The WWE Universe witnessed Sheamus’s much-anticipated return to Monday Night RAW last week, marking a significant moment since his last appearance after a match against Edge on SmackDown. However, this week’s RAW stirred up controversy not just for Sheamus’s comeback but for a particularly pointed exchange between him and Drew McIntyre, which has ignited discussions about the nature of scripted promos in professional wrestling.
During the segment, Drew McIntyre took to the ring first, adopting CM Punk’s iconic cross-legged pose, reflecting on his recent downturns and announcing his participation in the forthcoming King of the Ring tournament. It wasn’t long before Sheamus interrupted, bringing up McIntyre’s obsessive rivalry with CM Punk, which he claimed cost McIntyre the World Heavyweight title in just five minutes at WrestleMania 40.
Sheamus’s advice to McIntyre was to drop the bitterness and refocus on his career. Instead of taking the advice, McIntyre responded with a jab, making a controversial comment about Sheamus’s weight. He remarked on Sheamus’s appearance post-hiatus, teasing him about indulging in “burgers after burgers” during his time off. This comment quickly became the focal point of fan reactions, due to its personal nature.
Despite the contentiousness of the comment, it was later confirmed by wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful that Sheamus had approved the line before it was delivered on air. “For those asking, Sheamus was said to be okay with the ‘burgers after burgers’ line,” Sapp reported. This insight reveals that the line was indeed scripted and consented to by Sheamus, adding a layer of professionalism to what might otherwise be perceived as an unexpected low blow.
The approval of such a line raises questions about the boundaries of character work and personal jabs in WWE’s scripting. While some fans see it as part of the dramatic flair that comes with professional wrestling, others are concerned about the implications of using personal attacks, even in jest, as part of a storyline. This incident has sparked a debate among viewers about where the line should be drawn in scripted entertainment, especially in an era where sensitivity to body shaming is heightened.
Sheamus’s consent to the line indicates a level of professional trust and understanding between the wrestlers involved, showcasing the often unseen collaboration that goes into crafting WWE storylines. However, it also highlights the delicate balance the organization must maintain between creating compelling content and respecting the personal dignity of its performers.
Looking forward, Sheamus is focusing on pursuing the Intercontinental Championship, a goal that remains paramount despite the surrounding controversy. His journey towards this title might be intertwined with his ongoing storyline with McIntyre, possibly leading to more heated exchanges and high-stakes matches.
As WWE continues to navigate the complex dynamics of character development and fan engagement, the reactions to Sheamus’s scripted consent offer valuable insights into audience expectations and the evolving standards of storytelling in wrestling.
Do you think the line about Sheamus was unnecessary, or just part of the wrestling drama? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!