Exclusive: Lio Rush Talks West Coast Pro, his time in Japan, music career, and much more!

The story of Lio Rush has never been boring. At just 29 years old, he has been able to hit a lot of milestones that wrestlers work their whole careers to achieve. From being NXT Cruiserweight Champion, his role as a mentor in AEW, a must watch talent on the indies, recently expanding his horizons in Japan, just to name a few. I was drawn to Lio Rush during his NXT run. But it was during his main roster run that he grew to become one of my favorite talents in the world.

On 04/02/2019, I went to a Monday Night RAW taping, the worst live wrestling event I had ever attended. The only good takeaway from that show? Lio Rush vs Finn Balor.

Interviewing Lio Rush has been a goal of mine since entering this industry. He was graciously willing to give me some of his time and have a chat with me.

First off, I wanted your take on teaming with someone like Lee Moriarty who is an immensely gifted wrestler, especially in the aspect of technical wrestling.

Lee Moriarty, to me, is such a well-rounded and versatile wrestler. A key player in the years to come on the scene. He is someone that’ll inspire generations to come with his innovation, will to succeed, and desire to be the best. 

Jacob Fatu was recently rumored to have become a free agent, and there are a lot of expectations that he will be in either WWE or AEW soon. As someone who has spent time in both companies, what is some advice you’d give him if he asked for your thoughts on either company?

The only advice I could give Uce is to just be himself. He is special and I can’t wait for the world to see more of him. 

Any thoughts on who the mystery teammate for Los Vipers is? What are the best- and worst-case scenarios for their team?

I have no idea who the mystery partner will be, but whoever it is is clearly trying to shake us up with the mystic factor that will play a part during the match. Best case scenario for them is to get someone who is remotely as big as Fatu is. Worst case scenario is having us all in the ring at the same time because we’re covering all bases as far as styles are concerned. 

If he retains, is facing Starboy Charlie for the West Coast Pro Championship something fans can look forward to seeing you going after?

I’d love to challenge Starboy Charlie for that title. West Coast may be home for him, but at one point it was home for me too. Me and Starboy faced each other before, but this was before his injury. I can tell he’s a different animal now and that’s the Starboy Charlie I’d like to face now. 

What was your favorite gear you wore in 2023, any big plans for anything special in 2024?

Favorite gear I wore in 2023 is something I plan on wearing for this show coming up. Feels like a big fight, so I plan on matching that energy with my gear. As far as the future, I’ve always got something special up my sleeve.

You’ve wrestled all across the US, and recently spent time in Japan. After traveling all over, what was the main difference you recognized between wrestling in Japan, larger promotions like AEW & WWE, and independents?

My technique was critiqued more than anything while wrestling in Japan, which I loved. If your style isn’t mastered, it shows. Guys and girls in Japan are mastering techniques within their specific style and I feel that that makes for great competition.

While in Japan, was there anyone you wish you would have gotten to take on? Any of the juniors from AJPW?

I would have loved to wrestle one of my CHAOS brothers 1 v 1 out of pure respect. I wanted to prove and fight for my spot within CHAOS. As far as AJPW, I’d love to wrestle one of my childhood heroes in Yoshihiro Tajiri.

Do you plan on taking a trip back or continuing to work in Japan, or sticking around TNA for longer?
I’d love to make a few more trips to Japan as well as pop back up on TNA. There’s definitely unfinished business in both. 

Did your time there change your perspective on wrestling? What were the hardest adjustments to make as you transition between all-American wrestling and Japanese?

I wouldn’t say it changed my perspective on wrestling. I will say it reignited what drew me to wrestling. The hardest transition for me was my active recovery in between each match. The schedule is constant and bumps, bruises, and strains can happen, but it’s very important to keep moving slowly, but steady. Always make sure to warm up, stretch, and rehydrate. 

What is your personal favorite of your own matches?

My favorite match is always my previous match. 2024 for me has been so incredible in terms of matchups. Each has been different in their own way. I loved my match with Storm Grayson from Freelance Wrestling in Chicago. I also enjoyed my contest with Jack Cartwheel from GCW in Tampa as well.

What are your biggest musical influences? What is your dream collaboration?

I’m influenced by so much music, so it is hard to pinpoint one artist. I have been listening to a lot of African music. Specifically the “Africa Now” Playlist on Apple Music. A dream Collaboration outside of that genre of music, I’d love to work with Russ/La Russell. The creativity and versatility with each of these collaborations would be magic.

Is there anyone you’re keeping your eye on?

Right now, I’m keeping my eye on the world. WWE, NJPW, TNA, AEW, ROH, Independents, I’m watching it all. 

Lastly, I wanted to ask you if you had anything you wanted to shout out.

I’d love to bring in more listeners to my music. My music is something that I enjoy making a lot. 

Thanks so much to Lio Rush for taking the time to chat with me, and West Coast Pro for helping set this up for me.

You can follow him on socials: