Lio Rush announces his retirement from professional wrestling
Lio Rush made a major debut a few Sundays ago at AEW Double or Nothing. Sadly, the story turned when on Tuesday he announced his retirement from professional wrestling via his social media, revealing a serious injury that has pushed him from the industry.
“The moment I went home in a sling, I kept saying to myself ‘this was like any other time I got a little bruise or strain, and I will shrug it off and continue my journey,” Rush posted. “Once the pain subsided and I started to feel just how uncomfortable it was to feel my arm handing from my body, I sunk into an immediate and rapidly growing depression because I knew something was wrong.”
Rush went on to reveal that he separated his AC joint during the Casino Battle Royal where he made his AEW debut as the joker card. According to his post, he was on the cusp of being signed by both New Japan Pro Wrestling and AEW at the same time.
“Grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had this past year after my WWE release,” Rush stated. “So cool of AEW still wanting to sign me despite separating my AC in the Casino Battle Royal. Which would have led to me being the first person in history to be signed to two major wrestling organizations simultaneously.”
Rush was among the first round of WWE roster cuts back in 2020 when the promotion blamed COVID-19 for releasing multiple in-ring performers and backstage professionals. This was after he got over with wrestling fans as a pairing with Bobby Lashley and a stint as the Cruiserweight champion. After the release he would appear for multiple organizations such as GCW, MCW, and MLW, picking up titles along the way such as the MLW Middleweight title and the AAA Cruiserweight title. Rush started to perform for New Japan Strong, even taking part in the New Japan USA Cup. Yet, his appearance at Double or Nothing was a big surprise that had everyone looking forward to what is next for the performer.
“Thank you to the fans that have fought it out with me for the past 7 years and the people in my corner,” Rush said. “For now, thank you all from the bottom of my heart and I’ll see you all soon.”
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