Lio Rush Signed With NJPW In April, Is Expected To Appear In AEW Again

Lio Rush made waves when he debuted in AEW as the final entrant of the Casino Battle Royale at Double or Nothing. It has now been reported that despite this appearance, the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion is currently under contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Rush made his debut for NJPW in December as an entrant in the Super J-Cup tournament. ‘The Man of the Hour’ suffered a first-round loss to eventual Cup winner El Phantasmo at the event, but has continued to wrestle for the promotion on their US-based show, NJPW STRONG.

Now, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has revealed that Rush signed a deal with NJPW back in April this year. According to the report, the company has given the OK for Rush to wrestle in other promotions, such as AEW and MLW, but they retain first priority in his schedule.

“Rush is expected to work some dates going forward in AEW but he signed with New Japan in April. Due to the obvious with the pandemic, Rush hasn’t been able to start in Japan yet. New Japan okayed him working for AEW and MLW and really wherever he wants to but they have first priority on his dates and he can’t sign with an American group.”

Lio Rush made a big impression during his AEW appearance at Double or Nothing, entering the Casino Battle Royale in typical whirlwind style delivering an array of dazzling offence. However, after laying out everyone in the match, he was eventually eliminated by Matt Hardy with the assistance of Private Party.

The Battle Royale itself was won by Jungle Boy, who last eliminated Christian Cage to earn a shot at the AEW World Championship. He is set to cash in his chips when he faces Kenny Omega on June 26th.