Buddy Matthews, a notable All Elite Wrestling (AEW) performer, joined the Jacksonville-based promotion in 2022 and has been sidelined recently due to an ankle injury sustained during a match with Kazuchika Okada at AEW Grand Slam in Australia on February 15, 2025. His recovery is reportedly progressing well, increasing hopes for his Buddy Matthews AEW comeback in the near future.
Matthews initially became known as part of the faction House of Black, which included Brody King and Julia Hart; however, this group has since dissolved. Julia Hart formed a new team called Triangle of Madness with Skye Blue and Thekla, while Brody King, alongside Bandido, currently holds the AEW World Tag Team Championship. Despite being unable to compete, Matthews remains an important member of AEW’s roster.
The 37-year-old celebrated his birthday amid signs of recovery, with fans and outlets like Sportskeeda extending well wishes. Prior to joining AEW, Matthews, formerly known as Buddy Murphy, had a significant WWE career from 2013 to 2021, capturing titles such as the Cruiserweight Championship and the Raw and NXT Tag Team Championships. In AEW, he secured the AEW World Trios Championship alongside Brody King and Malakai Black.
Buddy Matthews Shares Interest in In-Ring Storylines with Wife Rhea Ripley
Buddy Matthews married fellow professional wrestler Rhea Ripley in 2024. Ripley is a prominent WWE star with strong backing from executive Triple H. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Matthews expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of sharing a wrestling storyline with Ripley in the future.
“So I would love to do something with her. I think that story and our chemistry, just the way we are, would be good television. That’s definitely something, an itch I’d like to scratch,” said the AEW star. [H/T: Cageside Seats]
Matthews’ plans remain uncertain as he continues to recover, but expectations are high that AEW president Tony Khan will provide him with strong opportunities upon his return.
