Folks, AEW’s Grand Slam Australia was a historic night—huge crowd, big money, and unforgettable moments. But for Buddy Matthews, it was a literal pain in the ankle.
Not only did Matthews lose his AEW Continental Championship match against Kazuchika Okada, but according to PWInsider, he also injured his ankle before the match even started. How, you ask?
By jumping into the ring during his entrance.
Yes, in a tragic twist of fate, uneven ring padding turned his grand entrance into an unplanned trip to Crutch City. It’s the kind of bad luck you’d expect from a WWE 2K glitch, not real life.
Rhea Ripley Confirms the Injury (and the Honeymoon Delay)
Matthews took to social media to confirm the injury (before deleting the post, probably to save himself from being roasted). Meanwhile, his wife, WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, shared a backstage photo of the two, featuring Matthews holding a crutch like a post-match souvenir.
On the bright side, Matthews was already set to take time off for his honeymoon, after tying the knot with Ripley in June 2024. But now, that romantic getaway might be extended—and not in the way he planned.
What’s Next for the House of Black (or What’s Left of It)?
2025 has been a weird year for Matthews. With Malakai Black leaving AEW, the House of Black has been forced to redecorate (maybe less mist, more mobility?). Matthews and Brody King are continuing as the Hounds of Hell, while Julia Hart is feuding with Jamie Hayter.
Meanwhile, Will Ospreay, Cope (Edge), and Hayter have all called out the remaining members of House of Black, basically telling them, “You’re talented, but are you really about to do something great or nah?”
The Big Question: When Will Matthews Return?
For now, his injury status is TBD. Will he bounce back in time to prove the doubters wrong? Or will he spend his honeymoon icing his ankle while Ripley flexes her championship gold next to him?
Either way, Grand Slam Australia will always be remembered as the night Buddy Matthews made an entrance he’ll never forget—for all the wrong reasons.