Multi-time WWE World Champion details reason behind eight months of inactivity

Several new and familiar faces popped up in WWE after a historic two-night WrestleMania event in Philadelphia, earlier this year. One such returning face was that of Sheamus, who returned from a hiatus and appeared on Monday Night RAW. The 46-year-old recently opened up about the reason behind his eight-month absence.

He went on a hiatus from WWE after a banger of a match with Edge on Friday Night SmackDown in August 2023. The Celtic Warrior remained silent for months before he returned to the Stamford-based promotion after WrestleMania XL and joined Monday Night RAW in April, earlier this year.

However, many wondered why the former four-time World Champion was absent from weekly television. In a recent interview on WWE Retrospective, Sheamus revealed he suffered a neck injury in his match against Edge, which led to months of absence.

"Something happened to me in there where my neck got messed up, which obviously led to me being out for a long time. So during this whole process here, I'm kinda going through a lot of pain, but it's still one of my favourite moments, man. This was awesome," Sheamus said. [From 20:00 to 20:15]

Check out the video below for his comments:

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Ex-WWE star Matt Riddle recalls facing Sheamus at WrestleMania 37

Matt Riddle had a decent start on the main roster under Vince McMahon's regime, as the star was often seen in the mid-card picture. The Original Bro pulled off a quick one in 2021 when he captured the United States Championship. Sadly, he lost the title in a few weeks at WrestleMania 37 in Florida.

In an interview with Muscle Man Malcolm, Riddle addressed the loss at the event in Raymond James Stadium. However, the 38-year-old spoke highly of Sheamus, as it was a dream come true for the star to compete against such a talent at The Grandest Stage of Them All.

"I mean, I barely remember it after that Brouge Kick at the end, but that's just how it goes. And, Sheamus is a top-tier competitor, multiple-time World Champion, and the guy's a real fella. So, working with him at WrestleMania was a dream come true, and then to have the match that we did, especially with all the rain and obstacles in Tampa, was pretty sick," Riddle said. [From 03:10 to 03:37]

You can check out his comments in the video below:

The star is currently working on the independent circuit after being released from WWE in September 2023.

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If you use the quote from the first part of this article, please credit WWE and provide an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.