Buddy Matthews reportedly heading to AEW, via Fightful Select
On Wednesday, Fightful Select reported that Buddy Matthews, formerly known as Buddy Murphy, maybe heading to AEW according to sources within the company. According to the report, “several talent” with the promotion has been told of working plans to bring him into the organization.
Matthews is one of the top free-agent names available in professional wrestling. He was cut from the WWE back in June of 2021, yet another name that surprised a lot of fans because of his innate talent. If this signing comes to fruition, Murphy has the skill set to become the top name that he was unable to achieve while in WWE.
Matthews’s in-ring abilities are on-par with the top performers on AEW’s roster. Look back to his time as WWE Cruiserweight Champion for examples of excellent matches from bell to bell. Pairing Murphy up against the likes of Bryan Danielson, Daniel Garcia, Dante Martin, Ricky Starks, Kenny Omega, and plenty others would be must-see television for wrestling fans. AEW’s presentation is the right fit for Matthews’s abilities in the ring.
There’s also opportunity in the storyline space as well. Matthews was closely tied to Malakai Black during his time in the WWE. Black has hinted at additional members to the House of Black and many speculated that Matthews would be a member of that group. That would be the best place to insert him as they could add a new wrinkle to that storyline that has already progressed beyond the WWE. Plus, it creates an opportunity for another big match, Matthews versus PAC. Or, what if Murphy joined PAC to help him fight against Black. Any of these possibilities would be well-received among wrestling fans.
When Matthews was released back in 2021, many assumed that he was a name AEW would immediately pursue, with some anticipation that he would show up at a PPV. That didn’t happen, but Murphy didn’t slow down as he competed for MLW, HOG, Warrior Wrestling, and took part in the Battle of Los Angeles Tournament.
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Buddy Matthews is a strong addition to any company that would sign him. His in-ring performance is well-documented and he’s shown flashes of having enough of a character that can further the “entertainment” element of professional wrestling. Here’s to hoping he gets the opportunity to show that skill set that was shelved via a former employer.