From his early Australian roots to WWE success and AEW prominence, this profile offers a full 2025 update, from his wedding and personal milestones to a chronic ankle injury delay.
Stay informed on his career developments, current health status, and what’s next for this talented athlete.
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Table of Contents
Buddy Matthews’ Biography
Matthew Adams, born on September 26, 1988, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, developed a passion for wrestling at a young age.1
Growing up, he was inspired by the athleticism and storytelling of professional wrestling, which led him to pursue a career in the sport. Adams began his wrestling training in Australia, honing his skills in various local promotions.
His dedication and natural talent quickly caught the attention of international scouts, paving the way for his future in the industry.
— Buddy Matthews (@SNM_Buddy) July 23, 2024
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Before making his mark on the global stage, Adams made significant strides in the Australian wrestling scene.
Competing under the ring name Buddy Murphy, he gained a reputation for his high-flying maneuvers and technical prowess.
His performances in Australian promotions such as Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW) showcased his potential and helped him build a solid fan base. Murphy’s matches were characterized by their intensity and his ability to tell a compelling story in the ring.
Buddy Matthews’ Career
In 2013, Adams’ hard work paid off when he signed a developmental contract with WWE, the world’s largest wrestling promotion.2
He was assigned to WWE’s developmental territory, NXT, where he continued to develop his skills and adapt to the WWE style of wrestling. During his time in NXT, Murphy formed a tag team with Wesley Blake, and the duo quickly gained popularity.
Their partnership culminated in winning the NXT Tag Team Championship in January 2015, marking Murphy’s first major title in WWE.
Transition to the Main Roster
After a successful run in NXT, Buddy Murphy transitioned to WWE’s main roster, debuting on the 205 Live brand, which was dedicated to cruiserweight wrestlers.
This move allowed him to showcase his abilities on a larger platform and compete against some of the best cruiserweight talent in the world. Murphy’s athleticism and in-ring skills made him a standout performer on 205 Live, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
WWE Cruiserweight Champion
One of the highlights of Murphy’s career came in 2018 when he captured the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
He won the title at the Super Show-Down event in Melbourne, Australia, in front of his home crowd, which was a career-defining moment for him.
As Cruiserweight Champion, Murphy defended his title against numerous challengers, delivering exceptional matches and solidifying his reputation as one of the best cruiserweights in WWE history.
Main Roster Success and Character Evolution
Following his successful run as Cruiserweight Champion, Murphy transitioned to WWE’s main roster on Raw and SmackDown.
During this period, he underwent a character evolution, dropping the “Buddy” from his ring name and becoming simply known as Murphy.
This change signified a more serious and aggressive persona. Murphy aligned himself with top stars such as Seth Rollins, becoming a key member of Rollins’ faction and engaging in high-profile storylines and feuds.
Departure from WWE
In June 2021, after nearly a decade with WWE, Matthew Adams was released from his contract as part of budget cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His departure marked the end of an era, but it also opened up new opportunities for him to explore different avenues in professional wrestling. Fans and critics alike were eager to see where Murphy would take his career next.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
Following his WWE release, Adams made a significant move by signing with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), one of the most prestigious wrestling promotions in the world.
Competing under his real name, Matthew Adams, he brought his experience and skill set to the NJPW roster. This transition allowed him to reinvent himself and take on new challenges in a different wrestling environment.
Impact in NJPW
Since joining NJPW, Matthew Adams has continued to impress both fans and peers with his performances. His matches in NJPW have been lauded for their intensity and technical excellence.
Competing against some of the top talents in the promotion, Adams has showcased his versatility and adaptability.
His journey in NJPW has further solidified his reputation as a world-class professional wrestler.
Adams is known for his high-flying, hard-hitting style that combines athleticism with technical skill. His repertoire includes a variety of high-risk maneuvers, striking attacks, and submission holds.
This combination makes his matches dynamic and exciting to watch. Adams’ ability to tell a story through his in-ring work, combined with his charisma, has made him a standout performer in every promotion he has competed in.
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Buddy Matthews’ Legacy
- Outside of the ring, Matthew Adams is known for his dedication to fitness and maintaining peak physical condition.
- He often shares his workout routines and fitness tips with his fans on social media.
- Adams has cited several wrestlers as his influences, including Shawn Michaels, Eddie Guerrero, and Rey Mysterio.
- These influences are evident in his wrestling style, which incorporates elements of high-flying and technical wrestling.
- Matthew Adams’ journey in professional wrestling is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport.
- From his early days in Australia to his success in WWE and now NJPW, he has consistently proven himself as a top-tier talent.
- His ability to adapt and evolve has allowed him to stay relevant and continue to entertain fans worldwide.
- As he continues to compete in NJPW and potentially other promotions in the future, Adams’ legacy as a versatile and talented wrestler is firmly established.
Contributions to Wrestling
Throughout his career, Adams has made significant contributions to the wrestling industry. His matches have consistently delivered high-quality entertainment, and he has been a role model for aspiring wrestlers.
By setting a high standard for in-ring performance and professionalism, Adams has helped elevate the overall quality of wrestling.
His journey from the Australian independent scene to the global stage serves as an inspiration to many young wrestlers looking to make their mark in the industry.
Adams maintains a strong connection with his fans through social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.
He regularly interacts with his followers, providing updates on his career, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and engaging in discussions about wrestling and fitness. This engagement has helped him build a loyal fan base that supports him across different promotions and phases of his career.
Buddy Matthews’ Personal Life
Relationship with Alexa Bliss
Before his engagement to Rhea Ripley, Matthews was in a high-profile relationship with American wrestler Alexa Bliss.3
The couple was engaged, and their relationship was well-documented both on social media and within the wrestling community.
However, their engagement ended in 2018, a decision that was mutual and amicable. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Matthews and Bliss have maintained a professional rapport and continue to respect each other’s careers.
Engagement to Rhea Ripley
- In recent years, Matthews’ relationship with Rhea Ripley has been a focal point of his personal life. The two wrestlers, both known for their intense in-ring personas, have found common ground and support in each other.
- Their engagement has been celebrated by fans who admire their individual talents and their shared commitment to the wrestling industry.
- Ripley’s rise to fame in WWE has paralleled Matthews’ own journey, making their partnership both personal and professional.
- Buddy Matthews’ professional wrestling career is a testament to his dedication, skill, and resilience. From his early days in Australia to his current status as a prominent figure in the wrestling world, Matthews has continuously evolved as a performer.
- Throughout his career, Matthews has been part of numerous memorable matches and moments. His bouts in NXT, WWE, and AEW have left a lasting impression on fans and have contributed to the rich tapestry of professional wrestling.
- Whether competing in high-stakes title matches or engaging in intense rivalries, Matthews’ performances have consistently delivered entertainment and excitement.
Buddy Matthews: New Collab
Buddy Matthews recently collaboraated with the Nexas Sports Nutrition brand and give a code to get discount on purchase.
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FAQs
1. Who is Buddy Matthews?
An Australian professional wrestler (formerly Buddy Murphy in WWE), currently signed to AEW and known for his time in the House of Black/Hounds of Hell.
2. What’s his current AEW status?
Buddy is sidelined due to a chronic ankle injury sustained in February 2025. Surgery was performed in August, and his return date remains uncertain.
3. What was the injury, and how did it happen?
He injured his ankle during his entrance at AEW Grand Slam Australia while challenging Kazuchika Okada; the damage includes ligament tears and cartilage issues.4
4. Who is he married to?
Buddy married WWE star Rhea Ripley on June 23, 2024, in a Gothic-themed ceremony—“Til Death” was central to their vows.5
5. What was Buddy’s win-loss record?
His AEW ranked match record stands at 39 wins, 21 losses, and 1 draw (64% win rate).6
6. What stable is he part of?
Initially part of the House of Black, the group was renamed Hounds of Hell after Malakai Black’s exit in early 2025.7
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