League: WWE Sport: Wrestling Country: United States Category: Injuries

AEW's Buddy Matthews cleared to return to wrestling after ankle injury

Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 3:44 PM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

AEW's Buddy Matthews cleared to return to wrestling after ankle injury

Summary

Buddy Matthews announced on August 7, 2026, that he has been officially cleared to return to the ring after a lengthy recovery from an ankle injury suffered in February 2025. After undergoing surgery, which included cartilage and scar tissue removal, Matthews expressed his excitement about returning and hinted at significant pent-up energy. He previously made a surprise appearance at a wrestling event in Australia in May, signaling his intent to return to competition soon. Meanwhile, his wife, Rhea Ripley, is recovering from her own surgery and also remains out of action.

Source Links

Wrestling Inc

Status Watch

•Matthews injured his ankle jumping into the ring in February 2025.
•His surgery involved cartilage removal and a cartilage donor.
•He announced his return on Instagram with a motivating message.
•Matthews attacked Donovan Dijak at World Series Wrestling in May.
•Rhea Ripley is also sidelined due to recent knee surgery.

Latest Updates

3:44 PMWrestling Inc — Long-Absent AEW Star Announces He's Been Officially Cleared To Return To The Ring

What they're saying

"
AEW has a robust roster of talent and it's getting ready to expand with the return of an injured wrestler that has been officially cleared to compete again.
— Wrestling Incby staff@wrestlinginc.com (Samantha Schipman)

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