Buddy Matthews, a key AEW star, remains sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained earlier this year, and new information suggests his return to AEW action will be postponed until late 2025. The Australian wrestler’s prolonged absence has been closely followed by fans awaiting the latest Buddy Matthews AEW injury update.
Matthews, a prominent member of the Hounds of Hell faction, suffered the ankle injury during his entrance at the Grand Slam Australia event earlier this month. Despite the setback, he completed his match against Kazuchika Okada for the Continental Championship in front of his home crowd but has been out of action since. Though he initially hoped for a quicker recovery, Matthews revealed in June that his ankle had not regained sufficient mobility, prompting surgery earlier this month. Even while sidelined, he has maintained his training regimen to prepare for a future comeback.
Recent insights from Fightful Select’s Q&A suggest the former AEW World Trios Champion faces a lengthy recovery, potentially sidelining him for the remainder of 2025. This timeline extends expectations significantly beyond what fans had anticipated, leaving Matthews’ return date uncertain for the foreseeable future. AEW continues to keep updates private, leaving the wrestling community to speculate on his eventual in-ring return.
Personal Life and Public Support from Rhea Ripley
Outside the ring, Buddy Matthews has maintained a high-profile relationship with WWE star Rhea Ripley. The couple married in June last year and often share moments from their life on social media platforms. Recently, Ripley visited Florida’s Screamageddon Horror Park with Matthews, a photo of which was posted on her Instagram. Matthews left a supportive comment under her post, stating,
“How do you look so f***ing good all the time!!!! 🔥🔥🔥,” wrote the AEW star.
While Matthews remains inactive, Ripley continues to compete regularly, most recently defeating Asuka on Monday Night RAW. This contrast highlights their different trajectories within professional wrestling at present, as Matthews focuses on recovery and Ripley remains active in WWE storylines.
Injury Background and Career Impact
Buddy Matthews initially sustained the ankle injury during his entrance at AEW Grand Slam in Australia, an event held in his homeland that added significance to the match against Okada. Matthews’ decision to finish the bout, despite injury, underscored his resilience but ultimately required a pause for rehabilitation. His ankle issues, primarily concerning restricted movement, necessitated surgery this month, extending his recovery timeline considerably.
Known for his time in WWE as well as in AEW, Matthews’ injury disrupts momentum following his recent achievements, including capturing the AEW World Trios Championship. His prolonged absence leaves a gap for the Hounds of Hell faction and creates uncertainty about AEW’s long-term plans involving him. Fans and analysts alike watch closely for an official announcement on his recovery progress and potential return window.
What Lies Ahead for Buddy Matthews in AEW
Matthews’ injury and its extended recovery period carry significant implications for AEW’s roster and storylines. With no definitive timeline, the company must adapt its plans for tag teams and faction narratives involving the Australian star. His focus remains on rehabilitation and regaining full mobility to ensure a strong comeback from injury.
The delay until late 2025 means Matthews will miss several key events and AEW programming opportunities. However, his dedication to training throughout this period suggests he intends to return at full strength when medically cleared. The broader wrestling community anticipates updates from AEW and Matthews himself as recovery continues, hoping for a successful and lasting return to the ring.
