Lio Rush Talks WWE Cruiserweight Division, Ring of Honor, New Japan

The wrestling industry is constantly evolving, and being able to spot the hottest prospects who have the potential to transcend the business is one reason following the sport is so enjoyable.

Without question, Lio Rush is truly one of the hottest prospects and a blue-chip talent. At just 22 years old, Rush has already wrestled all over the world, and he even won a world title with Combat Zone Wrestling earlier this year.

In a recent interview with Ring Rust Radio, Rush shared his thoughts on WWE’s cruiserweight division, his decision not to re-sign with Ring of Honor and his interest in eventually working for New Japan Pro Wrestling.

After sharpening his teeth with companies like CZW, ROH and Pro Wrestling Guerilla, independent wrestling fans have been exposed to the high-flying talents of Rush. While he has already made a name for himself with hardcore fans, he is looking to expand his brand.

With the rise of the cruiserweight division in WWE, Rush has become even more focused on joining the company and showing them just how big a Superstar he can be inside and outside the ring.

"My interest in WWE is again through this roof. I haven’t been contacted by WWE, but the playing field right now with the cruiserweights, and that being somewhat of a main focus, you know, it drives me to become better," Rush said. "It puts a bit of a chip on my shoulder and makes me kind of bitter, you know, because that is considered the best cruiserweights in the world. So, again, for me not to be a part of that same conversation with the best cruiserweights in the world with the biggest promotion in the world, it just makes me want to be there that much more."

Adding Rush to WWE’s cruiserweight division would instantly add credibility and excitement to 205 Live and boost the future of the brand with a highly touted prospect. For many fans, the first chance to see Rush in action came during his run with Ring of Honor.

In 2016, Rush debuted with ROH and went on to win the company’s Top Prospect Tournament, cementing his place as one of the fastest-rising names in the sport. Since his victory, though, Rush has stepped away from Ring of Honor and is making a name for himself all over the world.

"I know leading up to the end of my Ring of Honor contract, a big reason why I didn’t want to re-sign was because I can have that freedom—be closer to home, be more involved with my son’s childhood, be closer to my family, and being able to just control where and when I could wrestle," Rush said. "So that was a big part of me not re-signing with Ring of Honor."

Giving up a contract with ROH was a big decision for Rush, but he has bet on himself to find success elsewhere, and thus far, he is cashing in on that gamble. Not only has he already won a world title with another company, but he also made his debut with PWG, one of the most popular brands in the world.

While Rush has been all over the world, one place he has yet to wrestle is Japan. New Japan Pro Wrestling is the premiere company in Japan, and he was asked about his level of interest in working for the brand in the future.

"My level of interest with New Japan is through the roof. I feel like Japan is one of the only places that I haven’t been. And again, that’s even crazy for me to say because of my age and how long I’ve been doing this," Rush said. "But, you know, I’ve been all around the world. I've been to Canada, Mexico, Germany, Ireland, England, all over the United States, and I feel like Japan is just somewhere that I could excel and so much, possibly bigger and further than me being in the United States. Just because I think my style would adapt so well over there."

Regardless of where Rush takes his talent next, there is no doubt he is one of the best high-flying talents in the world already. As he continues to grow physically and mentally, his brand and his notoriety will also blossom.

With WWE officials always looking for elite talent with a promising future, Rush should be one of the top names on their watch list. The cruiserweight division has floundered at times, but adding a Superstar in the making like Rush would make an instant impact.

As one of the best athletes in wrestling today, Rush has a very bright future.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player above (some language NSFW).