Lio Rush is set to become a free agent after announcing that his current contract withAEWis set to expire next month. Rush first appeared inAEWin 2021 at the Double or Nothing event as the surprise Joker entry for the Casino Battle Royale. Rush announced his retirement after suffering an injury but reappeared on AEW programming in September as “Leverage Buy Out” or LBO Lio.
Rush took to Twitter on Saturday morning to announce that his contract with AEW is set to expire on August 09, 2025. He revealed that he will become a free agent and that he is accepting inquiries for booking. On Sunday, Rush appeared at The WRLD on GCW event witha few members of the current AEW roster.
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Rush was originally scheduled to compete in the Grab the Brass Ring Ladder match, but ROH World Champion Jonathan Gresham was unable to compete in his match against Blake Christian, and Rush stepped into the role. Rush was ultimately defeated by Christian in what many considered one of the best matches of the night.
Rush is also announced to be a part of The Wrestling REVOLVER event in April, where he is currently scheduled to take on Matt Bailey. While Rush has beenactive on the independent circuitsince he signed with AEW on September 29, Rush’s announcement and his current agenda suggest that there are no plans for Rush to sign a new contract with AEW.
As of late, Rush has been involved in a storyline with Team Taz and Dante Martin. Rush previously coaxed Martinto take on his mentorshipand leave Matt Sydal behind. Martin and Rush would demonstrate their in-ring chemistry before Martin appeared to turn his back on Rush to join Team Taz. Martin went on to leave the faction and has since, reconciled with Sydal. On the January 12 episode of Dynamite, Martin was saved by recent signee Jay Lethal. Given Rush’s free agency announcement, it would appear Lethal will be filling in for Rush’s role in the Team Taz feud.
Following Rush’s announcement, many believe that his sudden departure may have to do withhis comments on the Big Swole controversy. However, Rush has previously gone on the record to say that he doesn’t like being stuck in one place and that the ability to move to various companies is important for his mental stability. Therefore, it would seem that Rush’s entrance into free agency is done of his own volition and not due to recent controversy. Rush will still appear on AEW’s hip-hop collaboration album for Black History Month.
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