Buddy Matthews, a top talent in AEW, is currently sidelined after sustaining an injury during his match against Kazuchika Okada at Grand Slam Australia. Recognized as one of Tony Khan’s key assets within the promotion, Matthews is widely seen as having the potential to become a world champion. Despite his current setback, his career remains notable for its impactful moments and associations in the wrestling world.
Alongside his in-ring achievements, Buddy Matthews’ personal life has drawn attention, particularly his marriage to former WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley. The couple reportedly began dating in 2022, became engaged in 2023, and married the following year. Matthews, who once held the Cruiserweight Championship in WWE, has had a complex career marked by significant relationships and memorable storylines.
Past Alliances: Matthews’ Connection with Seth Rollins
During his WWE tenure, Buddy Matthews developed a noteworthy alliance with Seth Rollins, who currently holds the World Heavyweight Championship and leads the faction known as The Vision. This group also includes Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and manager Paul Heyman. While Rollins has been associated with numerous factions over the years, his partnership with Matthews and the Authors of Pain stands out as brief but memorable.
Matthews and Rollins captured the World Tag Team Championships together, showcasing remarkable chemistry inside the ring. Although the chance of them teaming up again appears slim, their past cooperation remains a significant highlight in Matthews’ career history.
Romantic Storylines: Love Angle with Aalyah Mysterio
During the pandemic era in WWE, Buddy Matthews was involved in a scripted romantic storyline with Aalyah Mysterio, the daughter of wrestling legend Rey Mysterio. While this angle showed early promise, WWE discontinued it after a few months. The storyline included a scene on SmackDown where Matthews and Aalyah shared a kiss, which the former WWE star later revealed made him uncomfortable.
“I wasn’t comfortable kissing Aalyah. I did that because it was my job and it was going to create more drama in the story. Originally, there was no kiss scripted. They [the producers] went and they talked to Vince about something. They come back and they pitch it to me but they are kind of weird. Then they say ‘…and then you kiss her.’ I start laughing and go ‘fuck off.’ But then they are like ‘No we are serious.’” he said. [H/T: Cageside Seats]
Engagement History: Relationship with Alexa Bliss
Perhaps the most surprising detail in Buddy Matthews’ personal history is his past engagement to Alexa Bliss. The two met during their time in WWE’s NXT and maintained a relationship until 2018. Their connection included the unusual but endearing detail of sharing a pet pig, reflecting a unique bond beyond the squared circle.
Although Matthews and Bliss went their separate ways, they have reportedly remained good friends. Currently, Alexa Bliss is married to musician Ryan Cabrera, and together they welcomed a daughter in November 2023. Bliss also continues to make waves in WWE as the reigning Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Charlotte Flair.
Implications and Future Prospects for Buddy Matthews
Buddy Matthews’ career and personal narrative highlight the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, where alliances, relationships, and injuries shape a wrestler’s journey. His sidelining due to injury poses challenges but does not diminish his potential to reach championship status in AEW or any major promotion. The intertwined stories of Buddy Matthews with figures like Seth Rollins, Aalyah Mysterio, and Alexa Bliss emphasize the complex and often turbulent paths wrestlers navigate in both their professional and personal lives.
As Matthews recovers, fans and industry watchers will be attentive to his return, anticipating how his past experiences and current standing might influence his next steps in wrestling’s evolving landscape.
