Buddy Matthews is on track to get back in the ring for the first time in over a year.
Matthews suffered an ankle injury during his match against Kazuchika Okada for the Continental Title at AEW Grand Slam: Australia on Feb. 15, 2025.
The 37-year-old posted a video on Instagram on Thursday that he is medically cleared to compete and shared his journey to recovery, while also sharing a motivational message to fans.
Before stepping back into the ring, there was one final hurdle.
After suffering a serious ankle injury at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, Buddy Matthews begins the final stage of his comeback—getting medically cleared to compete again.
This video follows the process behind the scenes, from medical evaluations and rehabilitation to the moment he receives the news every athlete waits to hear. It’s a look at the physical and mental challenges of returning from injury, and what it takes to get back to doing what you love.
If you’ve ever faced setbacks, injuries, or doubted whether you’d make it back, this one’s for you.
Matthews was announced for a World Series Wrestling tour in October, hinting he was preparing for a return. However, his announcement came weeks before AEW All In: London, so it’s possible he could return to the promotion very soon.
His announcement also came on the same day his wife, Rhea Ripley, announced she underwent knee surgery.
