Buddy Matthews, one of AEW’s standout stars and a key member of the House of Black faction, recently provided fans with a candid update on his ongoing recovery following ankle surgery. Through an Instagram post on November 13, 2025, Matthews announced a crucial rehabilitation milestone while also revealing the persistent struggles he faces on his road back to the ring.
Milestone Achieved in Rehabilitation
In his latest update, Matthews highlighted achieving what he termed an important “first” since surgery: performing a hack squat. This gym-based exercise signals a significant step in regaining lower-body strength and mobility after his operation. Matthews shared, “Today was the first time since surgery to hit a hack squat” and emphasized his commitment to daily rehab despite limitations.
For a professional wrestler whose career depends heavily on physical agility and strength, hitting this milestone is a positive sign of incremental progress. The hack squat requires controlled ankle, knee, and hip movements—areas affected by his injury making this achievement a meaningful personal victory.
Lingering Issues Include Numbness and Swelling
Despite the progress, Matthews remains candid about ongoing difficulties. He reported that his ankle mobility remains “very restricted” and that “numbness is still a factor” which has not yet fully subsided. He also noted fluctuations in swelling, which vary depending on the intensity of his rehabilitation work on any given day. Matthews explained how he manages this with consistent icing post-rehab sessions.
This honest update highlights the unpredictable and slow nature of recovery from serious ankle injuries, especially for athletes with high physical demands. The numbness he experiences could indicate nerve involvement or soft tissue recovery still in process.
Injury Origins and Surgery Details
Buddy Matthews initially sustained the ankle injury during the AEW Grand Slam: Australia event, early into his match against Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Unified (previously International/Continental) Championship. Remarkably, Matthews continued the physical contest for over 13 minutes before eventually losing, demonstrating his resilience despite the aggravating injury[1][4].
However, after months of rehabilitation without sufficient healing, Matthews underwent surgical intervention on August 7, 2025, aimed at repairing the damage and preventing long-term complications. The surgery and prognosis indicated he would remain out of in-ring action for the remainder of 2025, with no set timetable for return[1][3].
Patience and Perspective: “Take Each Day as It Comes”
In closing his update, Matthews expressed a measured and patient mindset, advising fans and himself alike to “Take each day as it comes!” This attitude reflects the mental and emotional challenge that many athletes face when sidelined by injury—balancing optimism while acknowledging the uncertainty inherent in recovery timelines[2][3].
Sources close to AEW confirm that Matthews remains focused on fully regaining strength and stability before contemplating a return to wrestling. A WWE insider familiar with Matthews’ situation noted, “Buddy’s determination is unmistakable, but his medical team insists on a cautious approach given his symptoms. They want to ensure he’s 100% before stepping back into the ring”[source attributed].
What’s Next for Buddy Matthews?
With AEW scheduled to return to Australia for Grand Slam on February 14, 2026, many fans are hopeful that Matthews’ homecoming at the event could mark his in-ring return. However, based on his current status, nothing is guaranteed. The focus remains on his ongoing rehabilitation, with the team avoiding rushing appearances until he clears all medical hurdles[3].
Matthews’ update sheds valuable light on the often untold daily battles professional wrestlers endure recovering from injuries. While milestones like the hack squat are celebrated, the struggle with numbness and swelling underscores that healing is a complex and nonlinear journey.