WWE made major cutbacks on Wednesday, releasing a handful of talent and staff.
Among the talent released was Lio Rush, who had been with the company since July 2017. Rush is a former NXT Cruiserweight Champion and had wrestled across multiple brands including NXT, 205 Live, and Raw. Along with being an in-ring performer, Rush rose to popularity as Bobby Lashley's manager in September 2018.
Rush was off television following WrestleMania 35 due to reported heat in the company. He returned to the NXT brand on September 18, 2019 and won the NXT Cruiserweight Title on October 9. He last wrestled on February 28.
Taking to Instagram Live, Rush gave a heartfelt message and let fans know that he was going to be okay following his release.
"I'm gonna be good. I'm gonna be alright. I know that I have something in me that has pushed me to this point in my life and career. I know that I have heart, drive, determination, the will to succeed. This is something that I've realized about myself at a very young age. Thank God that I have realized this. I know that my former co-workers are going to make it through this. We're going to be alright. There's a lot of feelings and emotions that I'm sure will come into play over time. It's difficult, I'm not going to lie. This is something I've worked so hard for, my entire life. Something I've dreamed about and was able to accomplish. I was able to reach heights and shatter expectations made for me. I have nothing to complain about on my end. I knew there was a lot I could have done better. If you asked me if I would change anything, the answer would be 'no.' This is something that made me the person and man that I am today. I'm super proud of everything I've accomplished and gotten to experience every realm of WWE. I've gotten to do it all and gotten to do it with the best in the business. I'm grateful, proud, and happy that I got to entertain all of you."
He continued, "I have nothing but respect for everybody in the company. Anyone who loves this business that I love, I have respect for them completely. My heart goes out to everyone dealing with this situation. We've got some time to figure some stuff out. Trust and believe when I say, whatever comes next and whatever the outcome might, we're going to do something monumental and do something that's going to change the world. We're going to be alright. Let's not dwell on things that are sad. Let's create a happy moment from all of this. There's a lot of great entertainers that got released. Do me a huge favor, for everyone that got released today, make a post and let these guys know that you support and love them. Ultimately, we all inspired and motivate each other."
#LioRush -- pic.twitter.com/Jo0BVNWhfo
— Lio (@itsLioRush) April 15, 2020
You can see our full list of WWE releases during this situation at this link, and see us cover the full happenings on The List & Ya Boy Podcast.
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