WWE star Sheamus was back in action after nine months out and looked in great form, even if some on social media had a different viewCredit: WWE

He made short work out of Ivar in his return bout but, despite a warm welcome from a huge live crowd in Canada, some of those on social media were less than kind.

The Dubliner’s return featured an all-new look and some eye-catching new ring gear, but a few couldn’t hold back in their belief that the former world champion wasn’t looking for his best.

Having seen a few comments online taking swipes at his body shape and physique on the night, the outspoken star, who rarely backs down from speaking his mind, duly responded.

Gathering up some of the worst-offending remarks, Sheamus, who was once a bodyguard to U2 star Bono, hit back with a post of his own on X.

Explaining he’d been caught off guard by being asked to return to action last week when he’d been aiming for the WWE Draft which begins in another week or so’s time.

The 46-year-old veteran of more than 20 years warned the jibes now need to stop, adding that he’s been pounding the gym ever since his comeback.

“Ok Ok take your best shots,” he wrote. “Whalemus, Too Many Pies, etc.. and then we’re done with the photoshopping & shaming.

“I was aiming for the Draft and got an early call-up. My bad. On me.

Sheamus has won almost every title in WWE and is one of the company’s top performersCredit: WWE

“Been sleeping in the gym ever since SO watch this space.

“I appreciate the love too #Sheamoose.”

His outing on Raw was the first time fans had seen Sheamus since his standout match against Hall of Fame star Edge last summer.

Edge – now wrestling under his real name, Adam Copeland in All Elite Wrestling – picked the Irishman for what ended up being his final WWE match before opting to switch to AEW.

Sheamus also confirmed that clash had come close to being his last outing, too, given the seriousness of the neck injuries that left him sidelined.

Ok Ok take your best shots.. Whalemus, Too Many Pies, etc.. and then we’re done with the photoshopping & shaming. I was aiming for the Draft & got an early call-up. My bad. On me. Been sleeping in the gym ever since SO watch this space 👊🏻 i appreciate the love too #Sheamoose pic.twitter.com/KlO6TmWTz4

— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) April 18, 2024

In a separate X post, he revealed he’d come close to having to call time on his career before finally getting the nod to return.

“The road back to the ring is slow, rough and [unimaginably] painful,” he stated.

“Two months ago I thought I was hanging up my boots for good but a lot of doctors, trainers and physios helped get me cleared to do what I love.. fight. #thisiswhatwedo.”

Sheamus has been a WWE mainstay over the last two decades and has worked closely with Paul ‘Triple H’ LevesqueCredit: wwe

Sheamus remains one of WWE’s most accomplished stars, with the grappler having held all of the company’s top male titles with the exception of the Intercontinental championship.