2020 has been in, every sort of way, one of the most difficult and turbulent years we have seen. That makes the year of professional wrestling one of the craziest as well. It’s been tough but for the most part, it has been able to stay strong. Now, we are getting to a point where it’s almost in full swing as indies and the “big dogs” run and keep the fans entertained. That brings us to someone who has made more of 2020 than perhaps anyone in wrestling. That man is Lio Rush. He started off his year in WWE being underutilized and ultimately being released in April. Now he has turned it around to be ending it as the hottest free agent in professional wrestling. We take a look at the “Man of the Hour” and why he is shining so bright in the new and brightest chapter of his career.
Before & After WWE — One of the Brightest Stars in Wrestling
Believe it or not, Lio Rush turned 26 years old this week. Yes, the “26-year-old piece of gold” remains one of pro wrestling’s youngest, brightest talents despite his storied career to this point. Before joining WWE, he was putting on a show in places like Ring of Honor (ROH), Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), and Pro Wrestling Guerilla (PWG). He was truly the “Man of the Hour” on the independent scene. Rush won the 2016 ROH Top Prospect Tournament to solidify his spot in wrestling as an up and coming star. It wasn’t long until he signed with WWE with a future to shine his brightest one the so-called biggest stage in the world of pro wrestling. And that he did, whether it was alongside Bobby Lashley or as the NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Rush showed that oozing potential that he had and made it clear he could be the next big thing if given the shot.
Unfortunately (or fortunately), WWE would eventually let go of Rush after a few years of ups and downs between him and the company. But as we have seen in the last few years, that release from the “big dog” can lead to a whole new world for a professional wrestler. After being released, Rush said he was done with wrestling and was ready to pursue other ventures. Of course, when you are someone as uberly talented as the “Man of the Hour,” that retirement isn’t going to last long. And that’s how we get to the main point: Lio Rush has become the most popular man in wrestling. And he’s ready to flourish.
Feel The Rush: The Man of the Hour’s Time To Shine
There are times that you get to know people that are misunderstood because of where they are in their careers. They are painted as the bad guy when it’s clear that’s not the truth at all. Rather, they are the realest guy in the room and you have to wait to see that. When Lio Rush left WWE, it was a chance for fans to finally see that. And Rush was never quiet during his time in WWE, but it took until he was free to really show who he could be again. It was April 15 that he was released. As we sit here in the middle of November, he has become the man to shine in professional wrestling. Perhaps the busiest man in professional wrestling. And there’s no one who could fit that role better. It’s time everyone prepares to “Feel the Rush” because Lio Rush is going to close out 2020 like no one has ever seen in pro wrestling.
Retires From Wrestling To Pursue Music Career
Rush, like many who tend to leave a difficult working space, was essentially fed up with wrestling as a whole and was ready to move on. So much so that he retired from the sport, turning his focus onto music. Rush became a recording artist and has released a number of songs since his release, really embracing his talents and showing his skills outside of professional wrestling. His latest single, Do You Remember, shows how good the man is at the music side of the world. But even with success there, that wrestling itch was sure to come back sooner rather than later. And oh did it.
https://twitter.com/TheLionelGreen/status/1326545449939955722?s=20
Returns To Wrestling Via Game Changer Wrestling
Return to wrestling he did. And it was not announced but rather a surprise in the return of independent wrestling. On July 25, Rush officially made his return when he attacked Joey Janela at GCW Homecoming. It was stunning to all as Rush had closed himself out and began to sell his wrestling gear as he made the move to music. One problem. When you are as good as Rush, the door is always open to return and people will be calling. So in his return, he made it known that he wanted to face Janela in #TheFinalMatch. The rivals went nearly 30 minutes in what was supposed to be Rush’s final match before Janela got the leg up and defeated Rush. After the match, Janela made it known he would not let Rush retire from wrestling. And thus began this explosion that is the end of the year for Rush.
Rush wasn’t done and even did what has become a staple of wrestlers’ return to the indies. “I got a list, put your name at the top.” These are the lyrics of Rush’s theme song “I Came To Collect” in WWE. And that’s what he had. A list of the best in the world that he wanted to wrestle in what he called a rebuild and refound passion for professional wrestling.
https://twitter.com/TheLionelGreen/status/1315757753269321728?s=20
As you can see, this is a who’s who in professional wrestling. And in his time so far, he’s already crossed off Blake Chrisitan in his most recent appearance for GCW. Plenty of confidence that this list will be completed and that’s to the luck of wrestling fans.
NWA / United Wrestling Network: Primetime Live
Lio Rush is a wanted man in the best way possible. On November 3, Rush made his United Wrestling Network and NWA debut when he appeared on Primetime Live. It was there he defeated Fidel Bravo in his first match, letting everyone know that Rush was here to stay.
Major League Wrestling #TheRestart
While it has yet to happen, we do know that Rush will be in attendance for the highly anticipated Major League Wrestling return, #TheRestart. It will be his MLW debut and it will go down on November 18. What does the “Man of the Hour” have in store for his first appearance? All that should be expected is pure excellence.
New Japan Pro Wrestling
When it comes to the professional wrestling side of his new run, there may be no bigger opportunity than this one. Rush will have what he calls “the biggest opportunity in my wrestling career thus far.” He has entered New Japan Pro Wrestling‘s Super J Cup and will look to prove himself as one of the best juniors in the world. However, it will be no easy task as his first opponent will be the one and only El Phantasmo. Win or lose, this is another opportunity for Rush to show how good he is. He’s not just doing it for himself, but the people that support him.
https://twitter.com/TheLionelGreen/status/1326715331579052034?s=20
MTV’s The Challenge
The Challenge is one of the biggest reality shows on television nowadays as it airs on MTV. It’s prepared to enter its 36th season in December and has had some of the most popular stars, in reality, sports, and more. Well, guess who will be a member of this year’s edition? You guessed it, Lio Rush. Rush will join veterans of the shows, Olympians, reality stars, and more on the show and will look to show why professional wrestling is not someone to mess with. Considering his talent, he should shine in this as well.
Teasing So Much More
There’s no one busier in wrestling than Lio Rush. Recording artist, top pro wrestling companies in the world, and one of the most popular reality shows around. That’s what the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 look like for the “Man of the Hour.” Oh, and by the looks of things, he isn’t done there. Some comments on Twitter make it clear he has his eyes on another top company in wrestling. And more specifically, a brand new champion.
https://twitter.com/TheLionelGreen/status/1325875085119467521?s=20
It sure seems like the challenge has been laid down. Rush has big aspirations and will do everything in his power to complete them.
Rush’s 2020 has been a long, crazy road like many people — but it’s one that has him shining brighter than ever. This new chapter of his career is destined to be his best, and as fans, all we can do is be along for what should be an amazing ride.
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