Sheamus’ WWE exit may already have a destination waiting for him. A new backstage update claims the former world champion is expected to end up in AEW after deciding he could make comparable money outside WWE instead of accepting the company’s reduced contract offer.

While speaking during BackupHangman Radio, Self Made Pro was asked about the possibility of Sheamus heading to NJPW following his WWE departure. Instead, he said everything he’s heard points toward AEW being the eventual destination.

“Sheamus was used to getting paid a lot of money, so the reason he didn’t accept the pay cut is because he believes he can make similar money elsewhere.”

According to Self Made Pro, Sheamus didn’t make that decision blindly. He claimed the former WWE Champion had people reach out behind the scenes to get an idea of what his market value would be before turning down WWE’s offer.

“The way it typically works, he reached out to someone who reached out to someone who might have an idea of what he would make money-wise in AEW, and then said, ‘Alright, I’m not taking that pay cut.’”

Self Made Pro believes that if those conversations had suggested Sheamus couldn’t earn similar money elsewhere, he likely would have stayed with WWE.

“Because otherwise, if he saw that there was no market for him where he could make similar money, close to or at seven figures, he’d have just taken the WWE pay cut. So he’ll find his way into AEW.”

Back in July, Sheamus confirmed his WWE departure came after “some circumstances” he wasn’t ready to discuss publicly, while also saying he was enjoying time with his family after nearly two decades on WWE’s schedule. Now, if this latest backstage report is accurate, that break may not last much longer.

Sheamus is still under WWE contract and is expected to officially become a free agent on October 1. WWE previously tried to keep him with a restructured extension that came with less money, but he chose not to accept the reduced terms.

Nothing has been officially announced, and Sheamus hasn’t commented on where he’ll wrestle next. But if this information is on the money, AEW—not NJPW—could be where the former WWE Champion resurfaces once he officially hits free agency.