Report: Lio Rush Contracted To NJPW Despite AEW Appearance

During the Casino Battle Royale at Sunday’s AEW Double or Nothing PPV, Lio Rush made his surprise debut for the company, coming in as the Battle Royale’s ‘wildcard’ entrant.

However, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Rush has not signed full-time with AEW having recently signed a permanent deal with NJPW. Due to NJPW and AEW’s working relationship Rush was allowed to make the appearance for AEW, and could possibly make more appearances for the company, but signing a full deal seems unlikely.

Lio’s entry into the match was a surprise, with next to no chatter of his involvement doing the round beforehand. Rush himself had a decent showcase in the bout, but was eventually eliminated by Matt Hardy, and Private Party.

Rush has also been working with companies like MLW, GCW, and AAA since leaving WWE in 2020, winning gold in MLW and AAA. Rush made his official debut in NJPW in December 2020, wrestling in the Super J Cup tournament, losing to El Phantasmo in the first round.