Buddy Matthews

Buddy Matthews is an Australian professional wrestler known for his hard-hitting, high-impact style and technical precision. He currently performs for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a former AEW World Trios Champion, and also wrestles on the independent circuit. Matthews gained international fame in WWE under the names Buddy Murphy and later Murphy, becoming the first Australian to win a championship in the company. His matches often blend strikes, aerial moves, and submission holds, earning him a reputation as a versatile competitor. As of 2026, he continues to be a prominent figure in AEW's roster, regularly appearing on Dynamite and Rampage. [edit]

Matthew Adams grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and attended Berwick Secondary College, graduating in 2006. He developed a passion for professional wrestling at a young age, watching tapes of stars like Shawn Michaels and Eddie Guerrero. After high school, he began training at a local wrestling school in Melbourne, making his debut on September 8, 2007, as Matt Silva. He competed for several Australian independent promotions, including Professional Championship Wrestling (PCW) and Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW), where he quickly gained a following for his athleticism. In 2013, he caught the attention of WWE scouts during a tryout in Australia, leading to a contract offer. He moved to the United States later that year to join WWE's developmental system, NXT, training at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. [edit]

In NXT, Matthews teamed with Wesley Blake, and they won the NXT Tag Team Championship, his first major title. He moved to WWE's main roster in 2018, adopting the ring name Buddy Murphy and joining the cruiserweight division on 205 Live. He captured the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, defeating Cedric Alexander at Super Show-Down in October 2018. After a brief hiatus, he returned as Murphy, aligning with Seth Rollins on Raw. Together, they won the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship in January 2020. Following his WWE release in June 2021, Matthews wrestled for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Major League Wrestling (MLW). He debuted in AEW in February 2022, aligning with the House of Black stable. In March 2023, he and his stablemates won the AEW World Trios Championship. [edit]

Buddy Matthews is known for his intense, no-nonsense persona in the ring, often portraying a dark, brooding character. His wrestling style combines hard-hitting strikes with technical grappling, earning respect from fans and peers alike. Outside the ring, he is seen as dedicated and humble, frequently engaging with fans on social media. His fandom, often called the "Buddy Brigade," appreciates his authenticity and work ethic. Media coverage highlights his journey from Australia to global prominence, emphasizing his resilience and adaptability across different wrestling promotions. [edit]

Buddy Matthews stands as the 93rd most famous person from Australia and the 83rd most famous person in Pro Wrestling, positions that reflect his sustained visibility across global media and consumption signals. These placements within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings confirm his status as a defining figure in modern wrestling, holding steady through recent cycles of activity. His career narrative has recently been defined by resilience rather than just in-ring prowess. Following a severe ankle injury that sidelined him for over a year after his February 2025 appearance at Grand Slam: Australia, Matthews underwent surgery in August 2025 before being cleared to return in August 2026. This journey from injury to clearance has become a central story told by fans and commentators alike. The announcement of his return sparked immediate excitement, with discussions dominating wrestling forums and news outlets regarding his first match back.

While Matthews maintains an active social media presence on Instagram and X, interacting directly with followers about his training and personal life, his fanbase does not operate under a single formal moniker. Unlike some superstars with organized clubs, supporters identify primarily as AEW fans or followers of his specific arc. His marriage to Rhea Ripley in June 2024 further elevated his profile, merging two top talents from rival promotions into a unique cultural touchstone known as a power couple split across companies. Fans also recall a viral moment from April 2026 when he posted a workout video featuring a scream from Linkin Park's song "Given Up," a detail that resonated deeply with those familiar with his musical tastes. Before his official AEW clearance, he even returned to the independent circuit in Australia in May 2026, reinforcing the narrative of his determination to overcome his injury.[edit]

Buddy Matthews holds the distinction of being the first Australian to win a championship in WWE. Before his full-time wrestling career took off, he worked as a personal trainer. His signature maneuver is the Murphy's Law, a spinning back fist that remains a staple of his offense. He is recognized for his intense entrance style, often donning black and silver gear that matches his brooding persona. A dedicated supporter of Australian rules football, Matthews roots for the Melbourne Demons. On his chest sits a prominent lion tattoo, a symbol he associates with strength and courage. Beyond the ring, his recent career has generated new lore surrounding his recovery from a major ankle injury that kept him out of action for over a year. The story of his surgery in August 2025 and subsequent clearance to compete again in August 2026 has become a widely retold tale of perseverance among hardcore fans. Additionally, his high-profile marriage to WWE superstar Rhea Ripley in June 2024 created a unique dynamic in professional wrestling, uniting two top stars from rival organizations. This union is frequently cited in conversations about his personal life and motivation, adding a layer of real-world drama to his public image.[edit]

Matthews was born to parents who have largely stayed out of the public eye. He has a close relationship with his family, often crediting them for supporting his wrestling dreams. He married fellow professional wrestler Rhea Ripley in 2023, and the couple resides in Orlando, Florida. They share a home with their two dogs, a husky and a German shepherd. Matthews often posts about his wife and pets on social media, showing a softer side away from the ring. [edit]

Buddy Matthews is closely associated with his wife, Rhea Ripley, who is also a professional wrestler in WWE. He has notable tag team partnerships with Wesley Blake in NXT and Seth Rollins on WWE Raw. In AEW, he is a member of the House of Black stable alongside Malakai Black and Brody King. His career has intersected with many top wrestlers, including Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, and Kenny Omega. [edit]

Buddy Matthews has been in a public relationship with fellow professional wrestler Rhea Ripley since around 2020. The couple got engaged in 2022 and married in a private ceremony in 2023. They often share glimpses of their life together on social media, attending events and traveling. Prior to Ripley, Matthews was in a long-term relationship with a woman named Sarah, but details remain private. As of 2026, Matthews is happily married to Ripley, and they continue to support each other's careers. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Buddy Matthews' net worth in 2026 at $2 Million. His primary income stream flows from his contract with All Elite Wrestling, which reportedly includes a base salary supplemented by bonuses for pay-per-view appearances and merchandise sales. He also generates revenue through independent bookings, where he commands significant fees per appearance. During his tenure with WWE, he earned a standard developmental salary in NXT that increased upon moving to the main roster. Additional financial streams include sponsored social media posts and limited-edition merchandise releases. His net worth has grown steadily since joining AEW, reflecting his increased visibility and match frequency in the promotion.[edit]

Buddy Matthews has won multiple championships across major promotions, including the NXT Tag Team Championship, WWE Cruiserweight Championship, WWE Raw Tag Team Championship, and AEW World Trios Championship. He is recognized as the first Australian to win a championship in WWE, a notable achievement in his career. [edit]