As noted before, Ring of Honor recently signed Mexican wrestler Rush to a US-exclusive contract with the company.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Rush’s contract with ROH is for one year in length and worth around $155,000. Dave Meltzer reported that this was less than what Major League Wrestling had offered but due to Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre’s (CMLL) partnership with ROH, Rush was advised by CMLL owner Paco Alonso to take the ROH deal over MLW’s deal. ROH’s current contract with Rush is only exclusive to the United States and Canada, allowing Rush the ability to continue working for CMLL in Mexico and for New Japan Pro Wrestling, whose partnership with ROH was another factor in his decision.
Major League Wrestling’s offer to Rush reportedly was worth around $200,000 per year with additional incentives included, according to PWInsider. These included plans for a massive push in the company as its centerpiece star, a potential MLW World Heavyweight Championship reign, financial assistance for him and his family into becoming United States citizens, and the ability to do sports commentary work for BeIN Sports. MLW reportedly were also willing to bring in Rush’s father, Bestia del Ring, to be honored at a future MLW event.
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson also reported that CMLL had given initial approval to MLW’s offer for Rush prior to ROH getting involved. ROH reportedly have similar plans to make Rush into a potential centerpiece star for the company and as part of their larger plans to expand into the Hispanic market, which was a big reason behind their recent signing of Bandido.
In regards to a potential deal with WWE, Meltzer reported in this week’s Observer newsletter that Andrade “Cien” Almas, who is friends with Rush, pretty much “warned” Rush and his brother Dragon Lee about going to WWE, telling them that it “wasn’t what it was cracked up to be” (Meltzer’s words). Andrade’s apparent unhappiness is a possible reason for his recent push, since he’s someone who would have a lot of offers when his contract expires.