Lio Rush is no longer taking part in MTV’s “The Challenge.”
Rush exited the reality show competition early on tonight’s episode. Rush talked about the toll the competition was taking on his mental health and said that he misses his pregnant wife. Plus, it was reminding him of some bad memories of living in a foster home. As such, he exited the show.
We respect you Lio #TheChallenge36 pic.twitter.com/41ZqTHQmLf
— The Challenge (@TheChallenge) January 21, 2021
“April 2020 I was let go of my dream job with WWE during the beginning of the pandemic with no real hope of what was next for me in my career,” Rush said in a statement after his departure. “A few weeks later I was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime by MTV and that was to compete on television for 1 million dollars. I’ve always had my dreams of becoming [a] reality TV star, so that was cool too. I was so excited for this unlike anything else.
“This was hands down the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life. This was a fresh start and new beginning for me and my family. Unexpectedly, I noticed that I’ve never been so vulnerable until this experience in the house. But this is what I’ve been wanting. So afraid to open up. Force to grow up very fast at a young age due to circumstances in my childhood and during that time I’ve made mistakes in my life because what kid doesn’t. I’ve experienced so much growth from this experience.
“I was made to be the villain a few years ago and it was heartbreaking. I want to stand before you today as a hero. A hero to anyone out there that suffers from depression, anxiety, PTSD or any mental illness. A hero to the boys and girls who look like me. I came into the house knowing that it’ll be a challenge for me mentally on top of the challenge itself.
“To my ‘The Challenge’ fans and to all of the dope people in the house. Thank you for helping me grow. I didn’t walk away with a million dollars, but I walked away with something far much greater that I wasn’t expecting. I love you and good luck with the rest of the season. Thank you for all of the incredible memories. I promise I will be back, but for now it’s time for me to get ready for my little one to come into this world and be here for my beautiful wife during our pregnancy. Thank you MTV!”
https://twitter.com/TheLionelGreen/status/1352061986008231938
RELATED: Lio Rush Was More Excited To Join New Japan Than He Was Signing With WWE
