Lio Rush Opens Up About Backstage Heat In WWE Due To ‘Cocky’ Reputation

Lio Rush had an incredible run during WWE where he made many achievements such as winning the WWE NXT Cruiserweight championship. WWE fans recall him as Bobby Lashley’s loudmouthed manager. Former WWE superstar Lio Rush recently revealed that his demeanor was the cause of heat between others backstage during his time in WWE.

Rush first set foot in the company in 2017 as part of WWE’s NXT division. Things looked up for Rush when he joined the main roster and soon rose in popularity as Bobby Lashley’s arrogant hypeman. All the while he was developing a bad rapport with other superstars backstage who failed to make the distinction between his gimmick and his real-life personality

Recently appearing on the Say Less podcast, the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion spoke about how his in ring persona became a hurdle towards connecting with other performers backstage.

“Naturally, I’m a pretty quiet person and I feel like that’s where the confusion between people thinking, ‘Okay, is he like this?’ because I would be backstage just ready to do my thing. And people knowing that I’m 20, 22 years old, every opportunity that I’m getting I’m killing it — I don’t think I messed up a promo one time.”

Advertising

Advertising

“So I feel like it was hard for people to look at this loud, brash, arrogant character on screen, and look at me being quiet and reserved backstage. People were like ‘Oh man, this motherf*cker’s cocky.”

Lio Rush was released from WWE in April 2020 due to budget cuts following the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his release from WWE, Rush went to wrestled for various promotions including AEW,NJPW, MLW and AAA in Mexico. Looking back,Rush felt that his time in WWE had spoiled him as a wrestler.

What’s your take on Lio Rush’s backstage heat ? Sound off in the comments below !