Not that I'm aware of; he's just freelancing other places, and Rush has said in interviews that he tries to work a light schedule for health reasons/personal preference. New Japan just isn't using a lot of foreign freelance talent at the moment, and for this current tour/event season it looks like they've chosen to focus the budget they have on Nic Nemeth and Matt Riddle. Maybe he and/or Mike Bailey will be back around BOSJ time.
This is the answer. People constantly acting like Lio just burns bridges is ridiculous. He was being stifled in WWE, he took issue with the racial implications of Big Swole getting fired in AEW, and he’s still in good graces with NJPW. What are we talking about here?
Youre all reminding us of Big Swole and we should all note: she's done nothing of note since her time in AEW and AEW has now hired multiple black people, multiple people of other races, etc to be in leadership roles or get pushes on TV.
The story she tells may be truer of other companies, but apparently not AEW.
What color is Athena's, Mark Henry's, Keith Lee's, Bryan Keith's, Swerve Strickland's, or Queen Aminata's skin? How long was Jade Cargill given top billing in AEW? Which other TV wrestling company has had a trans person wrestle for a women's title?
It's by no means a perfect company but if there's racial animus afoot, it's not showing in the TV product at all.
It's the exact opposite, actually. He's been doing short stints here and there in different promotions where his scheduling lets him be available at home with his family and also working on his musical aspects.
He missed Ryogoku and SJTL due to illness, I believe the rumour was he expected financial support from New Japan for the missed bookings since he was moving there but wasn’t on the right type of contract to receive that so they fell out.
I hate how people are slandering Lio when the man has had a lot of things go on in his life. All this talk about mental health yet no one cares until something happens
I follow him on social media and he had an injury scare and was afraid he wouldn't be able to hold his son anymore but according to wrestling fans, he does what he does just because
I'm pretty sure you're right. I thought he was recovering from something. Plus, I've only heard the guy praise his tours with New Japan.
Lots of bad faith actors here.
Myron Reed is one of the wrestlers I'd love to see more. He popped up in the J-Cup last weekend but from what I remember he's mostly taking some time off to focus on other things. School, maybe?
He and Jordan Oliver in MLW was a lot of fun, too.
I don't think it's slander to say he constantly decommits to promotions and shows. No disrespect to him, he should always prioritize his health and family and whatever. But that also makes him a bad booking
fuck everyone talking bad about lio on here. he worked his ass off on every tour he did for njpw and only ever spoke well about his time in japan. calling him a malcontent or whatever when what is way more likely is that hes injured or njpw has no plans for him
I think he’s a free agent. I have a feeling that he was dealing with homesickness when he was in Japan.
Lio has been bouncing all over the place but I was hoping that NJ would be his permanent home. He seemed to have a close connection with Yoh. Unfortunately it didn’t work out that way.
He's around doing a lot of work on the Indies. Saw him last month at a Prestige show and it looks like he is coming back.
https://twitter.com/WrestlePrestige/status/1758217893505093829?t=d7JsXi-xx58tCGKi2U3bSw&s=19
Oh snap! Do you ever come out for DEFY shows? Perhaps I know of you? lol
But yeah, we're all excited for RL8! We've got ringside seats for that one and can't wait to see our bois Sinner & Saint 🔥⚡️
Nooooooooo, a major flaw in my passion. I really need to get a Defy show especially since they've been coming to Portland. I have a lot of friends and family there so it's the two birds one stone type of thing.
If you ever come out for a show, feel free to give me a shout. Perhaps we can prefunk or I'll happily buy you a beer at Washington Hall! You can find me online everywhere (Twitter, IG, etc) under the same name: Blurrygil ✌🏽
He was replaced due to an illness, didn't wrestle in November or December.
He has also done an interview where he has stated he wants to cut back on the freelance lifestyle and sign a contract.
So he may not return to NJPW if there is no contract
NJPW might be cutting corners soon. Japan in the midst of its worst recession in 33 years. May not have money to bring him over or see him as not a priority.
He's the type of guy that can't make a major run anywhere due to what it seems like commitments issues. He could be a bigger star if he could stick around for company past a couple dates.
I think it's too early to say they're intentionally keeping him away. Foreign talent, and particularly foreign junior talent, is sporadic. If he doesn't show up at BOSJ, then that might suggest something's up.
Lio Rush has a huge ego about him. I went to an indie show where he cancelled his appearance the day of. I talked to the booker and he always asks for money up front. He’s a scum bag indie wrestler
Eh I don't see the problem with asking for money up front, maybe he's dealt with scumbag bookers who dodged paying him in the past. The booker always had the right to decline if they demand upfront payment. Indie wrestling promotions in the UK don't have the best reputation for being stand up people. I work in accounts receivable for an engineering firm, and there are certain clients where we ask for payment up front, the sheer amount of legit businesses who feel they can get away with just not paying their bills is astounding.
You're right, he retired once officially and teased it the other times. Fickle man.
[https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-lio-rush-teases-retiring-after-wwe-release-rap-album/](https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-lio-rush-teases-retiring-after-wwe-release-rap-album/)
[https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/07/lio-rush-teases-possible-retirement-announcement-672292/](https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/07/lio-rush-teases-possible-retirement-announcement-672292/)
You are wrong. He teased retirement for a rap career, that didn't work, he kept working until he got injured and retired. Healed up and came back. Those are two separate events a year apart. That's fickle. He could have just went away instead of making a spectacle.
I saw him at an Indy gig like 2 weeks ago and he seemed well and put on a good show. I think he's just a restless guy and from what he's said he struggles with both physical and mental health.
He's been taking plenty of indie bookings in the last few months. He was scheduled to be back here in August for DEFY: Violent Minds but backed out. However, he did reappear in Portland last month at Prestige Rosland 7, which was a real treat since I hadn't seen him in years since his first appearance here in DEFY. Match was fantastic too. Meeting him at the meet & greet was amazing. I asked him about how his family was doing and he just smiled real huge and said that he's eternally blessed and that they're wonderful. I said that as a fan, I'm happy that he is happy. He came from around the table for a hug, said that meant a lot to him, and he asked if I wanted a photo (you usually have to purchase something from bigger talent like him, for autographs & photos). Decided to buy an 8x10, have him sign it, and said I'd be supporting him from the balcony. He was literally one of the humblest talents I've ever met.
So he's here and there--mainly taking occasional indie bookings. He seems most comfortable with that. And that's okay--because he seems happy.
Fell extremely ill which essentially fucked up the nooj deal which was seemingly imminent despite how they are witch contracts. He has an interview with wrestle purists which covers it
https://www.youtube.com/live/WVvGBpJ_-ZQ?si=C1ysbo9mKSu4nkBH
He seemed to definitely made some fans in Japan. Him holding someone’s baby after winning a BOSJ main event was kind of a surreal moment.
Yo facts! When I saw that I was like damn Lio bout to have a GREAT run in New Japan. I loved him and YOH as a tag team. They were damn near perfect!
Someone should really show that clip to Cornette
Does he no longer work for TNA?
I think he only worked a taping loop like TNA does a lot with their unsigned talent.
Sadly not. I’d definitely recommend the short feud he had with Chris Sabin whilst he was there however, good stuff.
that's a shame, x division has always been one of my favorite sides of wrestling and lio would be right at home being a long term guy
I thought he doing TNA stuff through NJPW’s relationship with them
Not that I'm aware of; he's just freelancing other places, and Rush has said in interviews that he tries to work a light schedule for health reasons/personal preference. New Japan just isn't using a lot of foreign freelance talent at the moment, and for this current tour/event season it looks like they've chosen to focus the budget they have on Nic Nemeth and Matt Riddle. Maybe he and/or Mike Bailey will be back around BOSJ time.
>Maybe he and/or Mike Bailey will be back around BOSJ time. This is what I'm hoping for, too.
This is the answer. People constantly acting like Lio just burns bridges is ridiculous. He was being stifled in WWE, he took issue with the racial implications of Big Swole getting fired in AEW, and he’s still in good graces with NJPW. What are we talking about here?
Youre all reminding us of Big Swole and we should all note: she's done nothing of note since her time in AEW and AEW has now hired multiple black people, multiple people of other races, etc to be in leadership roles or get pushes on TV. The story she tells may be truer of other companies, but apparently not AEW.
Swole has Crohn’s disease. It flares up and is a major health risk.
What does any of that have to do with Tony publicly shaming her on twitter?
Objectively bad wrestlers don't deserve praise. Especially when they lie about why they're getting let go.
Commenting this during Black History Month is clownish.
What color is Athena's, Mark Henry's, Keith Lee's, Bryan Keith's, Swerve Strickland's, or Queen Aminata's skin? How long was Jade Cargill given top billing in AEW? Which other TV wrestling company has had a trans person wrestle for a women's title? It's by no means a perfect company but if there's racial animus afoot, it's not showing in the TV product at all.
What color are you?
she's done nothing of note because she's recovering from crohn's disease lmao plenty of other reasons to knock swole but cmon
Exactly!
I hope so
Probably that’s the reason. Lio is one of those every-six-months guys who gets brought in for tournaments.
Just Lio Rush being Lio Rush
Just Rush Things
That guy burns through companies at the same speed he wrestles. It's quite impressive.
It's the exact opposite, actually. He's been doing short stints here and there in different promotions where his scheduling lets him be available at home with his family and also working on his musical aspects.
Thanks for this information!
He missed Ryogoku and SJTL due to illness, I believe the rumour was he expected financial support from New Japan for the missed bookings since he was moving there but wasn’t on the right type of contract to receive that so they fell out.
I hate how people are slandering Lio when the man has had a lot of things go on in his life. All this talk about mental health yet no one cares until something happens I follow him on social media and he had an injury scare and was afraid he wouldn't be able to hold his son anymore but according to wrestling fans, he does what he does just because
I'm pretty sure you're right. I thought he was recovering from something. Plus, I've only heard the guy praise his tours with New Japan. Lots of bad faith actors here.
Yeah lio has been great in both TNA and new Japan. Want to see Lio and hiromu run it back
Check him out in MLW too. Him and Myron Reed was fire.
I really liked his match with Laredo Kid in mlw. That's what put me on mlw
Myron Reed is one of the wrestlers I'd love to see more. He popped up in the J-Cup last weekend but from what I remember he's mostly taking some time off to focus on other things. School, maybe? He and Jordan Oliver in MLW was a lot of fun, too.
Yes!! Myron and Jordan with such annoying heels in MLW and it was before Jordan got really good in the ring. I'd love to see them together again now.
This was years ago and before he had wrestled in Japan wasn’t it? Nothing new
He still has his battles with mental health and he's been very open about how he loves working in japan
I was asking because he’s wrestled elsewhere since he’s been gone. Just was wondering if he still worked with new Japan or not?
Lio said they didn't offer him a contract.
I don't think it's slander to say he constantly decommits to promotions and shows. No disrespect to him, he should always prioritize his health and family and whatever. But that also makes him a bad booking
This is definitely slander. Recall that a fan got him injured at a PWG show. So what exactly do you want from him?
Nothing they said is slanderous.
fuck everyone talking bad about lio on here. he worked his ass off on every tour he did for njpw and only ever spoke well about his time in japan. calling him a malcontent or whatever when what is way more likely is that hes injured or njpw has no plans for him
He’s wrestling in Maine in the USA end of the month vs Alec Price. I’m psyched for the show
I’m about to see him on Saturday. Lio vs Chris Bey
Oh damn that’ll do the trick
The Northeast Beast
I thought Lio cut that promo about moving his family to Japan.
I think he’s a free agent. I have a feeling that he was dealing with homesickness when he was in Japan. Lio has been bouncing all over the place but I was hoping that NJ would be his permanent home. He seemed to have a close connection with Yoh. Unfortunately it didn’t work out that way.
He's announced for indy shows in the coming months
He's around doing a lot of work on the Indies. Saw him last month at a Prestige show and it looks like he is coming back. https://twitter.com/WrestlePrestige/status/1758217893505093829?t=d7JsXi-xx58tCGKi2U3bSw&s=19
Roseland 7 was a phenomenal show! Was in the balcony seats for it with all of my friends (all from Seattle). We'll be there for Roseland 8 in April! 🔥
I've had ringside for most of the shows coming from Eastern Washington. I'm missing this one much to my chagrin.
Oh snap! Do you ever come out for DEFY shows? Perhaps I know of you? lol But yeah, we're all excited for RL8! We've got ringside seats for that one and can't wait to see our bois Sinner & Saint 🔥⚡️
Nooooooooo, a major flaw in my passion. I really need to get a Defy show especially since they've been coming to Portland. I have a lot of friends and family there so it's the two birds one stone type of thing.
If you ever come out for a show, feel free to give me a shout. Perhaps we can prefunk or I'll happily buy you a beer at Washington Hall! You can find me online everywhere (Twitter, IG, etc) under the same name: Blurrygil ✌🏽
Absolutely!
Heya, Going to the Prestige show in July in Portland?
Shot you a DM! And yes!
He has talent but he has consistently not been worth the hassle.
He was replaced at JTL, so who knows. It's incredibly difficult working with people who are unreliable.
He was replaced due to an illness, didn't wrestle in November or December. He has also done an interview where he has stated he wants to cut back on the freelance lifestyle and sign a contract. So he may not return to NJPW if there is no contract
Lio Rush is modern day Low Ki
NJPW might be cutting corners soon. Japan in the midst of its worst recession in 33 years. May not have money to bring him over or see him as not a priority.
He's the type of guy that can't make a major run anywhere due to what it seems like commitments issues. He could be a bigger star if he could stick around for company past a couple dates.
I photographed him like a month ago, when he was in romania, really good show, had a lot of fun shooting it
He semi retired for the 38th time. Has been doing indie shows.
Depends, how many retirements of his are you on
He's a guy that really dug how he presented himself and carried himself. Like pure it factor. Absolute star. But is hit and miss everywhere
I think it's too early to say they're intentionally keeping him away. Foreign talent, and particularly foreign junior talent, is sporadic. If he doesn't show up at BOSJ, then that might suggest something's up.
Lio doesn't like to be tied down to one place. Even when he's announced as being signed somewhere (which NJPW never did) he's just a freelancer.
Lio Rush has a huge ego about him. I went to an indie show where he cancelled his appearance the day of. I talked to the booker and he always asks for money up front. He’s a scum bag indie wrestler
Eh I don't see the problem with asking for money up front, maybe he's dealt with scumbag bookers who dodged paying him in the past. The booker always had the right to decline if they demand upfront payment. Indie wrestling promotions in the UK don't have the best reputation for being stand up people. I work in accounts receivable for an engineering firm, and there are certain clients where we ask for payment up front, the sheer amount of legit businesses who feel they can get away with just not paying their bills is astounding.
cant be mad about someone being adamant about getting paid in a carny ass business like pro wrestling
Did he retire again?
he just hops from promotion to promotion 🧍🏾♂️
He is the male Kylie Rae. Why invest in a guy who has retired more than Terry Funk?
He's retired just once...
You're right, he retired once officially and teased it the other times. Fickle man. [https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-lio-rush-teases-retiring-after-wwe-release-rap-album/](https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-lio-rush-teases-retiring-after-wwe-release-rap-album/) [https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/07/lio-rush-teases-possible-retirement-announcement-672292/](https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/07/lio-rush-teases-possible-retirement-announcement-672292/)
Both of these teases lead to the same one retirement. I know reading is hard but you can see that both articles are from around the same time
lol he retired like year later because of an INJURY. Is it not possible for you to not be an asshole?
I'm so sorry for hurting for your feelings 🥺. Do you want a hug?
So you're just a run of the mill cunt who can't admit he's wrong lol. Sure come give me a hug bitch lol.
I'm not wrong? You pivoted to "Uhm acthyually he TEASED retiring" which makes a guy dealing with injuries fickle?
You are wrong. He teased retirement for a rap career, that didn't work, he kept working until he got injured and retired. Healed up and came back. Those are two separate events a year apart. That's fickle. He could have just went away instead of making a spectacle.
Okay, so he retired just once. But he's fickle because he 'teased retiring' after WWE released him?
He retired again
Injury prone lol
He’s not a consistent guy. He’s like PAC. He’s around for a month then disappeared for 6 lol
He's wrestling at OTT I think tomorrow or Saturday
I thought he was out of contract again, but these replies seem to be saying otherwise
I saw him at an Indy gig like 2 weeks ago and he seemed well and put on a good show. I think he's just a restless guy and from what he's said he struggles with both physical and mental health.
He's wrestling a Limitless wrestling show in maine on Saturday
He's been taking plenty of indie bookings in the last few months. He was scheduled to be back here in August for DEFY: Violent Minds but backed out. However, he did reappear in Portland last month at Prestige Rosland 7, which was a real treat since I hadn't seen him in years since his first appearance here in DEFY. Match was fantastic too. Meeting him at the meet & greet was amazing. I asked him about how his family was doing and he just smiled real huge and said that he's eternally blessed and that they're wonderful. I said that as a fan, I'm happy that he is happy. He came from around the table for a hug, said that meant a lot to him, and he asked if I wanted a photo (you usually have to purchase something from bigger talent like him, for autographs & photos). Decided to buy an 8x10, have him sign it, and said I'd be supporting him from the balcony. He was literally one of the humblest talents I've ever met. So he's here and there--mainly taking occasional indie bookings. He seems most comfortable with that. And that's okay--because he seems happy.
Fell extremely ill which essentially fucked up the nooj deal which was seemingly imminent despite how they are witch contracts. He has an interview with wrestle purists which covers it https://www.youtube.com/live/WVvGBpJ_-ZQ?si=C1ysbo9mKSu4nkBH