A new report has added more details about Lio Rush’s upcoming departure from AEW, hinting that there could be more to come.
Posting on social media, Lio Rush announced that he would be a free agent from February 14th when his contract with AEW expires.
Rush made his debut with AEW at Double or Nothing in May 2021, competing in the Casino Battle Royale as the “Joker” entrant. However, the high-flying star later announced his retirement from the ring, citing injuries. After a period out of action, Rush officially signed with AEW in late September, becoming a regular presence across Dynamite and Rampage.
Although it appears that the star’s run with the company is coming to an end earlier than many expected.
A new report from Fightful Select has now offered a little more information around the situation. It states that many staff and talents found out about Rush’s departure at the most recent episode of Rampage on January 21st.
Interestingly, the report notes that the contract expiration is not an isolated incident, and Rush’s contract is “one of many” that is coming up in the next couple of months. In addition, Rush has apparently not been seen in AEW since December, with one source believing that he had been scheduled for an appearance since, but obviously it didn’t happen.
Lio Rush was one of the main voices who criticised AEW President Tony Khan after his very public spat with former AEW star Big Swole.
In Tweets, Rush appeared to demand an apology from Khan before later issuing a statement where he explained that he has since spoken to Tony Khan and Megah Parekh and discussed their “endeavours to further understand the struggles of the black community”. He went on to say that he is proud to work for Khan and AEW.
Lio Rush will compete at The WRLD on GCW when Game Changer Wrestling emanates from Hammerstein Ballroom on the 23rd of January. Rush will be part of the Grab The Brass Ring ladder match on a show that features AEW star Jon Moxley in the main event defending his GCW Championship against Homicide.