Lio Rush had two stints in AEW, first when he debuted as the Joker in the Casino Battle Royale at AEW Double or Nothing 2021 and then returning in September 2021 when he officially signed with the company.
Lio's time with AEW was short-lived as he became a free agent on February 14. Lio was featured on television, regularly teaming with Dante Martin before making his last appearance in December. In January, Lio said he had a conversation with Tony Khan regarding "racial insensitivity issue" stemming from Khan's response to Big Swole over her saying there was a lack of diversity in AEW.
Speaking on the Generation of Wrestling podcast, Lio was asked if he would work with Tony Khan or AEW in the future.
"I don't think anything is ever closed. Nothing is ever closed, nothing. I feel like I made the best out of the opportunity I was presented while staying true to myself. That's honestly what is most important to me. That's what is most important to me. I can't hop on a plane and go all over the country and not be myself. I can't live this double personality lifestyle. I don't have the energy for it. There are things in my life that mean a little more to me, that are closer to the surface than doing something that I don't feel comfortable with for a paycheck. That's one bag out of a million. I'm not tripping over it. I do think, one day, it'll be inevitable for me to cross paths with Tony again. Look what New Japan is doing with AEW right now. Even with my departure, there was no bad blood. The situation was what it was, and we parted ways. I don't think that door was closed, at least from what I know. I don't know how they feel on the other end, and I'm not worried how they feel on the other end, I'm doing me. When that time comes, it comes. If it doesn't come, it's not meant to be," he said.
Lio has been sidelined since January after suffering an injury at PWG Battle of Los Angeles. He showed up at NJPW Capital Collision but it is unknown when he will return to the ring.
Lio provided an update on his injury and status, which you can read by clicking here.
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