After being out of in-ring action for nearly 15 months, AEW star Buddy Matthews made his return to pro wrestling at the World Series Rise tour at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Hindmarsh, Australia.
Matthews also confirmed when he will be cleared to return to full-time in-ring action.
After Donovan Dijak won the four-way match against TNA’s Moose, Matt Hayter and Matt Riddle for the WSW Championship, Matthews, Matthews entered the ring, with a steel chair dressed in a black hoodie with his face covered. He then attacked Donovan Dijak. Matthews said he may not be cleared now, but he will be this October and he just might take the title.
Matthews underwent surgery back in August 2025 to repair an ankle injury he sustained in February of that same year at AEW Grand Slam Australia. He suffered partial ligament tears and cartilage damage. As of late 2025, he was in recovery and had improved but restricted. mobility.
Buddy Matthews revealed that he’s not cleared yet to wrestle… but will be in October later this year.
— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) May 15, 2026
pic.twitter.com/h1CGKnYaqP https://t.co/qA35Hknj8U
AEW’s own Buddy Matthews just made his return to pro wrestling by… showing up in Australia's World Series Wrestling promotion today. 🇦🇺
— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) May 15, 2026
TO ATTACK DONOVAN DIJAK.
pic.twitter.com/KgI6YI9ipx