Sheamus reveals how close he was to retirement due to recent injuries [Exclusive]

Ahead of BT Sport's launch party to celebrate the arrival of WWE, I spoke with Sheamus about a number of subjects - not least his hiatus from in-ring competition that would prompt rumors of retirement for The Celtic Warrior.

Sheamus will make his unofficial in-ring return tonight at BT Sport's WWE launch party, taking on Andrade. It will be the former WWE Champion's first match in around nine months.

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"It's something that's always in the back of your mind. It's no secret that I had a couple of issues physically, a few injuries, because it is physical what we do - and then my style as well, it trebles that, you know? There were a couple times when I thought, "Will I make it back in there?" Especially when I got a concussion in that match after WrestleMania.

"But I used that time really well, I went to physiotherapy, went to boxing, kickboxing. I got myself in the best shape possible, dropped 40lbs. I feel better, look better, and I've never been hungrier to get back in the ring. For me, the first ten years were just a warm-up. This is the real deal now. I'm just starting, mate. I'm telling you my body feels amazing. I feel better at 42 than I did at 32."

Earlier today, @WWESheamus revealed to me just how close he was to retirement, but stated that he’s ready to come back, his body feels better than ever - and he feels better at 42 than he did at 32!@SKProWrestling // @btsportwwe #WWEonBT pic.twitter.com/fJzIyshKcQ

— Gary Cassidy (@consciousgary) January 15, 2020

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