AEW Star Addresses Returning To The Ring After 18 Months Away

AEW

Now cleared for a return to action, an absent AEW star has sent a warning to the roster ahead of making a comeback.

Out of action since February 2025 and his match at AEW Grand Slam Australia, Buddy Matthews was recently cleared for a return to the ring

In a video shared on Instagram, Matthews shared an insight on his surgery and recovery journey, before stating just what had built up within him during his absence, and what it means to his AEW opponents, saying:

“It’s been eighteen months. Eighteen months is a long time, especially when you’re taken away from something you love doing and that has been a dream of yours since you were seven years old.

“I had a setback. I went through some dark times. I hurt my ankle pretty bad. 

“Opted for the surgery, full scope, cartilage removal, scar tissue removal, and I had a cartilage donor. I had to learn how to walk again.

“Even though this was a setback and there were some dark times, the light’s at the end of the tunnel now, and I see it.

“Every step and every day that I move forward with this, my body gets stronger; it adapts. It just means one day closer I am to returning.

“I just got the call the other day, and I’m officially cleared to compete.

“This was a setback; it’s not holding me down, it’s not going to keep me down.

“There’s a lot of anger, a lot of rage inside me. I have eighteen months to show the world exactly what they missed on. I’m cleared, and you should be scared.”

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Matthews may be cleared for a return, but his wife and WWE star Rhea Ripley has recently confirmed that she has undergone knee surgery.

The Landscape Has Changed In AEW

In Buddy Matthews’ absence, his Hounds of Hell teammate Brody King has seen success as one half of Brodido, and stands alongside Bandido and Adam Page as the current AEW World Trios Champions. King has previously touched on the subject of the return of his tag team partner, indicating that they do have a future.

With Malakai Black having departed AEW after his contract expired in February last year, the star made a shortlived return to WWE before being released in April of this year and has now reverted to his Tommy End name, sporting a bald appearance. With Black now back to his earlier independent wrestling name, it remains to be seen whether he will get another shot at AEW stardom.

There are opportunities within AEW for Matthews to shine on his own terms, with singles competition frequently playing into his history. Okada, Ospreay, Adam Cole, and Adam Copeland are among the top stars that Murphy faced in one-on-one encounters, demonstrating that he very much has a place in high-profile feuds.

Then there’s the possibility of Matthews targeting a more recent signing. Picture a returning Buddy Matthews facing the likes of Gabe Kidd, David Finlay or Clark Connors. Come to think of it, Hounds of Hell vs. The Dogs has a nice ring to it.

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• AEW
• BUDDY MATTHEWS
• Return
• Injury

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