Buddy Matthews, an AEW wrestler, faced a setback earlier this year due to a serious injury sustained during an event in his native Australia. This injury interrupted his momentum in AEW, but he recently shared an important update revealing he has undergone successful surgery to begin his path to healing. Matthews’ injury recovery now officially started after the procedure, which took place last Thursday in Jacksonville, Florida.
The injury occurred while Matthews was making his entrance at AEW Grand Slam Australia, where he competed against Kazuchika Okada for the Continental Championship. Despite suffering the injury at the start, Matthews pushed through and delivered a remarkable performance against Okada, known as “The Rainmaker”. Following that match, Matthews has been sidelined as he worked toward recovery.
Details on the Surgery and Recovery Process
In an Instagram update, Buddy Matthews explained the circumstances leading to his surgery. Initially, medical experts thought rehabilitation would be enough to restore strength and stability to his ankle after several examinations, including MRI scans. However, complications arose, which made surgery necessary to correct the lingering issues.
“Update: Last Thursday I underwent a procedure to help correct issues I had with my ankle stemming from an injury that took place back in February.”
— Buddy Matthews, AEW Wrestler
“After countless MRI & scans we believed that it could have been corrected with the right rehab to build back strength and stability. Unfortunately we hit a few road blocks on the way, which ultimately resulted in going under the knife to correct the issues. Thanks for everyone who send wishes. Now it’s time to rebuild!”
— Buddy Matthews, AEW Wrestler
Matthews also expressed gratitude for the support he has received from fans and well-wishers as he embarks on intensive rehabilitation following surgery. The exact timeline for his return to the ring remains undetermined, but the surgery marks a critical step in his AEW injury recovery journey.
The Role of Rhea Ripley During Matthews’ Recovery
Throughout this challenging period, WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley, who is also Matthews’ spouse, has been a significant source of support. Ripley discussed how vital it is for her to have a partner who understands the complexities of their professional wrestling careers, emphasizing how this mutual understanding helps sustain their relationship amid demanding schedules.
“Umm, it’s needed. It’s very much needed. Umm, this is such a wild, strange, weird business, and a lot of people don’t understand it. So, to be able to find a spouse that, like, actually understands everything that you’re going through and isn’t gonna judge you or get mad at you for you not being able to respond on a work day. Like that stuff, that is, like, so crucial to me and beneficial because, like, I don’t have to explain myself,”
— Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
Her remarks highlight the importance of emotional support during demanding phases of athletic careers, particularly in combat sports like professional wrestling.
Impact of the Injury on Matthews’ Career and Future Prospects
The injury has interrupted what was becoming a promising solo run for Buddy Matthews in AEW. His performance against Okada at Grand Slam was a significant milestone, showcasing his potential on a prominent stage. Now, with surgery behind him and a focus on rehabilitation, Matthews aims to fully recover and reestablish his position in AEW’s competitive lineup.
His journey underscores the physical risks inherent in professional wrestling and the perseverance required to overcome setbacks. While the rehabilitation process is ongoing, fans and the AEW community are watching closely for updates on when Matthews will be ready to compete again.
