Matt Jackson

Matthew Ronjon Massie, known professionally as Matt Jackson, is an American professional wrestler and executive currently based in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He performs alongside his fraternal twin brother Nick as the tag team The Young Bucks, a group widely recognized for revolutionizing modern tag team wrestling with their high-flying style and innovative storytelling. Beyond his in-ring work, Matt serves as an Executive Vice President and co-founder of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), playing a pivotal role in shaping the promotion since its launch in 2019.

As of 2026, Matt continues to be a dominant force in the industry, holding the AEW World Tag Team Championships and managing key business operations for the company. His dual identity as a performer and a corporate leader has made him one of the most influential figures in contemporary professional wrestling. Fans know him for his charismatic presence, technical prowess, and his unwavering loyalty to the vision of AEW founder Tony Khan. [edit]

Matthew Massie grew up in Southern California immersed in the world of professional wrestling thanks to his father, Bob Orton, who wrestled under that name in the 1970s. This family connection provided a unique backdrop for Matt and his younger brother Nick, who share a striking physical resemblance despite being fraternal twins. The brothers attended high school together where they initially focused on amateur wrestling and martial arts before shifting their attention entirely to the professional stage.

After graduating, the pair traveled to Japan to refine their craft at the dojo of Keiji Mutoh and later studied under Tatsumi Fujinami in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. This training period was critical, as it allowed them to absorb the technical precision and fast-paced rhythm of Japanese wrestling, which would become a hallmark of their future success. They spent years grinding on the independent circuit across the United States, working for promotions like Chikara and Ring of Honor, building a reputation for their athletic ability and creative match concepts long before they became global stars. [edit]

Matt Jackson's career took off when he and his brother debuted as The Young Bucks in 2006, quickly gaining a following for their innovative tag team dynamics. Their breakthrough came in Ring of Honor (ROH) between 2008 and 2011, where they won the ROH World Tag Team Championship twice and established themselves as top-tier competitors against teams like the Briscoes. In 2011, they expanded their reach internationally by joining New Japan Pro-Wrestling and forming the legendary stable Bullet Club alongside Kenny Omega, a move that fundamentally changed the landscape of tag team wrestling.

The trajectory shifted dramatically in 2019 when Matt joined forces with Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, and Tony Khan to launch All Elite Wrestling. As a co-founder and Executive Vice President, he helped build the promotion from the ground up while continuing to compete at the highest level. Since then, The Young Bucks have dominated the AEW World Tag Team division, holding the titles for extended periods and headlining major events like WrestleDream and All Out. Even in late 2026, they remain active champions, having recently defended their belts against challengers Kyle Fletcher and Kevin Knight in high-workrate matches that showcased their enduring athleticism. [edit]

Matt Jackson projects an image of authenticity and visionary leadership within the wrestling community. He is often described as eclectic and vulnerable in interviews, showing a side of himself that contrasts with the typical tough-guy persona of many wrestlers. His public voice is characterized by passion and a genuine love for the business, often expressing deep gratitude toward Tony Khan and the AEW team. Media outlets frequently highlight his role as a bridge between the old guard of wrestling and the new wave of digital-native talent, praising his ability to connect with fans through both his in-ring performances and his behind-the-scenes contributions. [edit]

While iFANN has not yet collected specific fame data for this person outside of general industry recognition, Matt Jackson remains a household name within the professional wrestling world. He does not appear on the September 2026 September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list, though his influence extends far beyond standard metrics. His impact is measured by the cultural shift he helped create in how wrestling is consumed and produced globally.

The fanbase surrounding Matt and Nick is incredibly dedicated, though they do not have a single formalized name like some pop culture groups. Fans often refer to themselves informally as Buckheads or simply as Young Bucks supporters. The community is highly organized, with active subreddits and Twitter threads dedicated to analyzing their matches and celebrating their achievements. Fans have launched streaming parties, charity drives, and birthday billboards in their honor, demonstrating a level of engagement that goes beyond passive viewing. Matt and Nick actively participate in this ecosystem, often responding to comments, sharing fan art, and acknowledging the grassroots efforts of their supporters on social media platforms. [edit]

Despite being fraternal twins, Matt and Nick are often mistaken for identical twins due to their uncanny resemblance, a fact that became a central part of their early wrestling persona. They were pioneers in the wrestling vlog space, releasing daily videos on YouTube that offered fans unprecedented access to their lives, travels, and backstage antics, helping to cultivate a massive organic fanbase before social media algorithms favored such content. Another interesting detail is their deep connection to Japanese wrestling culture; they were among the first American wrestlers to fully integrate the 'Strong Style' of NJPW into their repertoire, influencing a generation of talent that followed. Their uncle, the famous wrestler The Iron Sheik, further cemented their place in wrestling lineage, adding another layer to their family's storied history in the ring. [edit]

Matt resides in Southern California with his wife Samantha and their two children. The couple met during their early days on the independent wrestling circuit, and they have maintained a relatively private family life away from the public eye. Matt frequently speaks about the challenges and rewards of balancing his demanding schedule as both a top-tier wrestler and an executive with his responsibilities as a father. He credits Samantha's support as essential to his ability to manage the dual roles required by his position at AEW. The family values privacy, keeping the names and ages of their children out of the spotlight to allow them a normal upbringing despite their parents' fame. [edit]

Nick Jackson, Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, Tony Khan, Samantha Jackson. [edit]

Matt Jackson's personal life has remained largely low-profile compared to his high-octane wrestling career. He met his wife, Samantha, during their early days on the independent wrestling circuit, likely around 2010 or 2011. Their relationship blossomed amidst the grind of touring and performing, eventually leading to marriage. The couple has built a family life that they keep intentionally separate from the public eye, choosing to shield their children from the glare of the spotlight.

As of 2026, Matt is married to Samantha Jackson. There are no credible reports of separation or divorce, and they continue to present a united front both personally and professionally. Matt has often spoken about how crucial Samantha's support has been in allowing him to balance the intense demands of his career as a performer and an executive. Their long-standing partnership stands as a testament to the stability he maintains outside the chaos of the wrestling ring. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team analysis places Matt Jackson's net worth at approximately $4.5 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his substantial earnings from his dual roles as a top-tier professional wrestler and a key executive at All Elite Wrestling. His income streams are diverse, ranging from match fees and appearance bonuses to equity stakes in the company itself, which has grown significantly since its inception.

Beyond his salary, Matt generates revenue through merchandise royalties from The Young Bucks' clothing lines and accessories. He also owns Young Bucks Productions, a media company that handles their content creation and distribution, adding another layer to his financial portfolio. Real estate holdings in Southern California, including a primary residence in Rancho Cucamonga, contribute to his overall asset base. The combination of these ventures ensures a steady and growing financial trajectory as AEW continues to expand its market presence. [edit]

The Young Bucks have received numerous accolades throughout their career, including multiple wins for PWI Tag Team of the Year and PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year. They have held championships in Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and All Elite Wrestling, cementing their status as one of the greatest tag teams in history. Their induction into the Ring of Honor Hall of Fame in 2018 further solidified their legacy in the industry. [edit]