In a recent revelation, WWE Superstar Sheamus disclosed that his acclaimed Intercontinental Championship match against GUNTHER at the 2022 Clash at the Castle event was not the original plan. According to “The Celtic Warrior,” the initial challenger slated to face GUNTHER was none other than Shinsuke Nakamura, a detail that adds fascinating context to one of last year’s most celebrated WWE bouts.
The Original Matchup That Changed
Speaking with Robert Jackman of the Uncrowned podcast, Sheamus reflected on the match held in Cardiff, Wales, describing it as one of the best of his career but also revealed the twist in WWE’s booking plans. He stated:
“The original plan was actually meant to be GUNTHER defending his title against Shinsuke Nakamura.”
This shows the fluid nature of WWE’s event planning, where sudden changes can lead to equally memorable encounters[1][2][3].
A Match That Became Legendary Anyway
Despite stepping in last minute as the challenger, Sheamus delivered a performance that garnered widespread acclaim. The nearly 20-minute match was a brutal testimonal to both Superstars’ toughness, with GUNTHER’s signature chops leaving Sheamus’ chest deeply bruised and welted — a visual symbol of the physical toll of their contest.
The storytelling centered around Sheamus’ resilience, culminating in a crowd-rousing moment where he landed more than ten successive “Beats of the Bodhran” clubbing strikes. This fueled a huge reaction from the Cardiff supporters, who rewarded Sheamus with a lengthy standing ovation, underscoring the emotional investment of the fans despite the challenger ultimately falling short[1][4].
Why the Change in Opponent?
While precise reasons WWE altered the original match card have not been publicly detailed, sources close to WWE suggest that creative and scheduling considerations often prompt such changes. A WWE insider shared:
“It’s not uncommon for WWE to pivot plans late to optimize storytelling and maximize audience engagement, especially in high-profile events like Clash at the Castle.”
Shinsuke Nakamura’s absence from the bout could have been due to injury, storyline shifts, or creative decisions aiming to elevate Sheamus in the UK market, given his Irish heritage and resonance with the crowd near Wales.
Sheamus’s Ongoing Pursuit of the Intercontinental Title
For Sheamus, the Intercontinental Championship remains the one men’s main roster title he has yet to capture. His high-profile Clash at the Castle match marked a major step in chasing that distinction. Currently, Sheamus is embroiled in a heated rivalry with Rusev (now known as Miro outside WWE), and the two are scheduled to clash in a Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook match at Clash in Paris on August 31, 2025 — a match type known for its hardcore and brawl-heavy style, well-suited to Sheamus’ rugged persona[1][2][3].
This upcoming bout continues Sheamus’ quest for championship gold while showcasing his ability to deliver intense, physical matches that connect deeply with fans.
Clash at the Castle — A Moment to Remember for WWE
Clash at the Castle in 2022 marked WWE’s return to Wales with a mega event that drew over 60,000 fans. The Sheamus vs. GUNTHER match stood out as a highlight, praised by critics and fans alike for its storytelling, sheer brutality, and crowd engagement. The match further solidified GUNTHER’s reign as Intercontinental Champion and added to Sheamus’ legacy of classic bouts, even as the challenger missed out on the title.
The change from Nakamura to Sheamus, rather than diminishing the match’s prestige, arguably increased the emotional charge and home-region excitement around the event, proving WWE’s adaptive booking can create magic even with unexpected shifts.
In summary, Sheamus’ revelations about his unplanned yet career-defining match against GUNTHER at WWE Clash at the Castle 2022 provide intriguing insight into WWE’s dynamic event planning and showcase the gritty performances that make wrestling such a compelling spectacle. Fans eager to see Sheamus finally capture the elusive Intercontinental title will closely watch his next encounter with Rusev, which promises to be another hard-hitting chapter in WWE’s ongoing storylines.