The conversation about whether Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews should ever join forces in the same wrestling company has ignited mixed opinions, especially as both continue to make headlines in their respective promotions. This debate around Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews working together debate comes at a time when their personal and professional lives are gaining significant public attention.
Growing Careers and Notable Relationship
Rhea Ripley, recently at the top of her game as WWE Women’s World Champion, has remained a prominent favorite among viewers, acclaimed for her time with The Judgment Day and her steady rise in wrestling. Off the mat, Ripley married Buddy Matthews in June last year. Matthews, who performed with WWE before his release in 2021, has become a fixture in AEW for the past three years, building a separate but successful path in the industry.
Matthews shared in a recent interview his enthusiasm for the possibility of collaborating with Rhea Ripley, if the right opportunity were to present itself. However, this idea has prompted concern from some in the wrestling community, including former WWE competitor EC3. Speaking on The Wrestling Outlaws, EC3 raised reservations about couples working in the same organization, indicating it might impact their relationship dynamic.
EC3 Shares His Reservations on Professional Partnerships
EC3 presented his perspective on why couples like Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews may face unique challenges when working side-by-side in the same company. He explained that constant togetherness, whether while leaving the house or traveling for shows, can blur the boundaries between personal and professional lives. He argued that time spent apart makes shared moments more meaningful.
“I think case-by-case basis, more often than not, though, I would believe you’re correct solely for the fact that when you have time together, it’s about you guys as opposed to- I can only imagine, and some people could pull it off, I don’t think I could, or you’d get bored,” EC3 said. [From 4:30 onwards] —EC3, Former WWE Star
The former champion emphasized that when life essentially revolves around the same work and travel schedules, couples may face difficulty in maintaining separation between home and work life. EC3 observed that spending too much time on the road together could risk monotony, as wrestling couples often discuss little outside of their professional world.
“There is no separation. I think in a separate company, granted, if they can have conversations that are not wrestling related because things wrestlers love to do the most is complain about what they’re doing in wrestling and what’s going on in wrestling. Yeah, I think you’re right, Vince. That’s the way I’d prefer it, a different company, just based on the fact that when we have time together, it’s special. And when you don’t, you’re working,” EC3 said. [From 5:52 onwards] —EC3, Former WWE Star
Broader Reactions and Industry Practices
The wrestling world, split across several major organizations like WWE and AEW, often sees couples choosing either to perform together or maintain distance for the sake of their relationship. With WWE organizing shows in new cities each week, travel is a significant part of the profession. Some athletes prefer their partners on the same roster to coincide routines, while EC3’s opinion supports the idea of separation to keep both personal connection and professional identity distinct.
Fans and peers alike continue to assess whether Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews working in the same promotion would strengthen or challenge their relationship and on-screen presence. This ongoing discussion highlights the complex choices athletes face between their career ambitions and their private lives. As both continue to thrive individually, the debate is likely to evolve with each new development in their careers and personal journey.
