Buddy Matthews, a fan-favorite known for his success in WWE and AEW, is facing new challenges in his comeback due to complications from an ankle injury sustained earlier this year. The Aussie grappler’s latest Buddy Matthews injury update reveals delays in his recovery process as he works to return to the ring after surgery.
Details on the Injury and Initial Impact
Matthews has not competed since February 15, when he was defeated by Kazuchika Okada in the 13-minute co-main event of AEW Grand Slam: Australia. This match marked his fourth shot at an All Elite Wrestling singles title and took place during AEW’s first event in his home country. The injury happened during his Grand Slam entrance, where he rolled his ankle severely, resulting in cartilage damage and a partial ligament tear without any broken bones.
By late April, Matthews was able to walk again but hadn’t resumed jumping, only managing short cardio sessions before the ankle stiffened. He revealed in late June that his healing was slower than expected due to restricted mobility, prompting concerns about a possible chronic issue developing three months after the injury.
To address these complications, Matthews underwent surgery in early August to repair his ankle, but medical staff warned the injury could keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Current Status and Recovery Challenges
According to a recent Fightful Select question-and-answer session, Matthews is not expected to return to AEW competition anytime soon, with speculation pointing to an absence lasting through at least the end of 2024. A doctor’s evaluation confirmed the severity of the ankle roll was extraordinary, noting that while no bones were broken, wrestling a full match immediately after the injury aggravated the damage significantly.
This injury has taken a mental toll on Matthews unlike previous physical setbacks, including a broken jaw, but despite the difficulties, he has maintained a positive attitude as shown on his social media.
Buddy Matthews Updates Fans on His Progress
Despite the ongoing struggles, Matthews has kept fans informed about his rehabilitation journey. Over the weekend, the former AEW World Trios Champion posted a rehabilitation video on Instagram accompanied by the song ‘n/A’ by Bring Me The Horizon. Alongside the video, he shared a candid reflection on the hardships he has faced since his ankle surgery.
“I’m not that guy who goes on social media & portrays the perfect life without down periods! The Last 8 weeks has been extremely hard since my ankle surgery & to this day I still can’t feel my toes with chronic pain! But we push forward, we make the best of what we have! Life isn’t always full of Rainbows [rainbow emoji] & Butterflies! Be your own ‘self motivated hero!,’” Buddy Matthews wrote with the video below.
Buddy Matthews
He also returned to Instagram with a motivational workout photo, quoting WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger to encourage his followers during tough times.
“You can have results or excuses… Not both!,” Buddy Matthews wrote with the photo below.
Buddy Matthews
Personal Life Amid Recovery Difficulties
Adding to the complexity of this period, Matthews recently married WWE’s Rhea Ripley in June 2024. However, their honeymoon was delayed until after the Grand Slam event. Matthews recalled feeling miserable due to the injury but made a point not to let it spoil their time together, despite Ripley’s warnings to stay injury-free.
What This Means for Buddy Matthews and AEW
Matthews’ extended absence marks a significant setback for the formerly dominant competitor, delaying what many fans expected would be a strong return to AEW programming following his debut in his home country. The severity and unusual nature of his ankle injury highlight the physical risks wrestlers face and the unpredictability of recovery timelines. His perseverance and openness about the mental challenges also shed light on the deeper struggles athletes endure beyond physical pain.
As he continues rehabilitation, the AEW and wrestling community will watch closely, hoping for a full recovery that allows Matthews to regain his place in competitive wrestling. For now, the focus remains on healing and cautiously managing his comeback to avoid further complications.
