Buddy Matthews has posted a short video on Instagram built around a checklist titled “Success,” as he remains out of AEW action 20 months after an ankle injury.
The video shows Matthews in his AEW gear behind a list of switches. By the end, risk, discipline, failures, patience and sacrifice are switched on, and procrastination and excuses are switched off.
Buddy matthews posted this on his Instagram 👀 pic.twitter.com/bNhsXI41F2
— rhea ripley fan account (@rhearipleyfan3) October 18, 2026
Matthews has not wrestled for AEW since February 2025, when he hurt his ankle during his entrance for a Continental Championship match against Kazuchika Okada at Grand Slam Australia. The ankle did not heal properly and needed surgery.
In August, Matthews announced in a video on Instagram that he had been medically cleared to compete. AEW has not announced a return date.
He is booked for World Series Wrestling’s MegaMania tour, starting October 29 in Auckland, New Zealand, and running through November 2 in Sydney.
Matthews is a former AEW World Trios Champion with Brody King and Malakai Black as part of the House of Black.

