TNA Considered Sheamus Before Max Caster Bound For Glory Debut

TNA Wrestling had considered former WWE Champion Sheamus as the preferred opponent for Moose’s open challenge at Bound For Glory before Max Caster made his debut on October 11. The reported plan changed when Caster entered the match after leaving AEW. According to False Finish HQ, Sheamus was TNA’s first choice for the surprise appearance against Moose, the former world champion.

The report highlighted the possibility of a major debut before Caster was selected. Sheamus, whose real name is Stephen Farrelly, became a free agent after his WWE contract expired, ending a run with the company that began in the mid-2000s. According to the source, he declined a restructured contract extension before departing.

According to the same report, Caster answered Moose’s open challenge at Bound For Glory and made his TNA debut. Moose defeated Caster in the match, which took place after Caster left AEW.

Caster’s appearance later became a separate issue for TNA following his entrance rap at the event. According to Fightful Select, the performance included a reference to dropping bombs and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, amid criticism connected to reports of attacks at King Khalid International Airport. Fightful Select reported that the rap had not been approved by TNA executives before the appearance. The report said company officials were unhappy with the situation and that Caster’s status with TNA became uncertain.

The TNA debut occurred after the company had explored bringing in a more established former WWE star for Moose’s challenge. Sheamus spent nearly two decades with WWE and won multiple championships during his time there, according to the report.