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Lio Rush
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Lionel Gerard Green (born November 11, 1994), better known by the ring name Lio Rush, is an American professional wrestler and rapper. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is one-half of CRU with Action Andretti. He also performs in its sister promotion Ring of Honor (ROH), and makes sporadic appearances for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He has also performed for Major League Wrestling (MLW), and Impact Wrestling, where he was a former Impact X Division Champion and former MLW World Middleweight Champion, as well as for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), where he performed as Aracno.
Key Information
Rush additionally worked for WWE, where he was the youngest NXT Cruiserweight Champion, served as the manager of Bobby Lashley, and was the winner of the 2018 WWE United Kingdom Championship Invitational. He is also known for his time in Ring of Honor (ROH), where he won the 2016 Top Prospect Tournament, and in Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), where he won the CZW World Heavyweight Championship once and the CZW Wired Championship twice.
Early life
[edit]Lionel Gerald Green was born in Lanham, Maryland to two gospel singers. His childhood bedroom sat above his father's recording studio. He remembered wanting to be a professional wrestler since he was five years old. In his youth, Green struggled with mental health, leading to a brief hospital stay during his teens.[8]
Professional wrestling career
[edit]Independent circuit (2014–2017)
[edit]Rush debuted under the ring name "LI Green", but after a negative response to the name from promoters, he changed it to "Lennon Duffy".[3] He learned to wrestle during 2014 with MCW Training Center. He debuted at the 2014 Tribute to the Legends and created a tag team named "Sudden Impact" with Patrick Clark, who would go on to work for WWE as Velveteen Dream.[6] On July 18, he won the Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup XV, defeating Brandon Scott, Drolix, Eddie Edwards, Matt Cross and Shane Strickland in a six-way elimination match.[9] On October 3, he and his teammate Patrick Clark won the MCW Tag Team Championship, defeating The Hell Cats and The Ecktourage.[10] They lost the title thirteen days later to The Ecktourage.[11] He also competed for Evolve Wrestling where he defeated Fred Yehi on November 6.[12] He lost his match against Ethan Page the following day.[13] Lucha Libre Elite announced Rush as a participant in the Elite World Championship. On Thursday June 23, 2016, Rush defeated David Tita in the first day of the Elite World Championship to make the quarter final. On Saturday June 25, 2016, he was defeated by Michael Elgin. On February 18, 2017, Rush made his debut for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla at "Only Kings Understand Each Other", where he was defeated by Ricochet. On May 27, 2017, Rush defeated Ken Broadway at House of Glory's "Adrenaline" to capture the HOG Crown Jewel Championship, ending Broadway's almost year long reign. Rush lost the title to HOG World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Gangone in a title for title match at House of Glory's "Never Trust a Snake" on July 1.
& Lio Rush at another Indy event show by the name of Destiny Wrestling show in Mississauga, ON in 2016.
Combat Zone Wrestling (2014–2017)
[edit]Green, as Lennon Duffy, made his debut for Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) on December 31, 2014, defeating Slugger Clark.[14] He and Clark began to compete together as known as Sudden Impact. On September 12, he changed his name to "Lio Rush" and started a feud with Joey Janela, where he faced him, Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley at Down With the Sickness 2015; the match was won by Janela.[15] At Night of Infamy, on November 21, he wrestled Joey Janela for the CZW Wired Championship on a losing effort.[16] On December 12, during Cage of Death XVII, he won the CZW Wired TV Championship, defeating Janela for the title.[17] He made his first successful defense against Kevin Bennett on January 16.[18] He lost his title against Joey Janela on February 13 at CZW Seventeen.[19] On March 26, 2016, at CZW Proving Ground, Rush defeated Joey Janela, Dave Crist and David Starr to win the CZW Wired Championship. Rush lost the Wired title back to Janela in a Ladder Match at Down with The Sickness on September 10, 2016, After his feud with Janela was over he stepped out of the Wired Championship picture and started a feud with Sami Callihan becoming a heel in the process for the first time in his career and adopted a darker gimmick.[20]
On May 13, 2017, Rush beat Joe Gacy for the CZW World Heavyweight Championship. He lost the belt to Davey Richards at a non-CZW (DEFY Wrestling) show, ending his reign at only 17 days. On July 8, Rush announced that he would be making his final CZW appearance on August 5.[21] Rush defeated Janela at CZW Once in a Lifetime for his last match in CZW and against Janela.[22]
Ring of Honor (2015–2017)
[edit]Six months after his professional wrestling debut, Rush took part in a Ring of Honor (ROH) training camp. He, however, was not signed due to his limited experience.[3] After getting more experience wrestling on the independent circuit, Rush took part in another training camp and, now with the backing of Kevin Kelly, Steve Corino, Adam Cole, Jay Lethal and Kyle O'Reilly, was signed as a participant in the 2016 Top Prospect Tournament.[3] Rush made his debut in ROH on December 19, 2015, beating Vinny Marseglia in a dark match.[23] Rush went on to compete in the 2016 Top Prospect Tournament, defeating Jason Kincaid on January 9,[24][25] going on to defeat Brian Fury on February 6 to win the tournament.[26] On March 31, ROH announced that Rush had signed a contract with the promotion.[27] On Supercard of Honor X Night 1 at April 1, 2016, Rush unsuccessfully challenged Jay Lethal for ROH World Championship. At Survival of the Fittest night one Rush defeated Misterioso Jr., Hangman Page and Sho in a Four corner survival match to be in the Survival of the Fittest tournament final. The Next night Rush was in the Survival of the Fittest match where he was the last to before he was eliminated by Bobby Fish. At Final Battle Rush replaced A. C. H. in the Six-man tag team tournament final to determine the first ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champions where he teamed with Kushida and Jay White and was defeated by The Kingdom (Matt Taven, T. K. O'Ryan and Vinny Marseglia). In March 2017, it was reported that Rush had given his notice to ROH.[28]
WWE (2017–2020)
[edit]NXT and 205 Live (2017–2018)
[edit]On July 9, 2017, it was reported that Rush had been offered a NXT contract and that his signing was imminent.[21] WWE confirmed the signing on August 21.[29][30] Rush made his first televised appearance on the October 4 episode of NXT, where he was attacked by Velveteen Dream (his former tag team partner Patrick Clark). On the October 11 episode of NXT, Rush was defeated by Dream in a match.[31] On October 29, Rush joked on Twitter about Emma following her release from WWE; he received criticism from WWE wrestlers and issued an apology.[32] The tweet resulted in Rush being pulled from all NXT events until November 30.[33][34] He would make one additional appearance on NXT television, losing a squash match to Lars Sullivan. He was then off television again until April 2018.[35]
In June 2018, Rush was moved to WWE's main roster as part of the cruiserweight division, appearing on 205 Live.[36] He also established himself as a heel on 205 Live. Upon his debut, he went on a winning streak, defeating Noam Dar, Akira Tozawa and three jobbers. He suffered his first loss in a 5-way number one contendership match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, that was won by Tony Nese. He suffered his first pinfall loss to Cedric Alexander a few weeks later.[37]

Alliance with Bobby Lashley and hiatus (2018–2019)
[edit]On the September 17 episode of Raw, Rush became the hype man and manager of Bobby Lashley[38] and was responsible for turning Lashley heel when he encouraged him to attack Kevin Owens multiple times after their match on October 8.[39] Rush then would later help Bobby Lashley capture his first Intercontinental Championship in a triple threat match against Seth Rollins and defending champion Dean Ambrose, when Rush distracted Rollins, allowing Lashley to spear Ambrose and pin him for the title.
Following the Royal Rumble, Rush and Lashley began feuding with Finn Bálor. His last match on 205 Live would be a number one contendership fatal four way on February 5, 2019, that was won by Akira Tozowa.[37] Lashley's feud with Balor lead to a 2-on-1 handicap match at Elimination Chamber for Lashley's title, where Rush was ultimately pinned by Bálor, resulting in Lashley losing the Intercontinental Championship. After the match Lashley attacked Rush, leaving him laying in the ring.[40] The next day, Rush and Lashley were defeated by Finn Balor and the debuting Ricochet. The next week, Rush unsuccessfully challenged Balor for the Intercontinental Championship. However, on the March 11 episode of Raw, Rush helped Lashley to regain the Intercontinental Championship from Balor. The following week, Braun Strowman and Balor defeated Lashley and Rush in a tag team match. Near the end of the match, Lashley fled the ring, leaving Rush to be pinned by Strowman.[41] Following that, he did not wrestle for the company and stopped appearing alongside Lashley after WrestleMania 35 in April.[42][43] Following the April 15 Raw, Rush started an imposed sabbatical away from WWE.[8]

Amidst reports in May that Rush has backstage "heat" over issues regarding his attitude, including reports that he was disrespecting veterans, on May 15, Rush removed all mentions of WWE on his social media and replaced it with an email for booking inquiries.[44] The problem has been chalked up to be a possible misunderstanding, due to Rush not adhering by the unwritten rules of the professional wrestling industry.[8] In June, he started posting vignettes on Twitter seemingly promoting a return, while PWInsider reported that he was headed back to NXT.[45]
NXT Cruiserweight Champion (2019–2020)
[edit]Rush made his return to NXT on the September 18 episode as a face and defeated Oney Lorcan to become the No. 1 Contender for Drew Gulak's Cruiserweight Championship.[46] Rush successfully captured the title (which was now renamed to NXT Cruiserweight Championship) on October 9 episode of NXT.[47] On November 8 episode of 205 Live, Rush went toe to toe with Raul Mendoza in a non-title match that received high praise for its athletic competition and hard-hitting combat. At Survivor Series, Rush successfully defended his NXT Cruiserweight Championship in an Interbrand Triple Threat match that featured Akira Tozawa and Kalisto. This is also the first match to give Team NXT their first point of the night against Team Raw and Team SmackDown. On November 27 episode of NXT, Rush retained his NXT Cruiserweight Championship in a gruesome fast-paced battle against Akira Tozawa. On the December 11 episode of NXT, Rush lost his title to Angel Garza, ending his reign at 63 days. On the January 15 episode of NXT, Rush defeated Tyler Breeze and Isaiah "Swerve" Scott in a triple treat match to compete in a No. 1 Contenders Match for the Cruiserweight Championship against then winner of his No. 1 Contenders Match Angel Garza. He later on defeated Garza on the February 12 episode of NXT and went on to face Jordan Devlin for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship on February 19 episode of NXT, in which he failed to capture the Cruiserweight title. [48]
On April 15, 2020, Rush was released from his WWE contract as part of budget cuts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.[49]
Return to the independent circuit (2020–2021)
[edit]After leaving WWE, Rush began to work with many independent promotions, most notably Game Changer Wrestling, where he had several matches.[50][51][52] In November, he signed a contract with the Major League Wrestling promotion. Also in November, he was announced for New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Super J-Cup tournament, which took place on USA. After failing to win the Super J-Cup, he was defeated by El Phantasmo at New Japan's The New Beginning USA.[53] Rush first match with MLW took place at Kings of Colosseum on January 6, 2021, where he defeated Myron Reed to win the World Middleweight Championship. One month later, due to MLW relationship with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, Rush defeated Laredo Kid to win the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship and became a double champion. However this reign was not recognized in Mexico by AAA, with AAA booker Konnan stating that Lio lost the title to Laredo during an untelevised event.[54]
All Elite Wrestling (2021–2022)
[edit]On May 30, 2021, Rush made an appearance for All Elite Wrestling at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view during the Casino Battle Royale match as the "Joker", where he was eliminated by Matt Hardy with help from Private Party. On June 9, Rush announced he had suffered a shoulder injury during the Casino Battle Royale match and that while AEW had offered him a contract, he was choosing to retire from professional wrestling once his injury healed and he had fulfilled his contractual obligations with NJPW.[55] On September 29, Rush— who had decided not to go through with his original plans to retire— officially signed with AEW.[56] He made his AEW Dynamite debut on November 10, 2021 (along with his new tag team partner, Dante Martin) in a winning effort against the team of Matt Sydal and Lee Moriarty.[57] On January 22, 2022, Rush revealed that his AEW contract was set to expire February 14, 2022, and became a free agent on that date.[58]
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2021–2023)
[edit]Lio Rush made his New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) debut at the Super J-Cup. After that, he went on to suffer a few losses from El Phantasmo. After a victory over Rocky Romero, Rush qualified for the New Japan Cup USA 2021 before making headlines once he and Yoh went on to win the Super Junior Tag League the following year and will face the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, TJP and Francesco Akira at Wrestle Kingdom 17.
At Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4, 2023 Rush and Yoh were unsuccessful at winning the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions from Catch 2/2.[59] On March 21, Rush unsuccessfully challenged Hiromu Takahashi for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.[60] On April 27, Rush was announced as an entrant in the Best of the Super Juniors 30 tournament, competing in the A block.[61] Rush finished the tournament with 12 points, narrowly missing out on advancing to the semi-finals, although avenging a loss against Takahashi.[62] In a December 2023 interview with WrestlePurists, Rush revealed that a deal with NJPW had fallen through and he was still a free agent.[63]
Impact Wrestling (2023)
[edit]On March 30, 2023, Rush made his Impact Wrestling debut against Kushida in a one-on-one match at Impact Wrestling Multiverse United of year 2023 in a very impressive matchup but was not successful as he lost via submission.[64] On June 23, Rush returned to Impact Wrestling to team Nick Aldis to defeat The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin for the Summer Sizzler event.[65][66][67] Afterwards on the June 29, 2023 episode of Impact! Lio and Aldis dominated and attacked The Motor City Machine Guns during a segment (This segment was filmed, taped and aired before the tag team match), thus establishing himself as a heel in the process.[68] On June 30, it was announced that Rush will challenge Sabin for the Impact X Division Championship at Slammiversary.[69][70] During this match Rush was victorious and became the Impact X Division Champion for the first time in his career.[71] At Victory Road, Rush defeated Kushida to retain the title. At Impact 1000, Rush lost the title to Chris Sabin, thus marking his final appearance for the company.
Return to AEW / ROH (2024–present)
[edit]On the May 29, 2024 episode of Dynamite, Rush returned to AEW for the first time since 2021, as a participant in the Casino Gauntlet Match to earn an AEW World Championship match at Forbidden Door, which was won by Will Ospreay.[72] On the June 1 episode of AEW Collision, Rush was defeated by Roderick Strong.[73] On the June 15 episode of Collision, Rush approached Dante Martin as a call back to their previous alliance, but would be pushed away by Martin's brother Darius Martin (who form the tag team of Top Flight together) and Action Andretti. Later in the show, Rush appeared to save Top Flight and Andretti from a post-match attack from Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Lee Moriarty and Anthony Ogogo).[74] On June 21, it was reported that Rush would be an AEW regular going forward.[75] On the same day episode of AEW Rampage, Rush defeated Andretti to qualify for the vacant AEW TNT Championship ladder match at Forbidden Door, but failed to win the title at the event.[76] Going forward, Rush remained aligned with Top Flight and Andretti. On the July 20, 2024 tapings of Ring of Honor Wrestling Lio Rush returned to ROH, now the sister promotion of AEW, after 7 years and teamed with ROH World Television Champion Atlantis Jr., in a losing effort against Shane Taylor and Johnny TV .[77] On July 26, 2024 at Death Before Dishonor Lio faced Shane Taylor, Johnny TV, Lee Johnson, Brian Cage and Atlantis Jr. in a Six-Man Survival of the Fittest Elimination Match for the ROH World Television Championship but was unsuccessful as he was eliminated by Lee Johnson.[78] On October 12, Rush officially announced that he was now signed to AEW.[79] On the December 4 episode of Dynamite, Rush and Andretti eliminated Top Flight during the Dynamite Dozen Battle Royale, teasing a split in the alliance.[80] On December 14 at the Winter is Coming special of Collision, Rush and Andretti defeated Top Flight, earning a future AEW World Tag Team Championship opportunity.[81]
On the January 4, 2025 episode of Collision, Rush and Andretti failed to capture the titles from Private Party (Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen).[82] On January 18 at the Maximum Carnage special episode of Collision, Rush and Andretti attacked Top Flight, cementing their heel turn.[83] On the February 22 episode of Collision, Rush and Andretti revealed their team name to be "CRU" as an acronym for "crazy, ruthless, and unhinged".[84][85][86] On April 6 at Dynasty Zero Hour, CRU teamed with Nick Wayne to defeat AR Fox and Top Flight.[87]
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2025)
[edit]On June 17, 2025, CRU made their Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) debut at Martes de Arena Mexico event where they unsuccessfully challenged Los Nuevos Ingobernables (Ángel de Oro and Niebla Roja) for the CMLL World Tag Team Championship.[88]
Music career
[edit]In July 2019, Rush released his debut single as a rapper titled, "Scenic Lullaby".[89] According to Rush, the song is a "first-person account of [his] darkest days and the pain he continues to carry."[8] Rush released his second single, "I Wonder", on August 19.[90] On his 25th birthday, Rush released his debut extended play, 11:11.[91] On May 11, 2020, Rush released his debut studio album, titled Ever After.[92] On July 20, 2020, Rush released his second studio album, The Final Match.[93]
On September 28, 2021, Rush released his second EP, titled Not Found.[94]
Professional wrestling style and persona
[edit]Rush is known for his fast-paced high-flying style. He is nicknamed the "Man of the Hour" and the "Piece of Gold" (also mentioning his age depending on how old he is). During Rush's early days in WWE's main roster, he became a heel manager for Bobby Lashley, a role he was praised for due to his speaking skills.[8] He cited actor and comedian Kevin Hart as his influence to his work as manager.[95]
Other media
[edit]Rush made his video game debut as part of the Rising Stars Pack of downloadable content created for WWE 2K19.[96]
In 2020, Rush was announced as a contestant on the thirty-sixth season of MTV's reality competition series The Challenge and was initially paired with Love Island alumna Gabby Allen. He left the show on his own accord in episode 6, citing mental health reasons and the stress of the house triggering his childhood feelings of living in a group home.[97][98]
Personal life
[edit]Green resides in Los Angeles, California.[99] He has three sons.[8][100] He married Sarah Lai Wah on December 21, 2018 in Las Vegas.[101] Green has numerous tattoos; he stated that one of the tattoos he has on his stomach is a poem that was written by his mother for his late brother Lorenzo, who died at a young age. Green also stated that he did not know about his brother until he was told about him by his mother on his first day of high school.[102]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Ever After | |
| The Final Match |
|
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | EP details |
|---|---|
| 11:11 |
|
| Not Found |
|
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Scenic Lullaby"[89] | 2019 | Non-album single |
| "I Wonder"[90] | Ever After | |
| "Har Gow"[103] (featuring J-Reyez) |
2020 | Non-album singles |
| "On My Own"[104] (featuring Marlon Ponce) | ||
| "Mask Off"[105] (with Marlon Ponce) | ||
| "Heat" (Remix)[106] (featuring Real1) | ||
| "Do You Remember"[107] | ||
| "Candle Lights"[108] (with Lvndie) |
2021 | |
| "Off the Top"[109] | ||
| "Best Thing Out"[110] |
As featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Money Money"[111] (DRETT1 featuring Lio) |
2018 | Non-album singles |
| "Feel the Rush"[112] (Wrestle and Flow featuring Lio) |
2020 | |
| "Shine"[113] (DRETT1 featuring Lio and K001) | ||
| "Stone Cold"[114] (Jay Starrett featuring Joseph Allen, Lio and imSwervy) |
2021 | |
| "Higher"[115] (James Kennedy featuring Lio) |
Music videos
[edit]| Title | Year | Director(s) | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| As lead artist | ||||
| "Scenic Lullaby" | 2019 | David Daudin | [116] | |
| "I Wonder" | [117] | |||
| "The Cypher" (with Briana Brandy and Josiah Williams) |
Unknown | [118] | ||
| "Lost" | 2020 | Xavier the Filmmaker | [119] | |
| "Never Hitting the Ground" | [120] | |||
| "IDEK" | [121] | |||
| "Craved For Blood" | [122] | |||
| "Oh My Freestyle" | [123] | |||
| "Do You Remember" | VisualOPM | [124] | ||
| "Off the Top" | 2021 | YoungOneStudio | [125] | |
| "Best Thing Out" | [126] | |||
| As featured artist | ||||
| "Money Money" (DRETT1 featuring Lio) |
2018 | David Daudin | [127] | |
| "Feel the Rush" (Wrestle and Flow featuring Lio) |
2020 | Xavier the Filmmaker | [128] | |
| "Stone Cold" (Jay Starrett featuring Joseph Allen, Lio and imSwervy) |
2021 | Parker Donaldson | [129] | |
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]
- Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
- Combat Zone Wrestling
- DDT Pro-Wrestling
- House of Glory
- HOG Crown Jewel Championship (1 time)
- Major League Wrestling
- Impact Wrestling
- Maryland Championship Wrestling / MCW Pro Wrestling
- MCW Rage Championship (1 time)[136]
- MCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Patrick Clark[137]
- Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup (2015, 2016)[7]
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling
- Super Jr. Tag League (2022) – with Yoh
- House Of Pain Wrestling Federation
- HoPWF Xcellence Championship (1 time)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Revolution Pro Wrestling
- Ring of Honor
- Top Prospect Tournament (2016)[26]
- Tigers Pro Wrestling
- TPW Proud Championship (1 time)
- WWE
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)[139]
- WWE United Kingdom Championship invitational (2018)[140]
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{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help) Non-loginwalled link at bibliogram.pussthecat.org[permanent dead link] - ^ "PHOTOS: Lio Rush Gets Married In Las Vegas, Meets Former WWE Superstar In Traffic". 24Wrestling. December 22, 2018. Archived from the original on December 23, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
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External links
[edit]- Lio Rush's profile at WWE , Cagematch , Wrestlingdata , Internet Wrestling Database
- Lionel Green at IMDb
- Lionel Green on Twitter
Lio Rush
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Childhood and upbringing
Lionel Gerard Green, better known by his ring name Lio Rush, was born on November 11, 1994, in Lanham, Maryland. Raised primarily in the Washington, D.C., area, Green grew up in a close-knit, musically inclined family that shaped his early worldview and creative inclinations. His parents, Lionel and Leslie Green, were both accomplished gospel singers who performed regularly at churches, festivals, and even on cruise ships, instilling in him an appreciation for live performance and entrepreneurship from a young age.[14][15] Green's household was vibrant with artistic energy, as his sisters were also involved in music, creating an environment where singing, dancing, and performing were everyday activities. He often traveled across the country with his family to attend their shows, exposing him to diverse cultural experiences and fostering a sense of discipline and adaptability. This gospel-rooted upbringing, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit of his parents, provided a foundation of resilience amid the challenges of an urban East Coast setting. Green had a brother, Lorenzo Green, who died at a young age. Rush learned about him on his first day of high school through a poem written by his mother, which he later had tattooed on his stomach.[15][16] During his school years, Green attended Bishop McNamara High School for his freshman year before transferring to DuVal High School, where he excelled in amateur wrestling, earning All-American honors over five years of competition. These athletic pursuits, alongside his immersion in music, helped build his competitive drive and physical confidence. The socio-cultural context of growing up in the greater Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, with its rich history of African-American artistic expression and community grit, further fueled his determination to pursue passions that demanded perseverance and self-expression.[17][18]Training and early influences
Rush developed a passion for professional wrestling at a young age, watching WWE programming regularly during his childhood in Lanham, Maryland, near Baltimore, which fueled his interest despite growing up in an environment where pursuing such a career was uncommon. By middle school, he was an avid viewer of Raw and SmackDown, idolizing performers like Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, and Shelton Benjamin for their athleticism and in-ring prowess. These early influences steered him toward wrestling over other sports he played, such as football, basketball, and baseball, though he always viewed WWE as his primary inspiration.[17][19] Transitioning from fandom to participation, Rush began amateur wrestling in high school, where his exposure to WWE motivated him to compete seriously. Starting as a freshman at 112 pounds, he quickly excelled, earning All-American honors by his junior year through dedication and natural athletic ability honed in team sports. This amateur background provided his initial structured exposure to the sport, building foundational skills in grappling and conditioning before he considered a professional path.[19] Upon graduating high school in spring 2013, Rush, then 18 years old, immediately sought professional training at the Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW) training center, which had recently reopened; he was among its first students, training alongside future wrestler Patrick Clark. Under the guidance of experienced trainers including Corey Graves and Drew Gulak, who emphasized technical proficiency and performance, Rush rapidly progressed in learning the intricacies of professional wrestling. Additional instruction from MCW's Dan McDevitt helped lay the groundwork for his career, focusing on ring psychology and safety in high-impact maneuvers.[19][20]Professional wrestling career
Independent circuit and early promotions (2014–2017)
Lionel Gerard Green, better known by his ring name Lio Rush, began his professional wrestling career after training at the Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW) Training Center starting in 2013.[19] At the age of 19, he made his in-ring debut on October 4, 2014, at MCW's Tribute to the Legends event in Joppa, Maryland, wrestling under the name Li Green and defeating Kai Katana in a singles match.[21] This debut marked the start of his work on the Northeast independent circuit, where he frequently performed for small audiences ranging from 2 to 100 fans across various promotions.[19] Early in his career, Green experimented with ring names due to promoter preferences; after initial negative feedback on "Li Green," he adopted "Lennon Duffy" before settling on "Lio Rush" in mid-2015, a moniker that better reflected his energetic persona.[17] In MCW, he formed the tag team Sudden Impact with fellow trainee Patrick Clark, focusing on fast-paced, cooperative maneuvers that highlighted their athletic synergy.[19] The duo captured the MCW Tag Team Championship on October 3, 2015, defeating The Hell Cats (Jimmy Starz and Sexy Steve) and The Ecktourage (Dirty Money and Eric Chapel) in a three-way match at Tribute to the Legends, holding the titles for 13 days.[22] This run involved storylines centered on defending their youth and speed against more established veteran teams, allowing Rush to refine his character as an up-and-coming agile competitor.[19] Rush expanded to other Northeast independents, including Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW) and appearances in multi-promotion events, where he engaged in short-term rivalries emphasizing his strike-heavy, high-flying style against power-based opponents.[23] His work in EVOLVE Wrestling from late 2015 onward further solidified his reputation; for instance, on May 7, 2016, at EVOLVE 60, he defeated Caleb Konley with a series of aerial dives and precise counters, demonstrating total control in high-risk sequences.[24] A follow-up loss to Matt Riddle at EVOLVE 61 on May 11, 2016, showcased Rush's resilience as a high flyer, trading rapid strikes and flips in a match praised for its potential to elevate his profile.[25] These bouts, often against technically proficient foes like Fred Yehi (whom he beat on November 6, 2015) and Ethan Page (to whom he lost the next day), built Rush's image as a dynamic, must-watch talent on the indie scene.[23]Combat Zone Wrestling (2014–2017)
Rush debuted in Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) in late 2014 as part of the promotion's Dojo Wars training program, quickly establishing himself through high-energy performances in undercard matches.[26] His rapid ascent continued into 2015, where he began competing on major events and building momentum in the promotion's hardcore style, blending athleticism with resilience in grueling bouts.[26] A pivotal moment came at Cage of Death 17 on December 12, 2015, when Rush defeated champion Joey Janela to win the CZW Wired Championship in a high-stakes singles match, marking his first title in the promotion and igniting a heated rivalry with the veteran brawler.[27] He lost the title back to Janela on February 13, 2016, at CZW Seventeen in a two-out-of-three-falls contest, but reclaimed it on March 26, 2016, at Proving Grounds by defeating Janela, Dave Crist, and David Starr in a four-way elimination match.[27] The ongoing feud with Janela produced several signature encounters, including a brutal ladder match on September 10, 2016, at Down with the Sickness, where Janela recaptured the Wired Championship after a series of high-risk spots that highlighted Rush's aerial prowess and Janela's aggressive offense.[28] Rush's trajectory peaked in 2017 when he captured the CZW World Heavyweight Championship on May 13 at Sacrifices, defeating champion Joe Gacy in the main event to become the youngest titleholder in CZW history at age 22.[29][26] His reign lasted only 13 days, ending on May 26 when Davey Richards defeated him for the belt at a DEFY Wrestling event in Seattle, but the short run solidified his status as a top prospect amid the promotion's ultraviolent environment.[26] Rush's final CZW appearance came on August 12 at Once in a Lifetime, where he defeated long-time rival Joey Janela in a non-title match that served as his farewell, paving the way for opportunities in larger promotions.[26]Ring of Honor (2015–2017)
Rush's performances on the independent circuit, particularly in Combat Zone Wrestling, caught the attention of Ring of Honor officials, leading to his invitation to an ROH training camp just six months after his professional debut in October 2014.[30] Although initially not signed due to his limited experience, Rush impressed enough to earn a contract announcement on March 31, 2016.[23] He made his in-ring debut for ROH in a dark match on December 19, 2015, defeating Vinny Marseglia.[31] Rush quickly established himself as a rising talent by entering the 2016 Top Prospect Tournament, where he advanced by upsetting Punishment Martinez in the semifinals before defeating Brian Fury in the finals on February 6, 2016, to win the tournament.[32] The victory earned him an immediate opportunity at the ROH World Championship against champion Jay Lethal at Supercard of Honor X on April 1, 2016, though he fell short in a competitive main event match.[33] Throughout 2016, Rush competed in a variety of high-profile bouts, showcasing his high-flying athleticism and agility against established stars. Notable encounters included a singles loss to Dalton Castle at Reach for the Sky on June 24, 2016, and a fatal four-way match at Death Before Dishonor XIV on August 19, 2016, involving Kamaitachi, Jay White, and Donovan Dijak.[30] He also ventured into tag team competition, partnering with Jay White and KUSHIDA in the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship tournament; the trio reached the final at Final Battle on December 2, 2016, after Rush replaced the injured ACH, but lost to The Kingdom (Matt Taven, TK O'Ryan, and Vinny Marseglia).[34] Rush continued appearing on ROH programming into early 2017, including a tag team loss to The Young Bucks alongside Jay White at Manhattan Mayhem on March 4, 2017.[35] In March 2017, amid reports of his contract nearing expiration, Rush gave notice to ROH that he would not re-sign, paving the way for his transition to WWE later that year.[36]WWE (2017–2020)
In August 2017, Lio Rush signed a developmental contract with WWE and reported to the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, following his rising profile in Ring of Honor where he had competed as a high-flying cruiserweight talent.[1][37] At just 22 years old, Rush transitioned into WWE's NXT brand, debuting in untelevised matches while honing his skills in the cruiserweight division.[38] Rush quickly established himself as a heel on 205 Live in mid-2018, leveraging his agile in-ring style and boastful persona to draw boos from audiences, often emphasizing his speed and cockiness in promos.[39] His mic work became a standout element, with daily social media vignettes showcasing his energetic, hype-man delivery that caught the attention of WWE creative, including Vince McMahon.[40] In September 2018, Rush debuted on the main roster as the manager for Bobby Lashley on Raw, serving as his mouthpiece and amplifying Lashley's dominant presence during feuds, including Lashley's Intercontinental Championship reign; this alliance lasted until early 2019 when their partnership dissolved amid storyline tensions.[40][39] Returning to NXT full-time in 2019 after a period away from the ring due to personal matters, Rush captured the NXT Cruiserweight Championship on October 9 by defeating Drew Gulak, becoming the youngest champion in the title's history at age 24; he defended the belt successfully against challengers like Akira Tozawa and Kalisto before losing it to Angel Garza on December 11.[41][42] His tenure highlighted his versatility as both an in-ring performer and character-driven heel, blending acrobatic offense with sharp verbal flair. On April 15, 2020, WWE released Rush as part of widespread budget cuts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which included reductions in talent expenses to save approximately $4 million monthly and improve cash flow by $140 million; the company cited financial uncertainty despite its strong pre-pandemic resources.[43][44]Post-WWE independent circuit (2020–2021)
Following his release from WWE on April 15, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Lio Rush pivoted to independent wrestling while prioritizing his music career.[23] Just weeks later, on May 11, 2020, he independently released his debut studio album, Ever After, a 14-track project that marked his first major musical endeavor post-WWE and allowed him to maintain creative control during a period of limited live wrestling opportunities.[45] Rush balanced promotion of the album with selective bookings, using virtual appearances and social media to connect with fans while awaiting safer in-ring returns.[46] Rush's first post-WWE in-ring appearance came on July 25, 2020, at Game Changer Wrestling's (GCW) Homecoming Night 1 pay-per-view, where he made a surprise entrance to attack Joey Janela, signaling his intent to reclaim momentum on the indies.[47] The following night, at Homecoming Night 2 on July 26, 2020, Rush wrestled his first official match since leaving WWE, facing Janela in a hard-fought bout that Janela won via pinfall after 14 minutes of high-speed action.[48] This GCW return, held under strict pandemic protocols in Orlando, Florida, highlighted Rush's agile style and mic skills, drawing praise for revitalizing his "Man of the Hour" persona amid industry shutdowns.[49] Throughout late 2020, Rush built momentum with sporadic independent dates, including a November 3 victory over Fidel Bravo on UWN Primetime Live #8, a NWA-affiliated event streamed from Las Vegas, where he secured the win with his signature frog splash in under 10 minutes.[50] On November 8, he returned to GCW, losing to rising star Blake Christian in a 12-minute showcase that emphasized his cruiserweight athleticism despite the defeat.[23] These appearances, limited by ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, allowed Rush to test his recovery from WWE's structured environment while integrating music tours, such as virtual performances tied to Ever After's promotion.[51] In 2021, Rush expanded his indie footprint with a November 2020 signing to Major League Wrestling (MLW), debuting on January 6 at Kings of Colosseum by defeating Myron Reed to capture the MLW World Middleweight Championship in a 15-minute upset victory.[23] He defended the title successfully multiple times before losing it to Reed on May 5 at an MLW event in Tampa, Florida.[52] Concurrently, on February 10, 2021, during an episode of MLW Fusion, Rush challenged Laredo Kid for the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship in a title-vs.-title match, pinning Kid after a competitive 18-minute clash to unify the belts and become a dual champion.[6] This interpromotional win elevated his status, blending MLW's fusion style with AAA's lucha influences. Rush continued GCW bookings into 2021, defeating Blake Christian in a best-of-three-falls match on January 29 at Windy City (3-0 scoreline) and facing Lee Moriarty on April 8 at For The Culture 2 in a 20-minute technical showcase that underscored his versatility.[53] These runs, alongside title pursuits in MLW and AAA, positioned Rush as a top free agent, culminating in heightened interest from major promotions by mid-2021.[11]All Elite Wrestling (2021–2022)
Rush debuted for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view on May 30, 2021, entering as the surprise "Joker" participant in the Casino Battle Royale match, where he showcased his high-flying athleticism before being eliminated.[54] Following his post-WWE independent circuit momentum, which included standout performances that caught AEW's attention, Rush signed a full-time contract with the promotion in late 2021. His television debut occurred on the November 10, 2021, episode of Dynamite, partnering with young high-flyer Dante Martin in a tag team match against Lee Moriarty and Matt Sydal, emphasizing his role as a dynamic aerial specialist in AEW's roster.[55] In AEW, Rush positioned himself as a mentor and tag team partner to Martin, forming an alliance dubbed "Highest Flight" that highlighted their shared emphasis on acrobatic maneuvers and speed. This partnership fueled a prominent storyline feud with Team Taz, particularly targeting Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs, culminating in confrontations on Dynamite and Rampage where Rush and Martin displayed innovative high-flying sequences, such as tandem dives and springboard attacks. Rush also contributed significantly to AEW's developmental programming, competing on AEW Dark and AEW Dark: Elevation in matches that elevated undercard talent; for instance, he secured victories over opponents like Rayo and JDX (alongside Martin), using his signature "Rush Hour" frog splash to underscore his technical prowess and charisma. These appearances helped build his profile as a versatile performer capable of carrying elevation-style bouts with fast-paced, crowd-engaging action.[55][56][57] Rush's momentum was interrupted in early 2022 by a separated shoulder injury sustained during a match, leading to a hiatus that sidelined him from television and limited his in-ring activity. The injury, combined with reported miscommunications within the company, contributed to his reduced role, as he was absent from key storylines and replaced in ongoing segments involving Martin and Team Taz. On January 22, 2022, Rush announced that his AEW contract would expire on February 14, 2022, opting not to renew in pursuit of broader opportunities on the independent scene and internationally. Despite the abbreviated run, Rush expressed gratitude for his time in AEW, crediting it with reigniting his passion post-WWE while allowing creative freedom in his high-flyer persona.[58][59][60]New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2021–present)
Lio Rush made his New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) debut on December 12, 2021, at the Super J-Cup tournament in Tokyo, where he competed in a first-round battle royal but was eliminated early by El Phantasmo. Following this, Rush began appearing regularly on NJPW's American-based programming, NJPW STRONG, starting with a singles victory over Clark Connors on January 29, 2022, as part of the Lion's Break Contender Series. These early outings showcased Rush's high-flying athleticism against NJPW's junior heavyweight division, establishing him as a dynamic international talent amid NJPW's expansion into the U.S. market. In late 2022, Rush aligned himself with the CHAOS stable, officially joining on November 23 during his first tour in Japan at the Historic X-Over event, where he teamed with CHAOS members Tomohiro Ishii, Yoshi-Hashi, and YOH in an eight-man tag match.[61] This affiliation integrated him into NJPW's faction warfare, emphasizing teamwork and technical prowess. Teaming specifically with YOH, Rush entered the 2022 Super Jr. Tag League tournament, where the duo achieved a strong 7-2 record, culminating in a finals victory over Bullet Club's Ace Austin and Chris Bey on December 14, earning them a shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 17.[62] Although they fell short in the title match against defending champions Francesco Akira and TJP on January 4, 2023, the run highlighted Rush's adaptability to NJPW's tag team emphasis and his synergy with veteran partners. Rush's momentum carried into 2023, where he competed in the Best of the Super Juniors 30 tournament from May 12 to June 3, representing Block A and finishing with a 6-3 record, including a standout upset victory over IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi on May 14.[63] This performance earned him a title opportunity against Takahashi on March 21 at the New Japan Cup finals in Nagaoka, though he lost via submission in a hard-fought bout that underscored his resilience against NJPW's top juniors. Later that year, Rush pursued further tag team success with YOH, challenging for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship multiple times, but illnesses sidelined him during key events like Destruction in Ryogoku in September, where YOH substituted in a title match.[64] Rush continued his NJPW commitments into 2024 with appearances on the NJPW STRONG brand, including a loss to Mustafa Ali at Resurgence on May 11 and a failed bid for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship against Gabe Kidd at Capital Collision on July 27. By November 2024, he returned to Japan for Fighting Spirit Unleashed on November 8, defeating Mustafa Ali in a singles match that reignited his presence in the junior division.[65] As of 2025, Rush maintains sporadic involvement with NJPW through international tours and co-promoted events, such as his participation in the CMLL International Grand Prix on August 29, blending his NJPW ties with Mexico's lucha libre scene to pursue cross-promotional opportunities.[66][67]Impact Wrestling (2023)
Rush made his Impact Wrestling debut on March 30, 2023, at the Multiverse United pay-per-view event, facing KUSHIDA in a singles match that showcased his high-flying athleticism against the technical prowess of the veteran competitor.[68] His performance highlighted his role as a dynamic addition to the X-Division, emphasizing speed and agility that aligned with the division's emphasis on innovative wrestling styles. This appearance drew on his recent New Japan Pro-Wrestling experience to enhance his appeal as an international talent capable of elevating multi-man and high-stakes bouts.[69] On June 29, 2023, Rush transitioned to Impact's weekly television programming with a dominant victory over Jack Price, followed by an alliance with Nick Aldis that led to interference in a main event tag match, securing him an immediate opportunity at the X-Division Championship.[70] At Slammiversary on July 15, Rush capitalized on this momentum by defeating champion Chris Sabin in a quick, aggressive match to capture the X-Division title, marking his first championship reign in the promotion and injecting a fresh, cocky persona into the division's landscape.[71] As champion, Rush contributed creatively by blending his musical flair into promos and entrances, positioning himself as "The Bad Child" who disrupted the established order with rapid strikes and aerial assaults.[72] Throughout July and August, Rush aligned with the heel faction led by Bully Ray, including Moose and Brian Myers, engaging in a heated feud against Josh Alexander and the Time Machine stable (KUSHIDA, Alex Shelley, and Chris Sabin), which built tension through backstage confrontations and multi-person brawls.[73] This rivalry peaked at the Emergence event on August 12, where Rush's team won an eight-man tag team match by pinfall, solidifying his status as a key antagonist in the promotion's upper midcard storylines. On September 14, during Impact's milestone 1000th episode, Rush defended the X-Division Championship against Sabin in a rematch but lost via pinfall after 16 minutes of back-and-forth action, relinquishing the title in a bout that underscored his resilience despite the defeat.[74] Rush's tenure in Impact concluded shortly after the title loss, as he shifted focus to other professional commitments following a brief but impactful run that revitalized elements of the X-Division through his versatile performances and faction involvement.[75]Return to AEW and ROH (2024–present)
Following a stint in Impact Wrestling in 2023, Lio Rush returned to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on the May 29, 2024, episode of Dynamite, entering the #1 contender's Casino Gauntlet match for the AEW World Championship as a surprise participant.[76] Rush was eliminated but received a positive reception, leading to his re-signing with the promotion; he confirmed in October 2024 that he was once again "All Elite" and positioned as a regular performer.[77] This marked a renewed push for Rush, who had previously been with AEW from 2021 to 2022, transitioning from singles competition to a more prominent tag team role while appearing on Dynamite, Collision, and Rampage.[78] Rush extended his comeback to AEW's sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH), at the Death Before Dishonor event on July 26, 2024, where he competed in the Survival of the Fittest elimination match for the ROH World Television Championship alongside competitors including champion Atlantis Jr., Shane Taylor, Lee Johnson, and Brian Cage.[79] Although unsuccessful in capturing the title, Rush followed with victories on ROH television, defeating Blake Christian on August 15, 2024, and Rocky Romero—his former mentor—on September 12, 2024, showcasing his high-flying style and technical prowess.[80][81] He also bested Tony Nese on August 22, 2024, solidifying his presence on ROH programming.[82] In late 2024, Rush formed the tag team CRU (Crazy, Ruthless, Unhinged) with Action Andretti, debuting on AEW and ROH shows with a focus on the tag division; the duo quickly earned opportunities, including a number one contender's spot for the AEW World Tag Team Championship by December 2024.[83][84] CRU challenged Private Party for the AEW tag titles on the January 4, 2025, episode of Collision but lost via pinfall.[85] The team continued their momentum in 2025, confronting ROH World Tag Team Champions Sons of Texas on the May 15 episode of ROH on HonorClub to signal a title pursuit.[86] They represented AEW in cross-promotional bouts, unsuccessfully challenging for the CMLL World Tag Team Championship against Los Hermanos Chavez (Ángel de Oro and Niebla Roja) on June 17, 2025, at a CMLL vs. AEW/ROH event.[87] CRU participated in the $200,000 Tag Team Match on the July 19, 2025, episode of Collision, competing against teams including Gates of Agony, The Gunns, and Big Bill & Bryan Keith in a multi-team showcase.[88] On the Zero Hour pre-show of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on August 24, 2025, CRU teamed with Josh Alexander and Hechicero in an 8-man tag team match, losing to El Desperado, Paragon (Roderick Strong and Kyle O'Reilly), and Yuya Uemura.[89][90] As of November 2025, Rush remains an active member of the AEW roster, continuing to compete in both AEW and ROH as part of CRU without any reported injuries, emphasizing tag team dynamics and occasional singles revivals.[77]International tours and independents (2025)
In 2025, Lio Rush expanded his freelance schedule with appearances in Mexico's Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), participating in the Fantastica Mania Mexico event on June 20, where he teamed with Action Andretti, Rocky Romero, and Robbie X in a losing effort against Difunto, Magnus, Rugido, and Zandokan Jr. in an 8-man tag team Relevos Australianos match at Arena México.[91] During the same tour, Rush encountered pop singer Kalimba in a lighthearted "Spider-Man pointing" moment that highlighted their physical resemblance, adding a memorable pop culture crossover to the event.[92] Rush returned to CMLL for the International Grand Prix on August 29, representing Team International alongside Mike Bailey, Rocky Romero, Taiji Ishimori, The Beast Mortos, Action Andretti, Michael Oku, TJP, Robbie X, and Donovan Dijak in a losing match against Team Mexico at Arena México.[67] His CMLL involvement culminated in a high-profile singles match against Máscara Dorada on October 18 at RevPro x CMLL Fantastica Mania UK 2025 in Wolverhampton, England, where Dorada emerged victorious after 15 minutes and 29 seconds in a showcase of aerial athleticism.[93] These outings were facilitated in part by Rush's ongoing alliances with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, which helped secure cross-promotional bookings.[94] Shifting focus to Europe, Rush embarked on a series of independent tours, beginning with a title challenge in the United Kingdom. On October 26 at PROGRESS Chapter 185: Jump in the Line in London, he unsuccessfully challenged Man Like DeReiss for the PROGRESS Men's World Championship in their rematch from 2022, delivering a competitive bout that emphasized Rush's speed against DeReiss's technical prowess.[13] This appearance marked Rush's return to the promotion after three years, drawing strong fan interest amid his rising profile.[95] Rush's European momentum continued with events across the UK and beyond. Later that month, on November 22, Rush is scheduled to headline Romanian Pro Wrestling's WrestleFest 5: Desiring Progress in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, in a trilogy-capping PROGRESS World Championship rematch against Man Like DeReiss, transporting the title feud to an international audience for the first time.[96] Additional UK stops included a scheduled debut for Attack! Pro Wrestling on December 12 at Under the Mistletour in Cardiff, Wales, where he will face rising star Leon Cage in a speed-focused opener.[97] Throughout these freelance commitments, Rush balanced his international schedule with his primary obligations to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he remains signed as part of the tag team CRU with Action Andretti, ensuring his indie appearances complemented rather than conflicted with AEW's weekly programming and pay-per-view events.[98] This selective approach allowed him to maintain momentum in AEW while exploring diverse global opportunities, solidifying his reputation as a versatile high-flyer on the independent scene.[99]Music career
Beginnings in music
Rush, born Lionel Gerard Green in Lanham, Maryland, grew up in a musical household as the son of two gospel singers, with his childhood bedroom situated directly above his father's recording studio where sessions frequently occurred. This environment provided early exposure to music production and performance, fostering a foundational appreciation for the art form.[100] During his teenage years, Rush developed a strong interest in hip-hop, influenced by the vibrant Baltimore and broader DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) hip-hop scene, though his pursuits were initially sidelined by commitments to sports and athletics. He has cited artists like Mos Def, Common, Eminem, and Wale—prominent figures in conscious and regional rap—as major inspirations shaping his lyrical approach.[101] As Rush transitioned into professional wrestling on the independent circuit around 2014, his passion for rap began to intersect with his in-ring persona, particularly through charismatic mic work and hype segments in promotions like Combat Zone Wrestling and Ring of Honor.Solo career and major releases
Rush's solo music career gained momentum in 2019 with the release of his debut single, "Scenic Lullaby," a hip-hop track that served as a personal reflection on his experiences.[100] Released on July 24, 2019, while he was still performing in WWE, the song highlighted his emerging artistry amid his wrestling commitments.[102] Following his departure from WWE in April 2020, Rush focused more intensely on music, releasing his debut studio album, Ever After, on May 11, 2020. The 14-track project, independently produced, explored themes of resilience and personal growth, marking a significant pivot as he navigated post-WWE life.[103] This release was followed by additional projects, including the album The Final Match later that year, solidifying his transition to a full-time creative pursuit alongside wrestling.[104] In recent years, Rush has continued to build his catalog with targeted releases that intersect his dual careers. The single "I'll Be Me," dropped on July 7, 2023, became a staple as his entrance theme in promotions like Impact Wrestling and NJPW, blending his musical identity with in-ring persona.[105] Later that year, he released the 11-track album No Time To Heal on November 11, 2023, which shared his story of recent health struggles.[106] This momentum carried into 2024 with the Blackheart EP, a four-song collection released on April 19, which featured darker, introspective tracks and was promoted alongside his wrestling return to AEW and ROH.[107] In 2025, Rush issued the five-track EP Feel Like A Giant on May 9, further showcasing his evolving artistry.[108] Rush has balanced these endeavors by incorporating live music performances into independent tours and wrestling events, such as delivering acoustic sets and using his tracks for high-energy entrances to maintain synergy between his artistic and athletic pursuits.[109]Wrestling persona and style
In-ring style
Lio Rush employs a high-flying cruiserweight style characterized by exceptional speed, agility, and a blend of technical strikes with aerial maneuvers, allowing him to outpace larger opponents through quick transitions and innovative offense.[19] This approach positions him as a dynamic performer in the lightweight division, where his lightning-fast pace enables high-risk dives and fluid chain wrestling sequences that highlight his athleticism.[110] Among his signature moves, Rush frequently utilizes the Final Hour, a frog splash variation executed with a split-legged twist for added flair and impact, often serving as a setup for submissions or follow-up strikes.[111] He also employs the Come Up, a springboard cutter that capitalizes on his elevation skills to target the opponent's neck and shoulders mid-sequence.[112] Additional staples in his arsenal include the Asai moonsault for outside-the-ring offense and multiple kick variations, such as the shotgun dropkick, which underscore his emphasis on precision and momentum.[110] Rush's in-ring style originated in the hardcore independent circuit, where he honed his skills in promotions like Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), incorporating elements of brawling and resilience amid chaotic environments.[19] Over time, this evolved into a more refined, high-impact execution during his tenures in WWE and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he adapted his aerial toolkit to structured storytelling and international junior heavyweight formats, reducing reliance on extreme spots in favor of athletic precision.[19] His influences include ECW legend Sabu, whose high-risk style contributed to Rush's early development, alongside foundational training from local Baltimore-area talents at the Maryland Championship Wrestling academy.[14]Character development and gimmicks
Lio Rush established his early WWE persona as "The Man of the Hour," an arrogant heel characterized by cocky promos and a self-assured superiority complex that positioned him as the future of the cruiserweight division on 205 Live.[113] This gimmick emphasized his quick wit and charisma, often manifesting in taunting opponents with boasts of his inevitability in the industry.[114] In September 2018, Rush transitioned to the Raw brand as the hype man and manager for Bobby Lashley, a role that amplified his microphone prowess and incorporated rapping into his character work.[40] He frequently grabbed a live microphone during Lashley's matches to deliver improvised raps and insults, enhancing the heel dynamic while showcasing his verbal agility and turning Lashley into a more menacing figure.[115] This managerial stint solidified Rush's reputation as a multi-faceted performer whose promo style blended hip-hop flair with wrestling bravado. Upon signing with All Elite Wrestling in 2021, Rush underwent a face turn, evolving into a more relatable babyface who relied on his athleticism and positive energy to connect with audiences, particularly in tag team scenarios.[116] Although an initial gimmick in AEW felt imposed and mismatched to his preferences, he adapted by emphasizing teamwork and resilience, as seen in his partnership with Action Andretti in the stable CRU.[117] In Ring of Honor, this heroic alignment continued, with Rush portraying an underdog challenger vibe in pursuits of the ROH World Television Championship. As of 2025, in AEW and freelance appearances, he has incorporated elements of a "Blackheart" persona, blending darker charisma with his signature hip-hop integrations.[118] Rush's gimmicks consistently tie into his music career, featuring self-produced entrance themes and on-the-fly raps that hype his arrivals and punctuate key moments in matches.[119] Internationally, particularly in New Japan Pro-Wrestling from 2021 to 2024, he adapted "The Man of the Hour" to "Toki no Hito," retaining the arrogant yet flashy elements while incorporating cultural nuances for junior heavyweight bouts.[120] [110] This musical integration adds a unique layer to his personas across promotions, blending entertainment with in-ring storytelling.Other media and personal life
Media appearances
Lio Rush has made several appearances in professional wrestling video games. He was featured as a playable character in WWE 2K19 as part of the Rising Stars Pack downloadable content, where players could utilize his in-ring moveset including signature high-flying maneuvers.[121] Although initially announced for WWE 2K20, Rush was ultimately omitted from the final roster despite his active WWE status at the time.[122] In television, Rush participated in the 2020 season of MTV's reality competition series The Challenge: Double Agents, where he competed as a contestant and was paired with fellow competitor Gabby Allen before exiting the show early.[123] This appearance marked a notable crossover from his WWE career into mainstream reality programming. Rush has been a frequent guest on various wrestling and entertainment podcasts. Notable spots include discussions on his AEW return and matches with talents like PAC and Bryan Danielson on the AEW Unrestricted podcast in October 2024, as well as insights into his WWE tenure and managerial roles on Unscripted with Lio Rush in January 2024 and The Angle Podcast in 2023.[124][125][126] He also shared experiences from The Challenge and his WWE release on the Challenge/Real World Podcasts in January 2021.[127] For music video crossovers outside his primary discography, Rush collaborated on the remix of "Best Thing Out" with WrestleANdFlow in 2022, blending his wrestling persona with hip-hop visuals in a promotional clip that highlighted indie wrestling ties.[128] In 2025, Rush announced and released a new YouTube mini-documentary series, beginning with the episode "The One" on November 5, which detailed the challenging 11 months following a personal health scare and his career resurgence.[129][130] The series focuses on his journey in wrestling and music, with subsequent episodes planned to explore broader themes of perseverance.[131]Personal life
Rush has been married to entrepreneur Sarah Lai Wah Green since December 21, 2018.[132][133] Lio has three sons total: two from a previous relationship and one with his wife, Milo Green, born on February 21, 2021.[134][16] Born Lionel Gerard Green in Lanham, Maryland, on November 11, 1994, Rush currently resides in Los Angeles, California.[112] His profession as a professional wrestler necessitates frequent travel, which he has noted influences his family commitments.[135] In January 2022, Rush sustained a shoulder injury during a match against Buddy Matthews at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla's Battle of Los Angeles event, resulting in a hiatus from in-ring competition due to multiple injuries.[136][137] He returned to action in October 2022 following recovery.[138]Championships and accomplishments
Combat Zone Wrestling
- CZW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[31]
- CZW Wired TV Championship (2 times)
House of Glory
- HOG Crown Jewel Championship (1 time)[139]
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
- AAA World Cruiserweight Championship (1 time, unrecognized)
Major League Wrestling
- MLW World Middleweight Championship (1 time)[140]
Maryland Championship Wrestling
- MCW Rage Championship (1 time)[141]
- MCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Pat Buck[31]
- Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup (2015)
Total Pro Wrestling
- TPW Proud Championship (1 time)[142]
WWE
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)[143]
Impact Wrestling / TNA
- TNA X Division Championship (1 time)
DDT Pro-Wrestling
Tournaments
Discography
Studio albums
Lio Rush released his debut studio album, Ever After, on May 11, 2020, shortly after his departure from WWE. The 14-track project reflects on his personal growth and experiences in professional wrestling, blending hip-hop with introspective lyrics about perseverance and relationships.[144][45] Produced independently, the album features collaborations including his wife Sarah Lai Wah on the title track, marking Rush's transition from wrestling to a fuller focus on music amid career uncertainties.[145] Rush followed with his second studio album, The Final Match, on July 20, 2020, conceptualizing it as a narrative "shoot interview" in musical form. This 10-track release chronicles his wrestling journey from entry to potential conclusion, with songs structured like a match buildup—from backstage preparations ("Gorilla") to climactic reflections—emphasizing themes of control, storytelling, and closure in his athletic persona.[104][146] Independent production highlights Rush's desire to author his own career narrative post-WWE, tying directly to his in-ring rise and evolving identity.[147] On November 11, 2023, Rush released his third studio album, No Time To Heal, an 11-track project produced independently under Lio Rush Music. The album explores themes of resilience, personal illness, and recovery, serving as a musical narrative of his life challenges during that period.[106][148] No additional studio albums have been released by Rush as of November 2025.Extended plays
Lio Rush's extended plays represent concise artistic statements that often intersect with his professional wrestling identity, exploring personal struggles, resilience, and triumph through hip-hop production. His debut EP, Not Found, released on September 28, 2021, consists of five tracks spanning 12 minutes and delves into themes of self-discovery and introspection amid uncertainty. Produced under Lio Rush Music and Beat Gang Worldwide, the project features raw lyricism reflecting Rush's navigation of identity in both music and wrestling worlds.[149] The follow-up, Not Found 2, arrived on June 24, 2022, via Thump Records and Universal Music Group, expanding to six tracks over 17 minutes, including the hit single "Hard to Explain." This EP builds on its predecessor by addressing mental health challenges, experiences with racism, and the evolution of Black representation in professional wrestling, with production emphasizing atmospheric beats and extended versions like "Flight 1560 (Extended)." Collaborations and promotional interviews highlighted its role in Rush's artistic growth post-WWE. Reception praised its vulnerability, with outlets noting its impact on blending personal narrative with hip-hop authenticity.[150][151][152] In 2024, Rush released Blackheart on April 19, embodying his darker "Blackheart" wrestling persona through four tracks totaling 10 minutes. The EP, self-produced under Lio Rush Music, features a collaboration with Kid Reed on "Loud" and reimagines prior work in "I'll Be Me (Dark Version)," centering themes of resilience amid adversity and inner turmoil. Tracks like "Scary Times" and "Too Many" convey emotional intensity, tying directly to Rush's in-ring evolution. A music video for "Too Many" extended its reach into visual storytelling.[107][153] Rush's most recent EP, Feel Like a Giant, dropped on May 9, 2025, with five tracks clocking in at 13 minutes 43 seconds, produced independently to capture the grind of dual careers in wrestling and music. Themes of grit, vulnerability, and empowerment dominate, as seen in tracks like "Ride the Wave" and "Rey and Eddie," inspiring listeners to embrace triumph over obstacles. Reception has been positive, with critics and fans commending its motivational energy and seamless fusion of Rush's athletic and artistic pursuits.[108][154][155]Singles as lead artist
Lio Rush, known for blending his professional wrestling career with hip-hop artistry, began releasing singles as a lead artist in 2019, often drawing from personal experiences and themes of resilience that resonate with his in-ring persona. His early tracks marked his transition from wrestling to music, with subsequent releases tying into entrance themes for promotions like AEW and ROH. These singles frequently explore introspection, triumph, and identity, achieving modest streaming success on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Key singles include:| Title | Year | Album/EP (if applicable) | Notes/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Scenic Lullaby" | 2019 | Non-album single | Debut single addressing mental health struggles during his WWE tenure; released independently via CDBaby. Apple Music SI.com |
| "I Wonder" | 2019 | Non-album single | Follow-up single reflecting on love, addiction, and self-doubt; gained traction as one of his early streaming hits with over 100,000 Spotify plays. Apple Music YouTube Official |
| "Best Thing Out" | 2021 | Non-album single | Energetic track serving as his personal theme; produced by JustBeatzzz, it highlighted his post-WWE independence and amassed views on YouTube. Spotify Apple Music |
| "I'll Be Me" | 2023 | Non-album single | Empowering anthem emphasizing authenticity; later remixed as an AEW/ROH entrance theme, boosting its play count in wrestling contexts. Spotify Apple Music |
| "I'll Be Me (GoGo Bounce)" | 2024 | Non-album single | Remix of the 2023 track with a go-go influence; adopted as entrance music for AEW, ROH, and NJPW events, enhancing its live performance appeal. Apple Music YouTube Official |
| "SPIN" | 2025 | Non-album single | High-energy track with racing imagery; released as part of his 2025 wrestling tours, featuring a music video. Apple Music Instagram |
| "Turn Up" | 2025 | Non-album single | Upbeat single tied to international appearances; produced by SOS Beatz. Apple Music Instagram |
| "CRAZY RUTHLESS UNHINGED" | 2025 | Non-album single | High-energy single functioning as his AEW "CRU" persona entrance theme; released amid his 2025 wrestling resurgence, capturing unfiltered aggression. Spotify Apple Music YouTube |
| "012DONE" | 2025 | Non-album single | Diss track aimed at opponent Man Like DeReiss ahead of PROGRESS Chapter 185 match on October 22, 2025. Apple Music Instagram |
| "STFU" | 2025 | Non-album single | Aggressive track released on November 7, 2025, produced by SOS Beatz, reflecting ongoing career intensity. Apple Music Instagram |
Singles as featured artist
Lio Rush has made notable appearances as a featured artist on several singles, showcasing his versatility in hip-hop collaborations outside his primary role as a lead performer. These tracks often blend his energetic delivery with themes of resilience and competition, drawing from his wrestling background. One of his earliest featured contributions was on "Money Money" by DRETT1, released in 2018, where Rush, performing under the alias L.I., delivered verses emphasizing ambition and hustle alongside his childhood friend Marcus Phillips (DRETT1).[15] In 2020, Rush featured on "Feel the Rush" by Wrestle and Flow, a track produced as part of the hip-hop and pro-wrestling video series, highlighting high-energy flows and metaphors of dominance in the ring and music.[156] Rush collaborated with reality TV personalities on "Stone Cold" by Jay Starrett in 2021, featuring alongside Joseph Allen and producer imSwervy; the song, inspired by Survivor and WWE crossovers, focuses on survival and intensity with a music video released to promote the track.[157] In 2025, Rush appeared on "Won't Understand" by Th3 Saga, an independent Christian hip-hop artist, where the track explores personal growth and reflection, written years earlier but released amid Rush's ongoing career transitions.[158]| Title | Year | Lead Artist | Album/Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Money Money" | 2018 | DRETT1 | Single |
| "Feel the Rush" | 2020 | Wrestle and Flow | Single |
| "Stone Cold" (feat. Joseph Allen & imSwervy) | 2021 | Jay Starrett | Single |
| "Won't Understand" | 2025 | Th3 Saga | Single |