WWE's Sheamus on performing in Manila, Liverpool, staying healthy

MANILA, Philippines – Professional wrestler Sheamus (whose real name is Stephen Farrelly) flew into Manila on a whirlwind tour to promote the upcoming World Wrestling Entertainment show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum September 20.

The 41-year-old wrestler hasn’t been inside the ring since suffering a concussion in a match against tag team The New Day last April.

“I myself am itching to get back into the ring,” admitted the man known as “The Celtic Warrior.” “But it is all about getting healthy for myself and making sure that show in the Philippines is a success. It isn’t like we are often in this part of the world. And we have tremendous support in Asia. This is giving to the fans.”

Thus far, the WWE wrestlers who will take part in the Manila show include Asuka, Finn Balor, Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Kofi Kingston, Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns and Xavier Woods to name a few.

This will be the fifth time the WWE will perform in Manila, and the big guns are coming out.

“It would be nice to wrestle in front of Filipino fans, who are known for their passion,” added Sheamus. “But I am sure the guys in our locker room will do a great job and it will be a memorable night for all.”

Speaking of staying healthy and fit, when one is in an active WWE roster, that means “about 280 days of travel in one calendar year,” he added. “So you have to not only take care of your body, but also your mind.”

The 240-pound wrestler has put his “Brave Change” philosophy out for the fans to see on social media. “It really is all about stepping out of your comfort zone. Trying different things to improve your training and routine. And eating healthy too.” 

Sheamus has also taken this downtime to follow his beloved Liverpool FC. Along with basketball star LeBron James, actor Daniel Craig, actress Millie Bobby Brown, tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, former Spice Girl Melanie C among many others, Sheamus is acknowledged to be a big time supporter of the Merseyside club.

Flying into Manila, Sheamus missed the UEFA Super Cup match between Liverpool and Chelsea that was played in Istanbul. “Oh, man! I missed it,” said the disappointed Irishman who is known to be a die-hard supporter of the club. “I just checked the highlights, Liverpool won, 54, after a penalty shootout) but I will make it a point to watch their next match (at Southampton this coming Saturday).”

While recuperating, Sheamus also took advantage of watching the recent UEFA Champions League Finals between Liverpool and Tottenham at Madrid last June 1. “Me and (fellow WWE wrestler) Cesaro flew to Madrid to support Liverpool.We paid for flight, our hotel, our match tickets ticket, to watch the Reds clinch their sixth European trophy. What a night it was for me, the club, and the fans all over the world.”

Why root for Liverpool?

“As a lad growing up in Dublin, Ireland, I knew of the Irish heritage of the club. Anfield Road and Anfield Stadium are named for the old town in Ireland, Annefield in County Wexford. And there were a lot of Irish players on the team growing up — Ronnie Wheelan, Steve Heighway, Mark Lawrenson, Steve Finnan and John Aldridge to name a few (a total of 18 players from the Republic of Ireland have suited up for the Reds) so it was an easy thing for me to cheer for the club. But the tough thing is after a loss is finding some cheer in the next day. It’s just difficult because the club means a lot to me and so many other people.”

“We’ve figured in several finals and cup battles since Jurgen Klopp took over and now we’ve won two pieces of silverware. Hopefully, the next one is the Premier League title.”