Buddy Matthews will shine as a member of the AEW roster

As first reported by Fightful Select, Buddy Matthews has landed in All Elite Wrestling. He appeared during AEW Dynamite to assist Malakai Black and Brody King demolish PAC and Penta Oscuro after a tag team contest. This is a big get for AEW as he can fit in at any level across the card, plus get the opportunity to show that he’s a main event-level talent.

The lights went down and when they came back up Matthews stood in the corner of the ring. No one brought the idea that he was there to help PAC and Penta, as he quickly attacked them. But there was a hint of objection on his face as he stomped Penta into the chair, pointing toward what may become a major feud between him and Black at some point in the future.

Looking back at Matthews’ run in the WWE, his time as cruiserweight champion is one of the first points to review. His matches during that time, especially those with Mustafa Ali in 2018 were some of the best in wrestling, regardless of promotion, weight class, or any other denominator. That is why the excitement was palpable when he was moved to the main roster and slotted into an angle with Seth Rollins.

Viewers did get to see brief moments of Matthews’ excellence in the WWE. His matches in 2020 with Rollins, Kevin Owens, Rey Mysterio, Daniel Bryan, and Roman Reigns are just a few examples of what could have been a deep catalog. Unfortunately, Matthews didn’t get the opportunity to show his full potential before being released in 2021.

Here’s to wishing things are different in AEW. Their roster is deep and one that Matthews meshes well with. There are already potential matches against Penta, PAC, and a returning Rey Fenix on the horizon. But what about others with Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, Ricky Starks, Miro, and many more. The fantasy booking will be strong with this one.

Matthews is slotted into what appears to be a “henchmen” role now, but it will be interesting to see how AEW leverages him as a singles performer and whether he can breakthrough in that place. He has the in-ring abilities to translate to being over with AEW fans, but there’s still a place where personality sells and that’s an area he’s needed to develop in the past. Again, if he’s given the opportunity to shine, fans should expect a lot from Matthews in his new home.

The AEW roster continues to grow, adding names that fans want to see in top positions. Buddy Matthews is the latest addition and he has all the tools to become a top performer for All Elite Wrestling.