Lio Rush Confirms AEW Departure
The Man Of The Hour has confirmed he'll depart AEW when his current contract expires.
Lio Rush has announced he will become a free agent when his All Elite Wrestling contract expires on 14 February.
The 27-year-old tweeted the news a few hours ago, providing an email address for booking inquiries:-
I’m a free agent. pic.twitter.com/aZwy8F8O6O
Advertisement— Lio Rush (@IamLioRush) January 22, 2022
Following Rush's tweet, Fightful Select reported that some AEW personnel had learned that Lio wouldn't be staying with the company at last night's Rampage tapings in Washington, DC. Rush hasn't been seen backstage since December, with one of the outlet's sources stating that while 'The Man of the Hour' had been scheduled for another December appearance after this, it ended up not happening.
Lio is yet to comment further on his release. There is currently no word on the circumstances leading to him becoming a free agent upon his contract's expiration, or if an extension was ever in the works.
Rush debuted for AEW as the Joker in Double Or Nothing 2021's Casino Battle Royale, though he suffered a shoulder injury while competing. He announced his pro wrestling retirement shortly afterwards but had a change of heart, eventually signing with AEW in late September, becoming embroiled in the Dante Martin vs. Team Taz storyline. His last AEW match came on the 8 December episode of Dynamite.
Outside of AEW, Rush works for NJPW's United States imprint, STRONG, as well as keeping a regular indie schedule.