carmella for the Raw Women's Title, Theory vs. Bobby Lashley for the U.S. Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/02/wwe-money-in-the-bank-results-powells-review-of-the-mitb-ladder-matches-the-usos-vs-the-street-profits-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-titles-ronda-rousey-vs-natalya-for-the-smackdown-womens-title/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On the 29 July episode of SmackDown, Sheamus faced Drew McIntyre in a "Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook" to determine the #1 contender for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle, but lost.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-07-29 |title=7/29 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the SummerSlam go-home show with Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, The Viking Raiders vs. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, Aliyah vs. Shotzi |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/29/7-29-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-summerslam-go-home-show-with-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-for-a-shot-at-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-the-viking-raiders-vs/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}

{{quote box

|width = 25%

|align = right

|quote = "Sheamus won over the crowd with his performance, but Gunther won the match … Even in defeat, he left the ring to a standing ovation."

|source = Sports Illustrated writer Justin Barrasso on Sheamus' performance at Clash at the Castle{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2022/09/04/clash-at-the-castle-wwe-quality-predictable-roman-reigns|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|title=Predictable Finish Doesn't Detract From Quality of WWE's Clash at the Castle|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=September 4, 2022|access-date=October 11, 2022}}

}}

On the 19 August episode of SmackDown, Sheamus won a fatal five-way match, earning a match against Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship at Clash at the Castle.{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=8/19 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre meet face to face, Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne vs. Sonya Deville and Natalya in a WWE Women's Tag Title tournament match, Sheamus vs. Happy Corbin vs. Sami Zayn vs. Ricochet vs. Riddick Moss for a shot at the Intercontinental Title at WWE Clash at the Castle|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/19/8-19-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-drew-mcintyre-meet-face-to-face-gigi-dolin-and-jacy-jayne-vs-sonya-deville-and-natalya-in-a-wwe-womens-tag-title-tour/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 19, 2022|access-date=August 20, 2022}} The following week on SmackDown, Sheamus and Gunther had a confrontation, in which Sheamus and Gunther's respective allies, Butch and Ludwig Kaiser, engaged in a brawl while Sheamus and Gunther remained motionless, staring each other down.{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/26/8-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sami-zayn-happy-corbin-vs-ricochet-raquel-rodriguez-and-aliyah-face-the-winners-of-a-second-chance-four-way-in-the-wwe/ | title=8/26 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn, Happy Corbin vs. Ricochet, Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah face the winners of a second chance four-way in the WWE Women's Tag Team Title tournament semifinals | date=26 August 2022 }} At Clash at the Castle on 3 September, Sheamus failed to win the Intercontinental Championship from Gunther in a hard hitting, critically acclaimed match, but received a standing ovation from the Cardiff crowd after the match, turning face in the process.{{cite web|last=McGuire|first=Colin|title=WWE Clash at the Castle results: McGuire's review of Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Gunther vs. Sheamus for the Intercontinental Title, Liv Morgan vs. Shayna Baszler for the Smackdown Women's Title, Seth Rollins vs. Riddle, Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley, Iyo Sky, and Dakota Kai|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/03/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-results-mcguires-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-gunther-vs-sheamus-for-the-intercontinental-title-liv-morgan-vs-s/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=3 September 2022|access-date=11 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903220011/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/03/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-results-mcguires-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-gunther-vs-sheamus-for-the-intercontinental-title-liv-morgan-vs-s/|archive-date=3 September 2022|url-status=live}} It became the seventh main roster WWE match to receive a ratings of five stars from Dave Meltzer, and the first five star match of Sheamus' career.{{Cite web |last=Holder |first=James |date=9 September 2022 |title=Dave Meltzer WWE Clash At The Castle Ratings Revealed |url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/dave-meltzer-wwe-clash-at-the-castle-ratings/ |access-date=September 12, 2022 |website=ITR Wrestling}} At Extreme Rules, The Brawling Brutes defeated Imperium in a Six-Man Tag Team Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook match.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Extreme Rules results: Powell's review of Matt Riddle vs. Seth Rollins in a Fight Pit match with Daniel Cormier as special referee, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley in a ladder match for the Raw Women's Title, Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules match for the Smackdown Women's Title, Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross in a strap match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/08/wwe-extreme-rules-results-powells-review-of-matt-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-fight-pit-match-with-daniel-cormier-as-special-referee-bianca-belair-vs-bayley-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-raw-womens/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 8, 2022|access-date=October 8, 2022}} At Survivor Series: WarGames on 26 November, The Brawling Brutes along with Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens lost to The Bloodline in a WarGames match.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Survivor Series WarGames results: Powell's review of The Bloodline vs. Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, and The Brawling Brutes in a WarGames match, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, and Mia Yim vs. Rhea Ripley, Nikki Cross, and Damage CTRL in a WarGames match, Seth Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Austin Theory for the U.S. Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/26/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-the-bloodline-vs-drew-mcintyre-kevin-owens-and-the-brawling-brutes-in-a-wargames-match-bianca-belair-becky-lynch-asuka-alexa-bliss-and/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 26, 2022|access-date=November 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127003623/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/26/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-the-bloodline-vs-drew-mcintyre-kevin-owens-and-the-brawling-brutes-in-a-wargames-match-bianca-belair-becky-lynch-asuka-alexa-bliss-and/|archive-date=November 27, 2022|url-status=live}}

At the Royal Rumble on 28 January 2023, Sheamus entered the Royal Rumble match at No. 2 but was eliminated by McIntyre and Gunther.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship, Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight in a Pitch Black match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-alexa-bliss-for-the-raw-women/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 28, 2023|access-date=January 28, 2023}} Sheamus went on to face McIntyre and Gunther in a triple threat match for the Intercontinental Championship on Night 2 of WrestleMania 39 but the match was won by Gunther. This was the second match in Sheamus's career to receive a 5 star rating from Dave Meltzer.{{cite web|date=April 7, 2023|title=Dave Meltzer Awards Two WWE WrestleMania Matches Five Stars – TJR Wrestling|url=https://tjrwrestling.net/news/dave-meltzer-two-wwe-wrestlemania-five-stars/|access-date=April 7, 2023|website=TJR Wrestling|first=Lyle|last=Kilbane|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407113253/https://tjrwrestling.net/news/dave-meltzer-two-wwe-wrestlemania-five-stars/|archive-date=April 7, 2023|url-status=live}} On the August 18 episode of SmackDown, Edge defeated Sheamus in his hometown of Toronto in what would be his last match for WWE.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/285654-wwe-smackdown-results-8-18-23-edges-25-years-womens-tag-team-match/|title=WWE SmackDown Results - 8/18/23 (Edge's 25 years, Women's Tag Team Match)|first=Roy|last=Nemer|date=August 18, 2023}} In September 2023, it was reported that Sheamus had suffered a shoulder injury and would be out of action.{{Cite web |last=Conway |first=Tyler |title=WWE Rumors: Sheamus Has a 'Really Bad Shoulder Injury' That Caused SmackDown Absence |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10090777-wwe-rumors-sheamus-has-a-really-bad-shoulder-injury-that-caused-smackdown-absence |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} During his hiatus, The Brawling Brutes disbanded after Holland walked out on Butch during a tag team match.{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (11/17): Barnett's review of LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso, Street Profits vs. Pretty Deadly vs. Ridge Holland and Butch for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/11/17/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-11-17-barnetts-review-of-la-knight-vs-jimmy-uso-street-profits-vs-pretty-deadly-vs-ridge-holland-and-butch-for-a-shot-at-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-team-titles/|date=November 17, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 17, 2023|archive-date=November 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118001546/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/11/17/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-11-17-barnetts-review-of-la-knight-vs-jimmy-uso-street-profits-vs-pretty-deadly-vs-ridge-holland-and-butch-for-a-shot-at-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-team-titles/|url-status=live}}

Sheamus returned from injury on the 15 April 2024 episode of Raw, defeating Ivar.{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2024 |title=Sheamus returns to Raw! |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2024-04-15/article/sheamus-returns-to-raw |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=WWE |language=en}} At the Night 1 of the WWE Draft on the 26 April episode of SmackDown, Sheamus was drafted to the Raw brand.{{Cite magazine |last=Quiles Jr.|first=Fernando |date=April 26, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night SmackDown Free Live Stream Results: WWE Draft 2024 Begins, The Bloodline Drama Continues |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-wwe-draft-2024-the-bloodline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427023426/https://www.si.com/wrestling/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-wwe-draft-2024-the-bloodline |archive-date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=}} In August 2024, Sheamus entered into a feud with a now-renamed Pete Dunne, who had grown tired of the nickname "Butch" and was infuriated by Sheamus' treatment of him.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2024-08-05 |title=WWE Raw results (8/5): Powell's live review of Gunther's first appearance as World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/05/wwe-raw-results-8-5-powells-live-review-of-gunthers-first-appearance-as-world-heavyweight-champion-cm-punk-and-drew-mcintyre-sheamus-vs-ludwig-kaiser/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2024-08-12 |title=WWE Raw results (8/12): Powell's live review of Bron Breakker vs. Sami Zayn in a best of three falls match for the Intercontinental Title, Damage CTRL vs. Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark for a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/12/wwe-raw-results-8-12-powells-live-review-of-bron-breakker-vs-sami-zayn-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-intercontinental-title-damage-ctrl-vs-shayna-baszler-and-zoey-stark-for-a-shot-at/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} After multiple attacks, interrupting varying matches (additionally fuelled by Sheamus taunting Dunne with his old nickname), their feud culminated in an Good 'Ol Fashioned Donnybrook Match, which Sheamus won, ending their feud.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2024-10-07 |title=WWE Raw results (10/7): Powell's live review of Gunther vs. Sami Zayn for the World Heavyweight Championship, Jey Uso vs. Xavier Woods for the Intercontinental Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/07/wwe-raw-results-10-7-powells-live-review-of-gunther-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-jey-uso-vs-xavier-woods-for-the-intercontinental-title/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} Following the feud, he set his sights on earning the Intercontinental Championship, the sole championship that had eluded him thus far in his career, leading to several matches with reigning Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker, of which one was interrupted by Ludwig Kaiser, leading to disqualification.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2024-11-19 |title=WWE Raw results (11/18): Powell's live review of Bronson Reed vs. Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker vs. Sheamus for the Intercontinental Title, War Raiders vs. Dominik Mysterio and Carlito |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/18/wwe-raw-results-11-18-powells-live-review-of-bronson-reed-vs-seth-rollins-bron-breakker-vs-sheamus-for-the-intercontinental-title-war-raiders-vs-dominik-mysterio-and-carlito/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} This culminated in a triple threat match between Sheamus, Breakker, and Kaiser at Survivor Series: WarGames where Breakker retained the championship.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2024-12-01 |title=WWE Survivor Series WarGames results: Powell's review of OG Bloodline and CM Punk vs. The Bloodline and Bronson Reed in a WarGames match, women's WarGames match, three title matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/30/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-og-bloodline-and-cm-punk-vs-the-bloodline-and-bronson-reed-in-a-wargames-match-womens-wargames-match-three-title-matches/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}

Farrelly (credited as "Sheamus O'Shaunessy") played the role of "Two Ton" in the 2008 film The Escapist.{{cite web|url=http://www.theirishworld.com/article.asp?SubSection_Id=1&Article_Id=4419|title=Irish wrestler's big-screen debut|date=2 January 2008|publisher=The Irish World|access-date=24 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429011258/http://www.theirishworld.com/article.asp?SubSection_Id=1&Article_Id=4419|archive-date=29 April 2011}} In 2009, he appeared as a Celtic warrior zombie in the opening sequence of the film Assault of Darkness, and had a small part in Once Upon a Time in Dublin (aka 3 Crosses) as a security guard. He played Owen "Rocksteady" Rocksteed in 2016's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.{{cite web|url=http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/445007-wwe-star-sheamus-confirmed-as-rocksteady-for-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2#/slide/1|title=WWE Star Sheamus Confirmed as Rocksteady for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2|first=Spencer|last=Perry|work=comingsoon.net|date=29 May 2015|access-date=29 May 2015}}

In 2024, Farrelly appeared as a guest picker on College GameDay for the Georgia Tech vs. Florida State game played in his native Ireland. Farrelly was the only analyst to correctly pick Georgia Tech to win. In return, he was hosted by the Yellow Jackets at their home football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium the following week.

Farrelly runs a YouTube channel called "Celtic Warrior Workouts", in which he invites fellow wrestlers to guide him through their own personal workout routines.{{cite web|title=Celtic Warrior Workouts|website=YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/c/CelticWarriorWorkouts|access-date=3 September 2020}}

{{Infobox YouTube personality

| name = Celtic Warrior Workouts

| logo = Celtic Warrior Workouts logo.jpg

| logo_size = 175

| channel_handle = @CelticWarriorWorkouts

| channel_display_name = Celtic Warrior Workouts

| years_active = 2017–present

| genre = Fitness

| subscribers = 1 million

| views = 152.2 million

| silver_year = 2018{{Cite tweet |number=995433796496437248 |user=WWESheamus |title=Thank you all 100k 🙏🏻 #CelticWarriorWorkouts #BraveChange #YouTubeCreatorAwards |author=Sheamus}}

| silver_button = yes

| gold_year = 2024{{Cite tweet

|number= 1855015440122274207

|user=WWESheamus |title= Milestone reached! 1 million subscribers on Celtic Warrior Workouts 💪🏻 thanks to all the amazing guests who put their personal training routines on my youtube channel and to all the viewers who dared to #bravechange 👊🏻👊🏻 Let's Go Do A Bit.|author=Sheamus}}

| gold_button = yes

| stats_update = November 10, 2024

}}

Farrelly appeared on several episodes of Dustin's Daily News, where he had a rivalry with Dustin the Turkey, the famous Irish sock puppet; this ended with Dustin and Farrelly having a "fight", which Dustin won. Farrelly played a leprechaun wrestler on The Podge and Rodge Show. In July 2014, he made a guest appearance on the USA Network television series Royal Pains.{{cite web|last1=Namako|first1=Jason|title=Sheamus to appear on USA Network's "Royal Pains" on 7/22 - Wrestleview.com|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/49726-sheamus-to-appear-on-usa-network-s-royal-pains-on-7-22|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=21 July 2014|date=21 July 2014}}

Farrelly married his Filipina-American girlfriend Isabella Revilla on 28 October 2022,{{cite web | url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/age-gap-profession-relationship-wwe-5-things-know-sheamus-wife-isabella-revilla | title=Age gap, profession, relationship with WWE - 5 things you didn't know about Sheamus' wife, Isabella Revilla | date=30 October 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/isabella.revilla/p/CdULXjbs3D3/ | title=Instagram }} with Drew McIntyre serving as best man.{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/10/28/wwe-star-sheamus-gets-married-with-drew-mcintyre-as-his-best-man-17659991/|title=WWE star Sheamus gets married with Drew McIntyre as his best man|publisher=Metro.com.uk|language=EN|date=October 28, 202|access-date=October 28, 2022}} The couple reside in Nashville, Tennessee, having previously lived in Lutz, Florida.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/wwesheamus/status/1266851654520975364|title=WWESheamus on Twitter}}

Farrelly is a supporter of association football clubs Celtic,{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CIvpYZUl62D/ |title=Sheamus's Instagram profile post: "It's a Celtic V Rangers #OldFirm Sunday with @DMcIntyreWWE… Brogue V Claymore @easportsfifa hands across the Giant's Causeway special……" |publisher=Instagram.com |access-date=23 May 2022}} Liverpool,[http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/wwe-star-i-d-take-neville-down "WWE star: I'd take Neville down"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023061204/http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/wwe-star-i-d-take-neville-down |date=23 October 2014 }}. Liverpool FC. Retrieved 2 September 2014 and the Tennessee Titans.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ37oxdF2jt/ |title=Sheamus on Instagram: "#TITANUP"? |publisher=Instagram.com |access-date=23 May 2022}} In November 2017, he revealed that he suffers from spinal stenosis.{{cite web | url=http://uproxx.com/prowrestling/sheamus-video-spinal-stenosis/ |title = Sheamus Revealed He's Been Dealing with a Neck Injury for Months|publisher=Uproxx|date = 30 November 2017}}

{{multiple image

| align = right

| width = 170

| direction = vertical

| image1 = Sheamus WWE.jpg

| caption1 = Sheamus is a three-time WWE Champion.

| image2 = World Champ Sheamus in London.jpg

| caption2 = Sheamus has also won the World Heavyweight Championship once, making him in a four-time world champion in total.

| image3 = Sheamus US Champ 2014.jpg

| caption3 = Sheamus is a three-time United States Champion.

}}

• ESPN
• Match of the year (2022) {{small|vs. Gunther at Clash at the Castle}}{{cite web|title=Pro Wrestling 2022 awards: The best male and female wrestler, feud, faction, promo and more|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/35329583/pro-wrestling-2022-awards-best-male-female-wrestler-feud-faction-promo-more|work=ESPN|date=28 December 2022|access-date=31 December 2022}}
• Florida Championship Wrestling
• FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• Irish Whip Wrestling
• IWW International Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
• IWW International Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2005){{cite web |title=Sheamus - Tournaments |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2641&page=16 |website=Cage Match |access-date=14 March 2022}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Ranked No. 5 of the top 500 wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2012{{cite journal|year=2012|title=PWI 500|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|volume=33|issue=7|issn= 1043-7576|page=22}}
• Rolling Stone
• Most Welcome Heel Turn (2015) {{small|tied with Naomi}}{{cite magazine|last=Herzog|first=Kenny|title=WWE Wrestler of the Year (So Far): Kevin Owens|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-so-far-kevin-owens-75404/|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=1 July 2015|access-date=20 December 2020}}
• World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
• WWE Championship (3 times){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/20091213|title=History of the WWE Championship: Sheamus|date=13 December 2009|access-date=3 March 2015|publisher=WWE|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110010130/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/20091213|archive-date=10 November 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/201003281|title=History of the WWE Championship: Sheamus (2)|date=20 June 2010|access-date=3 March 2015|publisher=WWE|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107023716/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/201003281|archive-date=7 November 2013}}
• World Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/20120401-sheamus|title=History of the World Heavyweight Championship: Sheamus|date=1 April 2012|access-date=3 March 2015|publisher=WWE|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513123105/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/20120401-sheamus|archive-date=13 May 2012}}
• WWE United States Championship (3 times){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/25002196|title=History of the United States Championship: Sheamus|date=14 March 2011|access-date=3 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303123553/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/25002196|archive-date=3 March 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/20140505-sheamus|title=History of the United States Championship: Sheamus (2)|date=5 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606041107/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/20140505-sheamus|archive-date=6 June 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=WWE United States Championship|access-date=25 May 2020}}
• WWE Raw Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Cesaro{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/raw-tag-team-championships|title=Raw Tag Team Championships|publisher=WWE|access-date=18 December 2016}}
• WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Cesaro{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championships|title=WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|access-date=22 May 2020}}
• King of the Ring (2010){{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_45644.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live three-hour Raw – King of the Ring tournament, Miz's first night as WWE champion|first=James|last=Caldwell|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=29 November 2010|access-date=29 November 2010}}
• Money in the Bank (2015)
• Royal Rumble (2012){{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2012/royal-rumble-match|title=Sheamus won the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match|website=WWE|access-date=6 January 2020}}
• Slammy Award (4 times)
• Breakout Star of the Year (2009)
• Feat of Strength of the Year (2012) {{small|Delivering "White Noise" to Big Show}}
• Outstanding Achievement in Muppet Resemblance (2011){{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_55950.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - Non-televised WWE Slammy Awards|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=6 January 2020}}
• Superstar/Diva Most in Need of Make-up (2010){{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_46025.shtml|title=WWE News: Full list of 2010 Slammy Awards – 12 announced on Raw, 10 announced on WWE's website|date=13 December 2010|access-date=17 December 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}
• WWE Year-End Award for Tag Team of the Year (2018) – with Cesaro{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Jeremy |title=WWE Announces Year-End Awards on Instagram |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-year-end-awards-instagram-becky-lynch-braun-strowman/ |access-date=17 March 2021 |work=411 Mania |date=23 December 2018}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Most Improved (2010){{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=26 January 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}

{{clear}}

{{reflist|group=Note}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category|Stephen Farrelly|Sheamus}}

• {{WWE superstar}}
• {{Twitter|WWESheamus}}
• {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
• {{IMDb name|name=Stephen Farrelly}}

{{Navboxes|

|list1=

{{WWE personnel}}

{{WWE Championship}}

{{World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)}}

{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 2024–present)}}

{{WWE Tag Team Championship}}

{{WWE United States Championship}}

{{Royal Rumble winners}}

{{King of the Ring winners}}

{{Money in the Bank winners}}

{{FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sheamus}}

Category:1978 births

Category:Living people

Category:Alumni of the National College of Ireland

Category:Bodyguards

Category:Erin's Isle Gaelic footballers

Category:Expatriate professional wrestlers

Category:FCW Florida Heavyweight Champions

Category:Irish bodybuilders

Category:Irish expatriate male actors in the United States

Category:Irish male professional wrestlers

Category:King of the Ring tournament winners

Category:Money in the Bank winners

Category:NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champions

Category:People educated at Coláiste Mhuire, Dublin

Category:People from Cabra, Dublin

Category:Royal Rumble match winners

Category:Sportspeople from Dublin (city)

Category:WWE Champions

Category:WWE Tag Team Champions

Category:World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)

Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE)

Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers