Former WWE Star Says Coming To NJPW ‘Has Awakened Something In Me’

WWE/NJPW

A former WWE star says coming to NJPW has awakened something in them.

At NJPW Rumble On 44th Street, Lio Rush made his return to New Japan and formed a partnership with CHAOS’ YOH to enter the Super Junior Tag League 2022 tournament.

YOH and Rush won the tournament by defeating Bullet Club’s Ace Austin and Chris Bey in the finals. With the victory, the duo moves on to challenge Catch 2/2 for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Titles at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4.

In a new interview with NJPW’s website, Rush and YOH shared their thoughts on winning the Super Jr. Tag League. Lio said:

“I’m feeling a lot of emotions. I feel like this is a moment in my career that I’m very proud of. A real high point for me professionally.”

“I worked so hard for this through injuries and surgeries, and I’m really overwhelmed by emotion.”

“I’m trying to live in the moment, and soak it in because I know in a few weeks, we have the biggest match that the both of us have had in our careers together. So it’s enjoying the moment but also preparing for Wrestle Kingdom.”

When asked about his comment that their victory was the biggest moment of his career, Lio explained that he always wanted to come to New Japan and he now feels fulfilled. Rush stated:

“Yes. I’ve always felt like with other big milestones in my career, they’ve come with a bittersweet type of feeling. But coming here to New Japan was something I’d always wanted to do even before I signed with WWE.”

“So I feel much more fulfilled, and I accomplished something that was my destiny. I’ve always felt I wanted a partner to go through the same things I do in the business, and I’m glad I’ve found that with YOH.”

“I think we’ve gained a strong friendship and mutual respect, and these trophies are a testament to how strong our bond is.”

The IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title bout will join the lineup for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 with Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

Also, Will Ospreay will defend the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship against Kenny Omega and FTR will face Bishamon’s Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI for the IWGP Tag Team Championships.

We will have updates and breaking news from NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4.

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• Wrestle Kingdom 17
• Lio Rush
• NJPW
• wwe

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