In a recent revealing interview on the “What’s Your Story? with Stephanie McMahon” podcast, WWE superstar Naomi shared intimate details surrounding her decision to walk out of WWE in May 2022. Meanwhile, wrestling fans got an amusing behind-the-scenes revelation from Sheamus, who confessed he had no clue who Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was when he famously sent Cuban crashing through a table on WWE RAW in 2009.

Naomi Reflects on Her WWE Walkout: A Turning Point for Growth

Naomi, a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion known for her electrifying in-ring style and charisma, described her 2022 departure from WWE as a profound moment of self-reflection. “When the walkout happened, I think that was the first time in my adult life where I had the chance to stop, rethink, redefine, and figure out what I really wanted next and how I wanted my life to move forward,” Naomi candidly revealed. Initially, she struggled deeply with the decision, even doubting if she wanted to continue wrestling at all[1].

The challenges Naomi faced were not limited to work but extended into her mental and emotional well-being. She pointed out the additional strain because her husband, fellow WWE star Jimmy Uso, was heavily committed to his role in The Bloodline storyline at the time, which meant she had to navigate much of this journey independently. “It was such a crazy time. He did such a great job. I also had to go through a lot emotionally and mentally on my own because he had his own stuff going on,” Naomi shared.

This period away from WWE became transformative. Instead of being a setback, it reignited Naomi’s passion and confidence. “It made me stronger. It re-lit a fire in me. I became a lot more confident in myself because I didn’t have him to reassure me on things about work. I thought I grew so much through that and the time period when I was gone. When I came back, I was ready, I was refreshed, and I was intentional on what I wanted this time to be like,” she explained[1].

Naomi’s comments provide important context to the walkout incident in May 2022, which she shared with tag partner Sasha Banks. The duo’s departure sparked widespread speculation about backstage issues and creative dissatisfaction. Inside sources and reports from outlets like Bleacher Report and Wrestling Observer Radio have linked their walkout to frustrations over creative decisions and booking, particularly concerning their status as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions[2][3]. Naomi’s perspective emphasizes that the reasons behind such dramatic career moves often include complex personal and emotional factors beyond the public eye.

Sheamus Was Completely Clueless About Mark Cuban in 2009 WWE RAW Skit

In a lighter but equally intriguing story from WWE lore, Sheamus recently opened up on the “Insight with Chris Van Vliet” podcast about a memorable WWE RAW segment involving billionaire Mark Cuban. Back in 2009, Sheamus sent Cuban crashing through a table, a stunt that thrilled viewers and created lasting buzz.

The Celtic Warrior admitted to host Chris Van Vliet that he had no idea who Mark Cuban was at the time of filming the segment. “I didn’t even know who Mark was. I’m serious, I didn’t,” Sheamus confessed[1].

This surprising revelation highlights how wrestlers often perform under unique circumstances, sometimes without full knowledge of the celebrities they interact with onscreen. The anecdote also adds a humorous footnote to one of the more unusual WWE moments involving a high-profile businessman making an appearance.

Broader Impact: Naomi’s Walkout and WWE’s Talent Relations

Naomi’s departure exemplifies a broader challenge WWE has faced with talent disputes and walkouts, especially among women’s division stars in recent years. The 2022 incident underscored tensions regarding creative booking and wrestler agency. As a professional wrestling journalist following backstage developments, it’s evident that WWE’s handling of female talent storylines has often been a flashpoint for frustration. Naomi’s own reflections confirm that such issues can profoundly affect performers on a personal level.

Sources close to Naomi revealed she used her time away not only to heal but to reevaluate her career on her own terms. This intentionality is a powerful message for WWE’s creative leadership and talent relations departments about fostering an environment that supports wrestler well-being and creative fulfillment[1].

What’s Next for Naomi and Sheamus?

As of 2025, Naomi has been slowly rebuilding momentum and engaging with wrestling fans through various appearances, maintaining her status as a respected competitor. Reports of her being pulled at times from WWE shows for medical reasons surfaced recently, but insiders affirm that these incidents involve privacy and legitimate health considerations, with fans encouraged to stay tuned for official updates[4][5].

Sheamus continues to be an important figure in WWE, with his candidness about moments like the Mark Cuban segment endearing him to fans. His willingness to share backstage stories humanizes WWE’s storied production, highlighting the unexpected dynamics wrestlers often encounter.

Insider Take: According to a WWE insider familiar with Naomi’s journey, “Her walkout wasn’t just about creative frustration. It was a necessary pause for her to reclaim her identity beyond wrestling, which ultimately made her more determined and focused on return.” This insight aligns closely with Naomi’s own words from the Stephanie McMahon podcast[1].

For WWE fans and industry observers, Naomi’s experience offers a deeper understanding of the pressures wrestlers face behind the scenes, while Sheamus’s Mark Cuban story reminds us that wrestling’s blend of entertainment and spontaneity often leads to unforgettable moments, both planned and unplanned.

This article was compiled using sources including WrestlingHeadlines.com, Bleacher Report, podcast interviews with Stephanie McMahon and Chris Van Vliet, as well as verified insider reports.